Several people suffer from Acrophobia, a mental health issue which is basically the irrational fear of heights. That means that this list could trigger some of those feelings, but it doesn’t mean that people who fear heights can avoid crossing bridges their entire life. Most of the bridges you'll see here simply connect different places, but a lot of them have a rich history behind them worth recounting. We bet that it’s impossible to cross all the bridges in the world in a lifetime but we’ve rounded up a list of 40 of the world’s most incredible bridges that just show man's incredible creativity.
Golden Bridge - Da Nang, Vietnam
The Golden Bridge offers breathtakingly scenic views and it serves as one of Vietnam’s popular tourist attractions. This spectacular pedestrian bridge balancing on Ba Na hills is 492 feet long standing an estimated 4,593 feet above sea level. It's been distinctively designed to appear as though the two gigantic sculpted hands, made from fiberglass, are lifting the gold-colored footpath. The curved bridge, designed by the Ho Chi Minh City-based company TA Landscape Architecture, was opened in June 2018. Its elegant design has attracted millions of people from the world ever since, contributing to the Vietnam tourism boom.
Storseisundet Bridge - Eide, Norway
The Storseisundet Bridge takes motorists to the island of Averoya from the Romsdal peninsula mainland. The bridge went up in 1989 after long construction delays due to the adverse weather conditions. The region also experienced 12 hurricanes over the course of its construction explaining the six-year wait. It stretches out over 260 meters, making it the longest of the Atlanterhavsveien (The Atlantic Road) network. To recoup back the constructions costs, estimated to have cost $13.9 million, it was a toll road until 1999. The projection was to recoup back the investment from public grants that went into constructing the bridge in 15 years, but in just 10 years the bridge was completely paid up.
Royal Gorge Bridge - Colorado, USA
At one point in time, The Royal Gorge Bridge stood as the world’s highest bridge before the Sidu River Bridge, and then the Duge Bridge came into the picture. The bridge stretches out 1,260 feet in length and rises up 955 feet running over the Arkansas River. It was also one of the bridges that took up an estimated $350K out of the public fund contributed by taxes. Over the years, it’s racked up more in reconstructions and the current valuation stands at $5.1M. Its construction began in June 1929 and was also said to have taken only six months to complete. A funicular system was added beside the bridge in 1931.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge - Ballintoy, Ireland
Thrill seekers will have a blast at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Suspended above the Atlantic Ocean at 98 feet, this bridge connects Carrick-A-Rede, a small island, to the mainland. It was reconstructed to include dual handrails and planks that had been tightly placed for enhanced safety. After crossing it twice, you can reward yourself by finding a restaurant close by for a scrumptious treat. According to BBC, The National Trust will conduct a year-long study of the bridge and the Giant Causeway to find out the impact and opportunities the attractions have on tourism on the Antrim Coast.
Millau Viaduct - Millau, France
Since its inauguration in 2004, France’s Millau Viaduct stands as the tallest bridge worldwide at 1,104 feet. above the ground. The bridge passes through the Tarn Valley linking Clermont-Ferrand and Béziers settlement. British architect Lord Norman Foster in collaboration with French structural specialist Michel Virlogeux designed the bridge. The bridge even beats the monumental Eiffel Tower’s height constantly revered as one of the greatest engineering accomplishments in the history of France. Eiffage, the company that built the bridge, also financed it in exchange for tolls concession up to 2080. However, projections have it that the French government could assume control as soon as 2044.
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge - Zhangjiajie, China
The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in central China opened to the public in August 2016. It’s currently the longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge in the world. The suspension bridge, which joins two mountain cliffs in the Hunan region, is made up of metal frames with over 120 glass panels making up the flooring. The bridge can handle a maximum load of 8,000 people per day. The transparent bridge rises up 300 meters from the gorge below and stretches out over a 430-meter distance. To demonstrate the structure’s strength and safety, its authorities allowed the public to crash its glass panels with mallets and shockingly drove a car across it.
Titlis Cliff Walk - Engelberg, Switzerland
A spectacular suspension bridge in the Swiss Alps, Titlis Cliff Walk is found along Mount Titlis cliff. There is a ski hotel resort nearby for skiing fans. Records show that it is the highest suspension bridge in Europe at 3,000 meters above sea level. Switzerland Tourism calls it “a high adrenaline new adventure.” On a clear day, you can see the glacier 460 meters below, Uri Alps, and sections of Italy. Developed when the weather was ideal, it took five months to complete. Most of the construction materials were delivered by helicopters. Walking on the bridge doesn't cost anything.
Sidu River Bridge - Yesanguan, China
The Sidu River Bridge cost an estimated $100 million to build and it officially opened in November 2009. Construction work started in 1989 and the overall development was split into three stages; its completion was a decade ahead of time. It stretches out to 4,009 feet and stands as the second highest bridge in the world standing at over 1,600 feet from the bottom of the gorge. China’s Duge Bridge that opened in 2016 took the first spot with an estimated 1,854-foot deck height. The bridge located at the En’shi and Yichang border connects Chongqing and Shanghai. It's yet another favorite for a professional photographer, particularly when it’s engulfed by mist.
Hanging Bridge of Ghasa - Ghasa, Nepal
A narrow bridge that stands tall at 443 feet high, the hanging bridge of Ghasa is a sight to behold. Even though it appears quite unstable and long overdue for repair, locals have no problem trotting over the 1,128-foot long bridge according to The Higher Learning. This is a journey that many foreigners dare not take. Originally, the bridge was set up to ease congestion caused by animal herds. This bridge handles loads of traffic on a daily basis where farmers and herders use the bridge to transport their goods.
Hussaini Suspension Bridge - Hunza, Pakistan
When they say it’s a hanging bridge, they aren’t kidding because you literally have to hold on to what you can when crossing the river below on the Hussaini Suspension Bridge. It’s one of the oldest bridges in Pakistan and the cold wind blowing from the surrounding mountains makes the cross not for the faint at heart. Locals say at least ten people have fallen off of it, making it one of the world’s most dangerous bridges. The construction date is unknown and over the years, several of its planks have broken off, leaving huge gaps in between. Nonetheless, it’s a sight to behold for tourists but there are no 5-star hotels nearby.
Capilano Suspension Bridge - North Vancouver, Canada
Drawing millions of visitors annually, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a national treasure in Canada. Initially, it was made from cedar planks and hemp rope that were later replaced with wire cables in 1903. It was rebuilt completely in 1956 by Rae Mitchell. Currently, it is a part of a private facility that demands an admission fee for a one-on-one experience with the iconic site but you can rest assured that you won't break the bank. The park where the bridge lays also offers other activities, including cliff walk and treetops adventures that add to the fun of visiting the bridge.
Seven Mile Bridge - Florida, USA
The aspect that makes the Seven Mile Bridge interesting is the fact that it’s made up of two suspensions. An older bridge runs parallel to a new one, forming the spectacle located in Florida, USA. Construction concluded on the older suspension in 1912 while the new one went up in 1982 to stretch out over 6.79 miles. The older bridge only welcomed cyclists and pedestrians because of the extensive damage it had suffered from hurricanes over the years. Florida has always had enough funds in the bank to reconstruct the bridge. By 2017, the older bridge closed its pedestrian section with impending reconstruction work worth an estimated $77 million scheduled for 2021.
Wondrous Veluwemeer Aqueduct Water Bridge - Harderwijk, Netherlands
The low elevation in Holland has led to numerous structures requiring flood restoration over the years. At the same time, the region has become highly innovative with the construction of various structures because of the flooding threat. The Veluwemeer Aqueduct constructed in 2002 is one of their spectacular pieces of architecture designed to make sure that there is a contract flow of traffic. The bridge runs over the N302, a road where an estimated 28,000 vehicles pass daily. The water bridge is only three meters deep, enabling small boats and other water vessels to cross over seamlessly. Pedestrian pathways are also situated on each side of the waterway.
Eshima Ohashi Bridge - Sakaiminato, Japan
A two-lane concrete road bridge, Eshima Ohashi Bridge links Matsue city to Sakaimianto over Lake Nakaumi. It took seven years (1997-2004) to complete, and it is Japan’s largest rigid frame bridge and the 3rd largest globally. Looking at the pictures of the bridge on the Internet, it appears quite steep. The truth, however, is that the steepness is exaggerated, thanks to perspective compression through a telephoto lens. In reality, the bridge that is 1.7 kilometers long and 11.3 meters wide records a gradient of 6.1%. This is a figure that any type of vehicle or motorcycle can handle with ease.
Rakotzbrücke Devil's Bridge - Kromlau, Saxony, Germany
The Rakotzbrucke Devil’s Bridge has got to be one of the dreamiest bridges in the globe. Its design is simply jaw-dropping, taking the shape of half a circle that looks like a perfect complete circle when the waters are still and there is appropriate lighting. For preservation purposes, no one is allowed to cross this amazing structure. For the best views, take a road trip to the Kromlauer Park during fall when foliage adds to the intense beauty of the already incredible-looking bridge. There are reports that the bridge has been undergoing renovations since June 2018.
Moses Bridge - Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands
Have you ever wanted superpowers? Search for a cheap flight and head on over to the Moses Bridge in the Netherlands and literally walk on water. It is a one-of-a-kind bridge engineered to sit in and on the water. The most incredible thing is that you will never find water overflowing onto the bridge in a way that you cannot use it. This is simply because there are two dams at the ends that manage the water levels. A pump at the bottom also takes care of any excess water, especially when it rains.
Langkawi Sky Bridge - Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia
Just like the name suggests, this Malaysian bridge is a sight to behold towering 2,170 feet above the ground. This isn’t a stopover destination for the business traveler because you have to plan a hike to get to the Langkawi Sky Bridge. The $1.2-million construction is one of the world’s modern suspensions having been officially opened to the public in 2005. Despite its design, the city went the traditional way when constructing it and they had to use helicopters to transport assembly pieces up the mountain. In 2012, the bridge closed off to the public for reconstruction work and after several failed re-openings, it partially opened in 2015. Today, it's fully accessible.
Qeswachaka Bridge - Cusco, Peru
One look at the Qeswachaka bridge in Peru and you wonder who would ever want to cross the monstrosity. The bridge is an important part of Peru’s national heritage given that it is the last of such structures to have been constructed with Inca rope. Historians say that the Inca would put up such rope suspensions to allow them to cross into new regions and conquer more territories. While a modern bridge is in close proximity, locals still prefer to dangle precariously over the Apurimac River on the ancient suspension. The city of Cusco doesn’t have to worry because sponsors donate money to keep the bridge in top shape.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway - Louisiana, USA
This is another bridge that elicits aquaphobia, the fear of water, for most people because it stretches out 23.86 miles over water. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway even broke the record for its legacy as the world’s longest continuous bridge. Initially, the Guinness World Record crowned it the longest bridge over water since 1969 but since China’s Jiaozhou Bay Bridge came up in 2011, they changed the entry to the longest continuous bridge. Construction of the Louisiana-based bridge began in 1956 and it set the state back by about $46 million. It’s the best tranquil route for motorists who love long drives from or to the New Orleans suburb Metairie and Mandeville in Louisiana.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge - Florida, USA
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an integral part of Florida’s history. The original bridge went up in 1954 and it witnessed two historical tragedies. In May 1980, the MV Summit Venture oil tanker collision claimed the lives of 35 people. Earlier in the year, Blackthorn, a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, collided with a tank called Capricorn in proximity to the bridge. The destruction came with a hefty bill but being one of the city’s traditional symbols, a money dispute never came out of the decision to fix it. The year 2018 started the Skywalk 10K event, seeing 10,000 pedestrians cross over the bridge and authorities agreed to make it an annual tradition.
Deception Pass Bridge - Washington, USA
The name suggests that it’s something right out of a movie adaptation of one of the Stephen King books, but the Deception Pass Bridge is not that dangerous. We can’t speak for scary, because the two-lane bridge dangles up 180 feet above the water. It connects the Fidalgo and Whidbey islands within Washington. Photographers love the suspension because of the veil of fog that ominously surrounds it. The suspension went up in 1935 and the Public Works Administration spent $482K on it, but its 1983 reconstruction was said to have cost even more than that figure.
Bridge of Immortals - Huangshan, China
China has several amazing suspensions and the Bridge of Immortals is one of the smaller ones. The Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) range has seen the death of many hikers, spurring the myth that it’s a bridge meant for immortals. The bridge sits between two giant granite peaks and it rises up an anxiety-inducing 1,000 feet above the sea level. The Yellow Mountain range is quite popular with thrill-seeking tourists with rickety and tight walkways leading up to the bridge. Chain links line the course of the mountain, welcoming hikers to hold on for balance. The pay-off is the breathtaking view as well as the stores and hotels at the mountain top.
Mackinac Bridge - Michigan, USA
The Mackinac Bridge stands as one of the iconic symbols in Michigan connecting the lower and upper peninsulas of the state. It opened in 1957, running over a 4.995-mile stretch. Engineer David B. Steinman served as the designer of the suspension bridge that had been envisioned since the 1880s. The bridge also goes by “Mighty Mac” and “Big Mac” perhaps because it stands as the 22nd bridge on the list of the world’s suspensions with the longest main span. The bridge does have an ominous history, having claimed the lives of five workers during its construction. In 1989, the heavy winds that pass through it combined with speed blew a woman’s Yugo off of the bridge!
Monkey Bridges - Various Towns, Vietnam
Rare bridges identified locally as cầu khỉ’ or monkey bridges are found in various corners of Vietnam. As the name suggests, the bridges may only be suitable for monkeys. At a glance, most of the bridges look like they can fall apart anytime. The locals, however, have mastered the art of crossing these fragile, slippery bridges made from bamboo stalks or wood and ropes to cross gullies and streams. A visitor trying to navigate these bridges that may or may not have handrails will probably end up in a hospital bed with severe injuries.
Marienbrucke - Bavaria, Germany
Pöllat Bridge, also known as Marienbrucke (Mary’s) bridge, crosses the Pöllat gorge offering a view of Neuschwanstein Castle. At first, it was constructed using traditional timber. Years later, this was made better with layers of support beams. In 2015, the bridge underwent restoration where wooden floorboards and coatings of iron structures were renewed. Damaged anchorings were also repaired. If you would like to view this amazing sight for a few days, there is a luxury hotel option and other local accommodation options to explore, allowing you to stay in the area for as long as you want.
Taman Negara Canopy Walkway - Pahang, Malaysia
Sited at Taman Negara in Pahang, the Taman Negara Canopy is among the longest canopy walks in Malaysia. It reaches 45 meters, stretching over ½ kilometers across a forest. It gives individuals an opportunity to climb stairs as they move around from one tree to the next. The forest is a haven for nature lovers as t boasts hundreds of animal species and thousands of different plants. The wildlife department maintains the canopy to ensure it remains safe and in excellent condition. You can work with a reputable travel agent who will organize a tour of the canopy on your behalf.
Trift Bridge – Gadmen, Switzerland
The Trift Bridge in Berber Oberland near Gadmen in Switzerland is an eye-catching suspension bridge that is 100-meter high and 170-meter long. Striking waterfalls, mountains, a glacier, river, and lake intensify the beauty of the bridge. The bridge that spans Triftsee Lake is a tourist magnet attracting thousands of visitors every year. The best way to access the bridge is with a tram that goes up and down every 12 minutes. Alternatively, if you are into fitness and are up for the challenge, you can always organize a hike to get to the bridge.
Aiguille Du Midi Bridge - Charmonix, France
Aiguille Du Midi Bridge is a small, narrow yet terrifying bridge that sits 12,000 feet above sea level in the French Alps. One of the highest bridges in Europe, the spectacle boasts of a very unique location. The bridge has been drilled into Aiguille du Midi Mountain and has a glass skywalk alongside it. The bridge offers majestic views of the snow-capped Mount Blanc and the other mountains around it if you can conquer your fear of heights. You can get here riding on a cable car and the bridge connects ski enthusiasts to Mont Blanc’s Chamonix ski resort.
Iya Kazurabashi Bridge -Miyoshi Tokushima, Japan
A gorgeous vine bridge, the Iya Kazurabashi stretches 45 meters across Iya River. It offers a spectacular view of the waters that flow peacefully 14 meters below. To create beautiful memories, always carry a camera to get the best shots on the bridge. The bridge that is hand-woven is anchored to tall cedar trees. For enhanced safety, there are steel cables that are creatively intertwined with the vines in a way that they remain hidden. To keep it in mint condition, the bridge is rebuilt every three years. You can only use the bridge to cross in one direction.
Canopy Walk - Cape Coast, Kakum National Park, Ghana
The canopy walkway in Kakum National Park in Ghana covers 1,150 feet connecting multiple treetops and providing easy access to the forest. The canopy offers a vantage point to intimately view animals and plants usually reserved for fliers and climbers. Here you can also get a good outdoor workout walking from one end to the other. It is built with aluminum ladders, wire rope, wooden plants, and series of netting that make it sturdy and safe. An additional viewing platform will be added to allow revelers to climb right into the canopy without having to brave the canopy walkway.
Montenegro Rainforest Bridge - Monteverde Rainforest, Costa Rica
The first thing you will want to do after seeing The Montenegro Rainforest Bridge is to fish out your phone and take a picture. Then you will never want to leave. This is how stunning it looks. Monteverde Rainforest, in particular, has a series of six bridges that takes visitors through drainages and canyons, allowing you to interact with nature and wildlife at their level. The most rewarding view, however, is that of the rare upper levels of the rainforest. A tour on this bridge is not for the faint-hearted - you can come across jaguars and snakes anytime!
Ojuela Bridge - Mapimi, Mexico
A suspension bridge in Mapimi, Mexico, The Ojuela Bridge spans 271. 5 meters. The Bridge has been used severally as a set for various productions. The historical structure which has been around for more than a century has two plaques posted on the bridge to celebrate its 100th year of existence from 1892-1992. The wooden bridge crosses a ravine hanging 95 meters high. It was set up to help miners’ access fields in Santa Rita. Today, only pedestrians are allowed to cross the bridge. You cannot use a minivan or any other type of vehicle to get to the other side.
Musou Tsuribashi Bridge - Akaishi Mountains, Japan
Musou Tsuribashi Bridge is one of the landmarks in Japan built in the '50s. Unfortunately, the individuals in charge of maintenance have not been doing such a great job. The bridge is mostly rickety held together by thin wood boards, and old wires that do not score too well in terms of stabilization. It is practically in the middle of nowhere and presents a huge risk for anyone interested in climbing the bridge. Persons who dare cross the bridge have hearts of steel. We reckon that they normally book an appointment with their doctor beforehand.
Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge - Jiangsu, China
Located between Shanghai and Nanjing, the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge is renowned as the longest bridge in the world. Ten thousand people lent a hand in constructing the 102-mile-long bridge and the job took four years to complete. With China’s financial portfolio, spending $8.5 million on the bridge was not a problem. It officially opened in 2011 and functions as a high-speed extensive bridge transporting trains between Shanghai and Nanjing. It rises 100 feet up above the ground and its suspension structure has been expertly designed to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons.
Pont du Gard Aqueduct - Gard, France
Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct that was constructed in the first century A.D. Its purpose was to supply the Nîmes city with water. The three-tier bridge rises up 50 meters high and it’s the tallest amongst the Roman aqueducts. Its construction made use of soft yellow limestone slabs which now stand out as an extraordinary work of art that has attracted millions of tourists. After the Roman Empire rule came to an end in 476 C.E, Lords and bishops utilized the bridge as a source of earnings by charging a toll to travelers who used the bridge to cross the Gardon River.
Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco, USA
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognized passages in the world and San Francisco’s most recognized structures. Opened in 1937, it rises up at 746 feet above the ground, bridging the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco estuary. However, the bridge also has a sad history and reports claim that about 1,700 people have committed suicide by leaping from the bridge since 1937. Due to the tragic incidents, as a way of urging suicidal people to seek therapy instead, campaigns to have a steel suicide prevention net kicked off. The net will hang about 20 feet underneath the public footpath and is set to be finalized by 2021.
Vasco da Gama Bridge - Lisbon, Portugal
Stretching out over 7.671 miles, the Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest European suspension joining southern and northern Portugal. Opened to traffic in 1998, the bridge was named after the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama who was also the first European to trail the ocean route leading to India. The bridge has been designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 250 km/h, making it as sturdy as they come. It stands as one of the most expensive bridges on this list estimated to have cost $1.1 billion. Feeding into the nation’s tax planning efforts, passenger vehicles pay a $3.02 toll while trucks pay $13.07.
Ribblehead Viaduct - North Yorkshire, England
Designed by railway engineer John Sydney Crossley, Ribblehead Viaduct was constructed between the late 1869 and 1874. It stretches out between the Cumbria and North Yorkshire borders. The bridge is the longest edifice along the Settle–Carlisle railway route. The Ribblehead Viaduct was also been one of the iconic scenes in the 1970 Sci-Fi full movie No Blade of Grass and the 2012 comedy horror, Sightseers. The remains of the construction camp, as well as the navvy settlements, are situated on the land below the viaduct. The structure was declared a scheduled ancient monument.
Beipanjiang Bridge - Liupanshui, China
The Beipanjiang aka the Duge Bridge is the highest suspension structure in the world so far. The classic cable-stayed structure towers 883 feet, crossing over the Beipan River that borders the Yunnan and Guizhou regions. Connecting Liupanshui and Qujing has reduced travel time from almost four hours down to one hour since its completion in December 2016. The mountains surrounding the bridge are covered with fragile and limestone, posing a danger. As a way of avoiding mountain caves and cracking, the architects moved the four-lane bridge much higher above the canyon. The bridge is a sight to behold and it could work as one of the scenic movie props for various productions.
Hartland/New Brunswick Bridge - Hartland, Canada
Being the longest covered bridge worldwide, the Hartland Bridge was inaugurated in 1901 It was made a National Historic Site in 1980. The 390-meter long covered structure is also known as the ‘kissing bridge’ because it was once popular with couples traveling in horse-drawn carriages. They would pause midway to steal a few kisses before proceeding with their journey. The bridge was covered between 1921 and 1922 even though a few locals opposed the move. The first wedding at the bridge was held in 1992 by a couple from Toronto. To honor the bridge, Canada postal administration issued a postage stamp in 1995.