Bridges Around The World That Only The Brave Would Attempt To Cross
Bridges are one of humankind’s most impressive feats. Each construction is most likely to make you appreciate the ingenuities of those who came before us who didn’t have the machines we do. The mere sight of some bridges gives you a thrill and might make you rethink crossing over. It doesn’t take long to realize the scariest overpasses are usually the tallest ones. Whilst we all might have experienced trembling knees while crossing them, the 45 we will show you would probably make even the bravest adventurer pause. However, when you find the courage to walk or drive through, you’d attest to their breathtaking views. Here is a list of a few of the most dangerous bridges worldwide that would defy even your wildest imagination.
Icy Conditions and the Vitim River Bridge
Aside from the harsh winters and vast landscape that characterize Siberia, it houses one of the most dangerous bridges. The Vitim River Bridge, also called Kuandinsky Bridge, is a six-foot-wide path, barely wide enough for a standard car. It is an old metal train bridge covered with rotting wooden planks.
The wooden planks are slippery almost all year round because of the environment’s icy conditions. You will need more than luck to drive or walk the ice slick without toppling into the iced water. It has no hand railings or safety features, so it’s just you, erratic water, and strong nerves.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge’s wind and fog
Ordinarily, this is a beautiful sight to behold but a dangerous path to tread. The Maryland Bridge and its threatening wind are not a driver’s delight. It gets closed if the wind speed exceeds an alarming 55mph. It is also infamous for its unclear weather and changing topography.
The Maryland transportation authority before 2007 provided free rides over the bridges for scared drivers. Since then, a private body has rendered the services for a charge. If the thought of traveling over this bridge to the beach paralyzes you, you can pay for help.
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is really long
The twenty-four-mile-long twin bridge holds the Guinness record for the longest bridge over water. Drivers have stopped halfway after freaking out or after their car had broken down. Escort police wait at strategic points on the bridge to help anyone with car trouble.
On a good day, traveling over the bridge might take you about 25-30 minutes, but in foggy weather, it takes longer. While driving, it is important to stay attentive with your eyes glued to the road. There are no shoulders to pull over into, so watch out.
The Borovsko Bridge was never finished
The construction of the Borovskvo Bridge started in 1930 on a now-abandoned highway. However, it remains an uncompleted project. The bridge is also in the middle of a forest. This contributes to its scary atmosphere. It’s also called Hitler’s bridge, which does not give it the best vibe.
The bridge leads nowhere and is regularly flowing with water round the clock. Cars can’t access the bridge – such relieving news. Honestly, an unfinished 1930 bridge is not a wise exploit even for adventurers, considering possible dangers.
Mackinac Bridge and its high winds
According to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, anyone frightened can be driven across (we see a pattern of that!). The authorities are concerned about the safety of bridge users. They have a website that provides all the information you need and a Twitter page for daily updates.
The Mighty Mac is the longest suspension bridge in the Western hemisphere. Before its construction, travelers had to use an hour-long ferry ride but, with the bridge, it takes about 5-7 minutes. The main concern on the bridge is the windy conditions. The authority coordinates yearly bridge walks for interested participants.
The Captain William Moore Bridge
The Captain Moore Bridge is a distinct construction, as it crosses an active earthquake fault. The engineers wedged only one end of the bridge firmly; they did this knowing the potential disaster of the location. This is to allow the bridge to shift with quakes.
We can’t think of a more dangerous place anyone can be during an earthquake than the Captain Moore Bridge. However, the Alaska Transportation Department is working on replacing the aging bridge. On completion, the old bridge will remain in place as evidence of creativity.
Seven Mile Bridge experiences bad storms
Seven Miles has two bridges, the older version constructed from 1909-1912 and the current road bridge from 1978-1982. The old bridge is narrow, unlike the modern bridge making a drive on it a heart-racing experience. It was too small for two passing cars.
There are no guardrails to separate the northbound from the southbound traffic. This makes the bridge an accident-prone place because a driver’s negligence can put others at his mercy. However, the modern bridge is wide enough, allowing you to park and enjoy the waterscape.
The Atlantic Ocean Road
The Atlantic Ocean Road, located in Norway, has eight bridges and a healthy dose of nature and architecture interacting perfectly. These features provide a magnificent view and make the road a delight to motorcyclists and road-trippers delight. But, this doesn’t erase the incalculable weather conditions that usually make it a formidable drive.
Ironically, the scenic environment of the road contributes to its dangerous nature. While driving, you must keep your attention on the road. This is because a glance at beautiful views around might land you in the oceans, as the bridges are curvy.
The many gaps in the Hussaini Hanging Bridge
A little information about this bridge adds a rush of blood to its scary sight. First, the construction is from the simplest materials, and second, its age is a mystery. The windy weather of the environment also contributes immensely to its danger.
The mere thought of a strong wind swinging the bridge while you’re on it sends shivers down the spine. The missing planks also create challenging gaps. There is a similar but more damaged bridge beside it, maybe as a reminder of what will become of it in time.
The Mount Huashan Plank Bridge
Unlike the other bridges we have considered, this is more of a life-threatening hike. The plank walk: first built about 700 years ago, is the highlight of mount Hua. The hiking trail is steep and tapered with a safety rope they hope will save you from the bottomless depth.
Despite the dangers attached to this plank walk, tons of people visit China yearly to see it. The walk is about 130 meters long and has three sections. If the idea of hiking over a bottomless pit suits your fancy, maybe you should add this to your list.
The Konitsa Bridge
The Konitsa stone bridge spans the Aoos river and has an arch. The pedestrian bridge has a structure that looks like something from a fairy tale. Despite its rugged beauty, it is narrow and has low walls that don’t provide much protection from the river.
The area is susceptible to windy conditions that contribute to its dangerous nature. While admiring the stunning structure, stand firm on the bridge, and don’t let the wind sway you into the river. The bridge also has a bell underneath it that warns of potentially hazardous situations.
The Aiguille Du Midi Bridge
The bridge ranks behind the Eiffel tower as the second most visited tourist attraction in France. It is a stunning peak in the Mont Blanc region, and its name means “Needle of the Mid-day” in English. You need to take a cable car to get to Aiguille du Midi’s mountaintop.
At the top, there is a café, gift shop, and viewing platform. To get to the summit, you have to pass through the Chamonix to Plan de L’Aiguille du Midi at 2,317 meters high. Then an upper scaling to a station at 3,777 meters with no pillar support.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The skyway bridge has a predecessor with the exact name but a different structure. The original bridge suffered a disaster in 1980 when a thunderstorm smashed into it through the freighter Summit Venture. The new cable-stayed bridge replaced the old collapsed steel cantilever structure.
Although this bridge suffers when big storms roll in, it is still, of course, well-traveled by Floridians. Its columns also suffer from corrosion, and workers regularly need to reinforce them. Fun fact: this bridge has been featured in many movies.
Trift Bridge, Switzerland
This is a simple suspension bridge covering about 170 meters and, it is for pedestrian use only. It was first constructed in 2004 before the 2009 reconstruction. To get to the bridge, you will take a cable car ride and then climb and walk 90 minutes.
From the bridge, you get to see a clear view of both the glaciers and the lake. The bridge is in a famous mountaineering area which receives about 20,000 visitors yearly. The best time to visit is between June and October.
The Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado
There are different ways to enjoy your adrenaline-pumping experience at the Royal Bridge. You can glide across with an aerial gondola and marvel at the stunning 360-degree bird’s eye view of the canyon, or walk on the 956-feet high bridge above the Arkansas River and watch boats below.
You can also have an incomparable experience via Ferrata or the Cloud-scraper Zipline. The Cañon City Bridge is one of the highest suspension bridges in the United States. Although considered dangerous maybe for its height, the bridge is relatively resistant to wind blast.
Sidu River Bridge, China
The Sidu Bridge connects two contrasting parts of the country, initially separated by mountainous terrain and numerous rivers. This hefty 4,009-foot bridge is supported by H-shaped towers at either end of the road. In constructing the bridge, the builder used a rocket because of the height and length.
The bridge holds the title for the tallest bridge in the world, about 1,600 terrific feet above the canyon floor. Despite its scary height, the bridge is relatively safe to cross and can hold about 43 million tons of weight. China outdid itself and others with this construction.
Longjiang Bridge, China
This bridge is one of the longest and highest in the world. It is easier to drive on this bridge than it looks; it was built in 2016 and is very stable. Whether or not you would brave it is a different matter.
It runs through southwest China, connecting the cities of Tengchong and Baoshan. The two-lane concrete bridge gives does at least have a guardrail. It is 280 meters above the water. Befoe this bridge, traveling here was a real hassle.
Suspension Glass bridge, China
As though a high suspension bridge is not terrifying enough, China constructed a transparent glass bridge to intensify your fears. It takes only a new level of bravery to cross this bridge. The bridge sits above a stunning geographical park, a little compensation for the terrifying structure.
The bridge is frightening, yet tons of tourists converge daily to take a thrilling trip on the bridge. The Zhangjiajie glass-bottomed bridge tops the world list as the longest and highest. Water can make the glass slippery and cause fatality, so the bridge is not safe in the rainy season.
Storseisundet Bridge, Norway
This is one of eight Atlanterhavsveien bridges and is unique in that it appears different from every angle. Storseisundet is the longest of the Atlantic road bridges with a total length of about 260 meters. The locals refer to it as the drunk bridge because it appears to vanish as you drive on it.
The fun and terrifying thing about driving on this bridge is the optical illusion it creates. The sharp bends look like it will send any car that climbs it into the water. Although this might make a driver’s palms sweat, it is just an illusion.
Montenegro Rainforest, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to Volcanoes, diverse wildlife, and about twenty-seven national parks. It also houses the “Hanging” Bridge, one of the scariest. It is a suspension bridge, with some of its rings missing, a wrong step, and you are kissing the shrubs.
There are about six footbridges in this forest. While on the swaying bridge, you should admire the splendid view of the tropical landscape and wildlife. Another thrill you might experience is fog covering the bridges to give you a walk through the cloud experience.
Mekong River Crossing, China
Suspension bridges are the scariest in our opinion. This is one of the thin wire-constructed bridges. It is a test of your nerves; you don’t want to miss a step on this. Otherwise, you will have to put your swimming skills to nerve-racking practice.
The bridge spans over the longest river in Southeast Asia and is about 2,700 miles in length. The Mekong River is transboundary in East Asia and Southwest Asia. The late autumn is the best time to visit; the sunset will be incredible and the weather not too hot.
Iya Kazurabashi Bridge, Japan
Out of the 13 bridges formally covering the Iya River, currently, only three survive. The Iya Kazurabashi Bridge is the largest of the three survivors spanning about 45 meters across the water. It gives tourists a thrilling view of the river.
The bridge has knots on the tall cedar trees at both ends with steel cables within the vines for safety. The bridge has one direction-only access and undergoes reconstruction every three years. Although it looks peaceful from afar, take a closer look and you might start to tremble.
Keshwa Chaca Bridge, Peru
The Keshwa bridge is a do it yourself bridge; it is the last surviving example of an Incan hand-woven bridge. The builders made strands of grass into long weaves to make the bridge. It is impressive that it still stands even after half-millennium of different weather conditions.
For the construction, they used fibers of the Cabuya or maguey plant. We would have never thought the grass could withstand different deteriorating conditions and remain durable. The builders of this bridge had no fears, as they placed the bridge at 148 feet above the river.
Puente de Ojuela, Mexico
Puente de Ojuela is an old mine for brave adventurers, about nine kilometers away from the town of Mapimi. The bridge spans more than 300 meters and sits over a canyon. The bridge sways and jumps to heighten your fears, but surprisingly, it is stable.
There are handrails and protective planks on the side, but they have wide spaces between them. These spaces give viewers an unprotected field of vision into the desert canyon below. Although the view is beautiful, these spaces are dangerous and provide no safety for tourists.
U Bein Bridge, Myanmar
The U Bein Bridge consists of planks from teakwood and is what remains of the old royal palace of Inwa. Even though the bridge might look uncompleted and tattered, it is of royal origin. Teakwood is strong, durable, and can withstand extreme cold and heat.
The bridge is the longest teakwood bridge in the world. The only reason we might dare to climb the U Bein Bridge is to see the sunset from its vantage. The best time to visit the bridge is during the dry season, especially at sunset.
Deosai Bridge, Pakistan
Pakistan is a place to visit; if not for the beautiful mountains, then for the scary bridges. The Deosai Bridge leads to the Deosai National Park, which is in the area where two biogeographical provinces merge. Deosai has an abundance of wildlife, thunderstorms, and icy winds and is mostly unoccupied.
The Deosai bridge, just like other suspension bridges, consists of planks and wire dangling above a river. Although it appears rickety, the bridge is accessible for both vehicle and pedestrian crossing. For safety measures, do not cross this bridge simultaneously alongside a car.
Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, Nepal
Nepal is famous for its high mountain range, and usually, places like this would need an overpass. As a pattern, bridges in such areas are the suspension variety. Aside from height, another terrifying thing about such bridges is their susceptibility to high winds.
The bridge is mostly for reducing the congestion in town due to herds of animals movement. Hence, it can withstand a lot of weight and is about 443 feet high. While pedestrians can use the bridge, they have to watch out for the cattle.
Ai Petri Bridge, Ukraine
Here is one dangerous way to deal with the extreme cold in Ukraine; go to the Ai Petri Bridge. For those wondering how this will help, we will explain. Ai Petri rests above a 4200 feet canyon that might be scary to look down to while up the bridge.
The environment experiences raging winds, so one would have to fight the elements to stay safe on a swaying bridge. The adrenaline rush would generate enough heat to keep you warm for days. Quick advice, a room heater is a safer option; we advise you to use that!
Monkey Bridges, Vietnam
Let’s do a bit of an evolution recap – scientific evidence shows that humans’ behavioral traits are from apes. The builders of these bridges probably thought about this when constructing the bridges. Monkeys love climbing, and this bridge looks like it would be their favorite.
The bridge is not for monkeys; it is for humans. Vietnam has a lot of them in different forms and shapes. The locals use them to get across rice paddies and into marshland. Except when there is no other option, we won’t advise you to use one of these.
Canopy walk, Ghana
The best way to enjoy a rainforest visit is through a bird’s eye view reserve for monkeys and birds. This experience is what the canopy walk in Ghana gives you, exceptionally stunning views 40 feet above the forest floor. The unique experience has increased the number of tourist visits to the area.
The bridge has safety measures in place to prevent possible hazards. The aluminum wires and safety meshing are high enough to prevent you from falling to the sides. While you gaze at the breathtaking scenery, you need to hold on to the railings with both arms for safety.
Root bridges, India
People depend on nature for many things, but we wouldn’t have thought making a bridge is part of them. Here is a gift from nature to man, a tree that allows humans to transport themselves over the river. Mother Nature is man’s best friend, after dogs.
The best feature of this bridge is that as long as the tree is healthy, the bridge only gets stronger. Once mature, this bridge can take up to 50 people or more and has a lifespan of about 150 years. Although a natural invention, it needs maintenance to remain functional.
Mount Titlis, Switzerland
The cliff walk in Switzerland is a pedestrian bridge in the Swiss Alps along the cliff of Mount Titlis. It is the highest elevation suspension bridge in Europe. It spans a distance of about 100 meters long and 1 meter wide and can withstand winds as high as 120 miles per hour.
We would walk on this bridge to enjoy the scenery of the mountain. At such a height of about 3,239 meters above sea level, seeing the peaks of the mounts around becomes easy. With a 360-degree view of the breathtaking landscape, you would feel on top of the world.
The Bridge of Immortals, Huang Shang China
The Bridge of Immortals is a famous landmark around the iconic Huangshan Mountain. It leads to a cave deep in the rock and has a beautiful mountainside view below it. This structure connects two rocks and sits at about 1,320 meters above sea level.
Here is a route to the fulfillment of the desire of humans to live forever. Brace yourself for a life-threatening experience, but this is a price you will need to pay for immortality. Once you become immortal, you can live in the caves.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
The Carrick-a-Rede Bridge was an innovation of fishermen fishing for Atlantic salmon about 250 years ago. It links the mainland to the tiny Island of Carrickarede, spanning about 20 meters long and 30 meters high. The bridge is one of Northern Ireland’s famous tourist attractions.
Every year, tons of people visit the bridge for an exhilarating experience, looking at the beautiful coastal scenery and rare wildlife. Before visiting the Carrick-a-Rede, you need to book with the national trust. The trust is in charge of the bridge and limits the number of people crossing hourly.
Millau Viaduct, France
The Millau Viaduct is a multi-span cable bridge with a fan-like arrangement. It spans a 2-kilometer valley in the Massif Central Mountain and is 270 meters above the river. The curved steel gives the bridge a yacht-like appearance and fits the gorgeous landscape.
Millau Viaduct is a magnificent representation of the French tradition of audacious work of art. In the words of The Washington Post: “It may be the lightest, sleekest design anywhere. Framed by the surroundings, it is a pure environmental sculpture.”
Taman Negara Canopy Walkway, Malaysia
This is a once-in-a-lifetime canopy walk; it promises to be fun and make your palms sweat. The best time to go for this walk is during the morning hours. The walk takes about 20-30 minutes and, if you are early enough, you might see grey-haired monkeys.
The bridge is accessible daily with the exemptions of windy and rainy days. While enjoying the beautiful view of Taman Negara from the top of the platform, hold the railings firmly. You don’t want to slip off the bridge and become a tiger’s breakfast.
Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada
The suspension bridge in Vancouver is a famous tourist attraction; it offers you a variety of views all at once. It is about 140 meters long and 70 meters above the river and has about seven footbridges. According to the park’s website, the bridge can hold up to 96 adult elephants.
The cool thing about these bridges is that they are adjustable as the trees move and grow. The bridge uniquely intertwines culture and nature, and knowledgeable staff is there to give more insights. It also gives you a panoramic view of the canyon and rainforest below.
Quepos Bridge, Costa Rica
From 1930-40, the Bananera Company constructed the bridge to transport bananas to the Quepos port. Although it looks scary, it was not dangerous until you think it might collapse while you were on it. It is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
It is extremely narrow – it looks like it could crumble from the weight of a bicycle, let alone trucks. Yet, large trucks drove over it and made the loose slants clank loudly as the bridge shook under its weight. However, the bridge collapsed and is no longer functional.
Kawarau Bridge, New Zealand
In New Zealand, there is more to see other than the beautiful landscape the islands offer. If you fancy more adventurous activities, you can visit the Kawarau Bridge. And, if swinging on a suspension bridge isn’t your definition of extra adventure, there is bungee jumping.
The Kawarau Bridge is the first specialized bridge for this thrilling and dangerous activity. Although it is fun, we recommend doing some serious research before going for it. The 43-meters-high Kawarau Bungy jump is not for the faint-hearted. We’d stick to gazing at the sights.
Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia
Here is a perfect adventure for those of us who wanted to touch the sky as a child. A bridge hanging close to the sky, all we have to do is stretch, and we might equally touch a cloud. The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a famous tourist attraction in Kedah.
It is at the end of the cable car ride. It is a beautifully designed pedestrian bridge that gives you access to amazing views. If you ever plan to visit the sky bridge, don’t forget your camera – it will come in handy.
Peak Walk, Switzerland
The bridge is right on the peaks of two mountains connecting them, the first of its kind. It is 80 centimeters wide and 107 meters long. Peak Walk offers visitors a circular summit tour. It is a pedestrian-only bridge, so you don’t have to worry about sharing space with a car.
While on the peak walk, you will enjoy incredible views of the Jungfrau, Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Monch, and Eiger. All these you can view at 3000 meters high – it is an exhilarating adventure. A good exercise for your nerves if you get to climb it.
The bridge connecting Zhuhai to Hong Kong and Macau of china
China always gets the assignment, especially when constructing scary structures that excite you and raise the hair on the back of your neck. One such construction is the bridge that takes you over the Pearl River Estuary. It is the longest sea crossing in the world.
They are always in a beautiful environment that distracts you momentarily until the wind reminds you you are driving over open water. This is a large bridge-tunnel system that includes an underwater tunnel. This structure is pretty new, but some design flaws have already caused some trouble.
Kokonoe Yume Bridge, Japan
Here is Japan’s highest suspension bridge hanging at 173 meters above the Naruko River. You can view the towering Kuju mountain range in a brighter light from the bridge and enjoy the misty breeze. Fog might also create a mirage on the bridge, so watch out.
The pedestrian bridge is a treasure – the number of visitors increased from 1 million in 2017 to 11 million in 2018. If you have yet to be part of the tourist number, you should include it in your tour list. Take your camera along for impressive pictures on the bridge.
The Tibetan Bridge in Claverie, Italy
If you are an adventure lover, this Tibetan bridge is a good place for your next visit. It extends between the three municipalities of Torinese Clavierie and Cesana in Italy. At about 30 meters above the ground, you get a striking view of the nearby limestone cliffs and gorges.
The bridge runs through the San Gervasio in a three-cable bridge succession. Walking across the three bridges might take time but, it is an adventure you won’t forget easily. The best time to visit the bridge is between June and September.
Daedunsan Suspension Bridge, South Korea
South Korea has more to offer than the K-drama it is famous for as it has one of the scariest bridges. It spans two rock formations and is the major attraction of tourists visiting the mountain. It is beautiful on the ground but breathtaking from an aerial view.
You will see the rocky peaks that define the mountain from the bridge. For a stunning view, visit during fall when autumnal tinted leaves surround the rock peaks. If it wobbles or sways while climbing the bridge, don’t look down – it gets scarier if you do.