Monkey Bridges, Vietnam - Handmade From a Single Bamboo Log
In the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, locals have ingeniously crafted bridges known as "monkey bridges." These narrow structures are made from a single bamboo log, often with a single bamboo railing for balance. Crossing them requires a unique combination of agility, courage, and a sense of balance that many find daunting. These bridges, while essential for local transportation, evoke anxiety in travelers who aren't used to such rudimentary and precarious crossings.
The slightest misstep can send you plunging into the muddy waters below. It's a test of both skill and nerve.
Mount Titlis, Switzerland - 3,000 Above Ground in the Swiss Alps
The suspension bridge on Mount Titlis in Switzerland is not for the faint-hearted. It's located at 10,000 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. However, with those views comes an overwhelming sense of vertigo. The bridge stretches across a deep chasm, with icy winds adding to the thrill and discomfort of crossing. The height, combined with the thin air at such an altitude, can leave you feeling lightheaded.
The bridge sways slightly, creating a sense of vulnerability as you make your way across, making this a heart-pounding experience in a breathtaking setting.
Iya Kazurabashi Bridge, Japan - 12th Century Wooden Planks
Time to hop over to Japan and chat about the Iya Kazurabashi Bridge. This bad boy is like a blast from the past—think 12th-century vibes, wooden planks, and vine ropes holding it all together. Tucked away in the remote Iya Valley, this bridge oozes rustic charm, but don't let that fool you. It's a real sway-and-creak kind of deal, with wide gaps between the planks, adding an extra spice of "will-I-make-it-across" challenge. Plus, those ancient vine ropes give a whole new meaning to the term "fragile."
As you take each step, you're greeted with lush forest views, but the adrenaline? Oh, it's pumping, our friend, because one wrong move and you're taking an unplanned dip in the river below. Adventure mixed with a side of risk?
Seven Mile Bridge, Florida - Right on the Water and a Hurricane Risk
The Seven Mile Bridge in Florida's Overseas Highway stretches over the ocean, offering a scenic view of the surrounding waters. Despite its beauty, this bridge can be terrifying to cross, especially during hurricane season. The open expanse, with no land in sight for miles, can leave drivers feeling vulnerable as storms roll in. The high winds and heavy rains make the bridge feel like a precarious crossing, with the potential for extreme weather events to disrupt the journey.
For those who fear vast open spaces or extreme weather, this bridge is a nerve-wracking endeavor.
U Bein Bridge, Burma - Oldest Bridge Made Out of Tropical Hardwood
U Bein Bridge in Burma is the oldest teakwood bridge in the world, spanning the Taungthaman Lake. This iconic bridge, stretching nearly a mile, has a unique charm but also an unsettling fragility. The wooden planks, some of which are centuries old, creak and bend underfoot, while the lack of handrails adds to the sense of exposure. During the dry season, the bridge stands high above the ground, but in the wet season, it seems to float on the water, creating a surreal and potentially dangerous scene.
The combination of age, weathered wood, and busy foot traffic makes this crossing a delicate balance between history and risk.
Quepos Bridge, Costa Rica - Known as the "bridge of Death"
Dubbed the "bridge of death," the Quepos Bridge in Costa Rica is a notorious crossing with a fearsome reputation. This single-lane bridge consists of old railway tracks and wooden planks, many of which are missing or loose. Cars and trucks must navigate carefully to avoid slipping through the gaps. The bridge sways with the weight of each vehicle, creating a nerve-wracking experience for drivers and passengers alike, maybe not for the best.
The absence of guardrails and the rickety structure make this a high-risk crossing. It’s a bridge that demands caution and a healthy dose of courage.
Q’eswachaka Bridge, Peru - Constructed Out of Woven Grass
The Q’eswachaka Bridge in Peru is a remarkable construction made entirely out of woven grass. This traditional Inca bridge, reconstructed every year by local communities, spans the Apurímac River, creating a unique and historic crossing. Despite its seemingly delicate design, the bridge is surprisingly sturdy, but the woven structure and narrow pathway can be nerve-wracking. The swaying motion and the gaps between the ropes add to the sense of instability, while the rushing river below serves as a constant reminder of the potential danger.
For those crossing this bridge, it is both a journey into history and a test of nerve, as you navigate a structure that seems almost mythical in its simplicity.
Canopy Walk, Ghana - Suspended 40 Feet Above Ground
Suspended 40 feet above the lush forest floor in Kakum National Park, Ghana, the Canopy Walk is a network of rope bridges and wooden platforms weaving through the treetops. The bridges sway with each step, creating a sense of instability that can be nerve-wracking. The view is breathtaking, but the wobbly footing and the fear of falling can make it a challenging crossing, to say the least.
This bridge requires a blend of balance and courage, as there's little to prevent you from plunging into the dense foliage below. It's an adventure that tests your nerve and your trust in the structure's craftsmanship.
Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia - 400 Feet Above Ground
The Langkawi Sky Bridge in Malaysia is a marvel of modern engineering, but it's also terrifying to many visitors. Situated 400 feet above the ground, this curved bridge offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and rainforest. However, the height, combined with the open-air design, can make it a daunting experience. The bridge’s gentle sway and the transparent sections in the flooring create a sensation of walking on air, maybe not for the best.
With only railings to protect you from a significant drop, crossing the Sky Bridge feels like stepping into the clouds, an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Florida - 21,877 Feet Long
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida is a massive structure, spanning nearly 22,000 feet over Tampa Bay. Its unique design includes a high central span to allow ships to pass underneath, resulting in a steep incline and decline that can be dizzying for drivers. This bridge has a tragic history, with several accidents and even ship collisions, adding to its ominous reputation. The bridge's height and exposure to strong winds make it a thrilling yet intimidating drive.
The vastness of the open water and the sheer size of the bridge create a sense of vulnerability that can leave your heart racing.
Trift Bridge, Switzerland - 558 Feet Over the Glaciers
The Trift Bridge in Switzerland is one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps, stretching 558 feet over a glacier. This bridge, situated in the Bernese Oberland region, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, but the dizzying height and swaying motion make it a harrowing experience. The bridge's narrow design and open sides give a sense of vulnerability, with only a thin railing separating you from the icy chasm below.
Strong winds and shifting weather conditions add to the thrill, making the Trift Bridge a crossing that tests both your courage and your balance.
Suspension Glass Bridge, China - Glass 1,410 Feet Between Two Mountains
The Suspension Glass Bridge in China is a dizzying structure made entirely of transparent glass, suspended 1,410 feet above the ground between two mountains. Located in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, this bridge offers a unique and terrifying perspective, with the ground clearly visible beneath your feet. The transparent design creates an intense sense of vertigo, and the bridge's movement can amplify the feeling of instability. As you walk across, every step feels precarious, and the high winds add to the fear factor.
It's a breathtaking but nerve-wracking journey, ideal for thrill-seekers and those who want to test their courage.
Mekong River Crossing, China - Over a Fluctuating Rapids River
The Mekong River Crossing in China is a rudimentary bridge that spans a rapidly flowing river, creating a high-stakes crossing. Constructed from ropes and wooden planks, this bridge is subject to frequent fluctuations in water levels, which can make the structure unstable and slippery. The rapids below add to the sense of danger, with the constant roar of rushing water reminding you of the potential for disaster at any given moment.
The bridge's minimal safety features and precarious construction require careful navigation, and even the slightest misstep could lead to a perilous fall into the raging river below. It's a crossing that tests both your balance and your bravery.
Hussaini Hanging Bridge, Pakistan - The Most Dangerous Bridge in the World
Dubbed the most dangerous bridge in the world, the Hussaini Hanging Bridge in Pakistan is not for the faint of heart. It spans the Hunza River, linking remote villages in the Karakoram Range, and is constructed from ropes and wooden planks. The bridge is fraught with gaps between the planks, some of which are missing, creating a hair-raising crossing. The ropes are weathered and sway in the wind, making the journey across feel perilous.
Those who brave the bridge must navigate unstable footing, swinging ropes, and the constant threat of falling into the rushing river below.
Millau Viaduct, France - Tallest Bright in the Wold and Largest Cable-Stayed Bridge in Europe
Picture this: it's like the Eiffel Tower decided to lay down and become a bridge. This bad boy is not your average bridge—it's the tallest one in the entire world and the biggest cable-stayed bridge in all of Europe. Yep, it's 1,125 feet of engineering genius towering over the beautiful Tarn River Valley. You could say it's a real head-turner, but once you take a peek over the edge, it's more like a spine-tingler. Because guess what? High winds and thick fog love to play hide and seek around this viaduct, giving drivers a surreal and sometimes nail-biting thrill ride.
So, buckle up and prepare for the ultimate sky-high adventure—that's if you can handle the breathtaking beauty mixed with a dash of "oh-my-gosh-are-we-really-this-high-up" fear.
Plank Road in the Sky, China - Wooden Planks on the Edge of a Mountain
The Plank Road in the Sky in China is a wooden path bolted to the side of a cliff on Mount Huashan. This bridge, which is essentially a narrow walkway of wooden planks, requires climbers to wear safety harnesses as they traverse the cliffside. The planks are just a few feet wide, with sheer drops on one side, creating a terrifying experience for those afraid of heights. The walkway's simplicity and exposure to the elements make it a perilous journey, and the views of the valley below are as beautiful as they are intimidating.
This bridge is not for the faint-hearted and is often considered one of the most dangerous trails in the world.
Musou Tsuribashi Bridge, Japan - Japan's “scariest Suspension Bridge"
The Musou Tsuribashi Bridge in Japan is often referred to as the country's "scariest suspension bridge." This narrow bridge, constructed from rope and wooden planks, spans a deep gorge in the southern Japanese Alps. The bridge's age and weathered appearance contribute to its intimidating vibe, with missing planks and frayed ropes adding to the sense of danger. As you cross, the bridge sways dramatically, and the sound of the rushing river below serves as a constant reminder of the potential risks.
This bridge is a favorite among thrill-seekers, but it's not for the faint-hearted or those who fear heights.
Eshima Ohashi Bridge, Japan - The Rollercoaster Bridge
Known as the "rollercoaster bridge," the Eshima Ohashi Bridge in Japan has a steep gradient that looks like a theme park ride. The bridge's incline reaches an astonishing 6.1% on one side and 5.1% on the other, giving it a dramatic appearance that can intimidate even experienced drivers. As you approach, it feels like you're about to plunge into a freefall, creating a sense of anxiety and exhilaration. The steepness, combined with the narrow lanes, demands careful driving and a strong stomach.
Crossing this bridge feels like defying gravity, a thrilling yet terrifying experience that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
Sidu River Bridge, China - Highest Bridge in the World
The Sidu River Bridge in China holds the record for being the highest bridge in the world, suspended over 1,600 feet above the river below. This suspension bridge spans a vast gorge in the Hubei province, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The incredible height, combined with the openness of the structure, creates an intense feeling of exposure. The bridge's long span and high winds can make it sway, adding to the fear factor.
Crossing this bridge feels like walking on a tightrope over a yawning chasm, making it one of the most thrilling yet terrifying experiences for those who dare to cross.
Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado - The Highest Suspension Bridge in the US
Perched high above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is the highest suspension bridge in the United States, with a staggering drop of 956 feet. Constructed in 1929, this engineering marvel spans a chasm over 1,260 feet long, creating a breathtaking and nerve-wracking experience for those who dare to cross. Walking across this bridge means confronting the sheer height, with nothing but a thin metal mesh between you and a vertiginous plunge into the gorge below.
The wind gusts can be intense, making the crossing even more treacherous, adding to the heart-pounding fear factor.
Ai Petri Bridge, Ukraine - Full of Wind and Fog
The Ai Petri Bridge in Ukraine is a thrilling crossing known for its high winds and dense fog. Located on the Ai Petri Mountain in Crimea, this bridge connects two peaks and offers panoramic views when the weather is clear. However, the frequent fog and gusty winds make the bridge feel unstable, with visibility often reduced to just a few feet. The bridge sways in the wind, creating an unsettling sensation as you cross over the chasm.
The unpredictable weather and the steep drop below add to the challenge, making this bridge one of the most daunting in Ukraine.
Hanging Bridge Of Ghasa, Nepal - Hanging Bridge
The Hanging Bridge of Ghasa in Nepal is an iconic structure used by both locals and livestock, creating a bustling yet precarious crossing. Suspended high above a gorge, the bridge sways with the weight of people, animals, and the wind. The sight of herds of goats or cattle crossing the bridge adds to the unpredictability and chaos. The bridge's simplicity, with its basic rope and wooden plank design, leaves little room for error, making it a challenging crossing even for the most experienced travelers.
The stunning views of the surrounding mountains are contrasted by the constant movement and noise, creating a sense of organized chaos.
Puente De Ojuela, Mexico - Pedestrian Bridge to Tourist Attraction
Puente de Ojuela in Mexico is a pedestrian bridge that leads to a ghost town, making it both intriguing and intimidating. This suspension bridge spans a deep canyon, offering breathtaking views but also an unsettling sense of exposure. The bridge's wooden planks and aged steel cables creak and sway as you cross, reminding you that it's been standing for over a century. The sheer drop to the canyon floor below and the remote location add to the fear factor.
Crossing this bridge is an adventure into history, but it also feels like a journey into the unknown.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana - One of the Longest and Scariest
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana stretches an astonishing 24 miles, making it one of the longest bridges in the world. The sheer length creates a disorienting sense of isolation, as you're surrounded by water with no land in sight for much of the journey. This can be particularly unnerving for those with thalassophobia, the fear of large bodies of water. The causeway’s low elevation means that during storms, waves can crash over the bridge, adding to the tension.
The monotony of the drive, combined with the possibility of sudden weather changes, makes this crossing an unsettling experience for many.
Deception Pass Bridge, Washington State - Scenic and Foggy
Spanning the turbulent waters of Deception Pass, this iconic bridge in Washington State is a feat of engineering and a source of anxiety for many who cross it. The bridge towers 180 feet above the churning waters below, where currents can reach up to 7 knots. The bridge's steel trusses create a dramatic silhouette, but the height, combined with frequent fog and strong winds, can make the crossing feel like an eerie and dangerous experience.
The dense fog often obscures the view, adding to the feeling of being suspended in the void above the swirling waters, making it a truly terrifying journey.
The Bridge of Immortals, Huang Shang China - Between Two Giant Mountains
The Bridge of Immortals in Huang Shan, China, is a stunning yet harrowing crossing that spans a deep chasm between two towering mountains. This footbridge is suspended high above the valley floor, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. However, the narrowness of the bridge and the dizzying height make it a challenge for those with a fear of heights. The bridge is often enveloped in mist and fog, adding to the sense of mystery and unease.
Crossing this bridge feels like walking on air, with the dramatic drop below reminding you of the risks involved in this awe-inspiring journey.
Marienbruecke, Germany - Right Over a Cliff
Marienbruecke in Germany is a picturesque bridge with a stunning view of Neuschwanstein Castle, but its location right over a cliff adds an element of fear. This narrow footbridge offers breathtaking views of the castle and the surrounding Bavarian landscape, but the steep drop into the gorge below can make the crossing nerve-wracking. The bridge's railings are low, and the sheer exposure to the edge can trigger a sense of vertigo.
With tourists often crowding the bridge, the swaying and bustling can amplify the feeling of instability, turning this scenic spot into a heart-pounding adventure.
Vitim River Bridge, Russia - Slippery Train Bridge
The Vitim River Bridge in Russia is a dilapidated railway bridge that has become notorious for its perilous condition. Built from rotting wood and lacking any guardrails, the bridge spans a raging river and is slippery with ice during much of the year. Vehicles must navigate narrow planks with uneven spacing, risking a plunge into the frigid waters below. The bridge's decaying state makes it a death-defying challenge, with every step or wheel rotation fraught with danger.
It's a crossing that demands extreme caution and bravery, earning its reputation as one of the most treacherous bridges in the world.
Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada - Suspended With a Beautiful View
The Capilano Suspension Bridge in Canada is a popular tourist attraction, but its beauty can be deceptive. Suspended 230 feet above the Capilano River in British Columbia, this bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and canyon. However, the sheer height and swaying motion can be unnerving for those who fear heights. The bridge's narrow width and the constant stream of visitors cause it to oscillate with each step, creating a disorienting experience.
While the scenery is breathtaking, the sense of exposure and the possibility of a fall make this bridge a test of nerves.
William Preston Lane Bridge, Maryland - 186 Feet Above the Chesapeake Bay
The William Preston Lane Bridge, also known as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, is a massive structure stretching 186 feet above the Chesapeake Bay. This bridge, with its long spans and high elevation, can be a daunting crossing, especially during bad weather. The bridge has a reputation for intense wind gusts and sudden storms, which can create dangerous driving conditions. The vastness of the bridge, with its extended stretches of open water on either side, can be overwhelming for some drivers, creating a sense of isolation and exposure.
It's a crossing that requires caution and can leave even experienced motorists feeling anxious.
Montenegro Rainforest, Costa Rica - Lots of Missing Planks
The bridge in the Montenegro Rainforest of Costa Rica is known for its missing planks and shaky structure. This suspension bridge is nestled in a dense jungle, adding to the sense of isolation and vulnerability. The missing planks create large gaps that require careful navigation, and the entire bridge sways with every step. The lush greenery and the sounds of the rainforest provide a stunning backdrop, but the instability of the bridge keeps your nerves on edge.
It's a crossing that requires agility and courage, with the fear of falling into the dense jungle below adding to the excitement and trepidation.
Storseisundet Bridge, Norway - One Big Drop on the "road to Nowhere"
The Storseisundet Bridge in Norway is the most dramatic segment of the Atlantic Road, known for its steep incline and sudden drop-off. Often referred to as the "road to nowhere," this bridge creates the illusion that you're driving off a cliff, thanks to its unique architectural design. The abrupt ascent and descent can be disorienting, giving drivers a sense of weightlessness as they crest the top. The bridge is also exposed to harsh weather conditions, with strong winds and waves crashing against its sides, making it a thrilling yet terrifying crossing.
It’s an experience that feels like a rollercoaster ride, but on a bridge.
Mystery Bridge, Indonesia - Half Is Not Intact
The Mystery Bridge in Indonesia is an ominous crossing, half of which is not intact, making it a high-risk journey. This bridge, set in a remote location, is partially collapsed, with sections that have crumbled away, leaving gaping holes and unstable footing. The sense of uncertainty adds to the fear factor, as travelers must carefully navigate the remaining structure to avoid a potentially fatal fall. The remnants of the bridge hang precariously over a deep chasm, creating a haunting and perilous atmosphere.
Anyone crossing this bridge feels like stepping into a ghost story, where danger lurks at every turn.
Root Bridges, India - Roots of the Ficus Elastica Tree as the Bridge
The Root Bridges in India, found in the Meghalaya region, are living bridges made from the roots of the Ficus elastica tree. These bridges are the result of decades of careful cultivation by local tribes, creating an organic structure that spans rivers and ravines. While these root bridges are strong and durable, their natural appearance and constant growth give them an air of unpredictability. The bridge's surface can be uneven and slippery, especially during the monsoon season, adding to the challenge of crossing.
The combination of nature and engineering creates a unique and intriguing experience, but the raw, living structure can also evoke a sense of unease.
Taman Negara Canopy Walkway, Malaysia - Longest Canopy Walkway
The Taman Negara Canopy Walkway in Malaysia is the longest canopy walkway in the world, stretching over 1,500 feet through the treetops of Taman Negara National Park. This bridge, suspended high above the forest floor, offers spectacular views but also a sense of vulnerability. The narrow walkway sways and bounces with each step, and the height can induce vertigo in those who fear falling. The walkway is surrounded by lush jungle, and the sounds of wildlife add to the immersive experience.
However, the constant movement and the sensation of being suspended in the air make it a thrilling yet daunting crossing.
Kawarau Bridge, New Zealand - Bungee Jumpers Paradise
The Kawarau Bridge in New Zealand is famous as a bungee jumping paradise, but it can be an intimidating crossing even without taking the plunge. Located near Queenstown, this historic bridge spans the Kawarau River and is renowned for its adventurous spirit. While the bungee jumpers add a sense of excitement, the bridge's height and constant activity can be unnerving for those crossing on foot or by car.
The view from the bridge is stunning, but the knowledge that people are leaping off its sides into the river below adds a unique and somewhat terrifying atmosphere. If you have a fear of heights or high-energy activities, crossing this bridge can be a heart-pounding experience.
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland - 30 Meters Above Rugged Rocks
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland is a tourist attraction with a reputation for inducing vertigo. This narrow rope bridge spans 30 meters above rugged rocks and crashing waves, connecting the mainland to a small island. The bridge sways with each step, and the gaps between the wooden slats add to the fear factor. The howling wind and the sound of the waves below create an eerie atmosphere, making the crossing feel like an adventure into the unknown.
Despite its popularity among tourists, crossing this bridge requires a steady nerve and a strong stomach, as there's little to prevent a fall into the tumultuous sea below.
Cape William Moore Bridge, Alaska - For Trucks and Pedestrians
The Cape William Moore Bridge in Alaska is a striking suspension bridge designed to withstand the region's harsh conditions. Spanning the Skagway River, this bridge serves both trucks and pedestrians, but its isolated location and harsh weather conditions make it a challenging crossing. High winds, snow, and ice can create hazardous driving and walking conditions, while the bridge's swaying motion adds to the unease. It is a beautiful view though, so at least that!
The steep drop into the river and the surrounding mountains create a dramatic backdrop, but the elements make this bridge an intimidating experience, particularly during Alaska's intense winters.
Longjiang Suspension Bridge, China - Highest Suspension Bridge in Asia
The Longjiang Suspension Bridge in China is the highest suspension bridge in Asia, towering over 920 feet above the Longjiang River. This bridge, which spans over 3,000 feet, offers breathtaking views but also a daunting sense of exposure. The sheer height, combined with the bridge's swaying motion, can make it a challenging crossing for even the most seasoned travelers. The open-air design allows for stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, but it also amplifies the sensation of being suspended high above the ground.
Strong winds and changing weather conditions can turn this bridge into a hair-raising adventure, testing your courage with every step or mile driven.
Mackinac Bridge, Michigan - Cars Sometimes Go Flying off the Bridge
The Mackinac Bridge in Michigan is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, spanning 26,372 feet over the Straits of Mackinac. While its length and height offer impressive views, the bridge's design and location make it prone to high winds, creating dangerous conditions for vehicles. The bridge has a reputation for cars occasionally going airborne due to wind gusts, adding to its fearsome reputation. It is a nice sight to see at least.
The long stretch of open roadway, combined with the bridge's tendency to sway, can be disorienting for drivers, making it a crossing that requires careful attention and a strong stomach.