People have been building bridges since ancient times as they were always a necessity. Over time the construction has progressed a lot, so now, we have modern bridges supporting a lot of traffic. However, some pedestrian bridges still resist time, becoming attractions. On the other hand, we have equally famous modern bridges built for tourist purposes. So let's take a look at the top ten list of most dangerous bridges in the world and discover some scary walks!
10. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada
Amazing nature surrounds Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver was built over Capilano Canyon in 1889. It was made of cedar planks, while steel cables replaced hemp ropes. While it's very safe to walk over it, it's a bit shaky. The bridge's area is full of history and preserved nature, offering astonishing views.
The bridge is a major tourist attraction in British Columbia. It combines the bridge with Treetops Adventure, consisting of seven suspension bridges 100 feet (30 m) above the forest floor. Also, don't miss Cliffwalk, a girder walkway hanging on to the granite cliff above Capilano Canyon.
9. U Bein Bridge, Myanmar
U Bein Bridge is the longest and the oldest teakwood bridge in the world
This one is the longest and the oldest teakwood bridge worldwide. The U Bein Bridge stretches 0.75 miles (1.2 km) across Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura. Its construction using the wood from the former royal palace lasted for three years, and it was finished around 1850. Exactly 1086 pillars were needed to make it.
During the dry season, the lake dehydrates, becoming a rice field, as it is full of water and fish throughout the rainy season. August is the best time to experience the bridge as the water level is at its highest. The best moment to take a walk over the bridge is at sunset, as the view is spectacular.
8. Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado, USA
Royal Gorge Bridge, besides gorgeous views, offers rides for adrenaline junkies
The Royal Gorge Bridge is among the most famous suspension bridges in the USA and the highest one. It was built at 956 feet (291 m) above the mighty Arkansas River in 1929. The construction was damaged in a wildfire in 2013 but was rebuilt with the addition of the Poma-Leitner Gondola. This is an important tourist attraction, so the bridge has some additional features besides the gorgeous views.
For adrenaline junkies, the USA's highest zip line will be tempting, so try the Cloudscraper Zip Line ride at 1200 feet (365 m) above the Arkansas River. Moreover, one more adrenaline-pumping attraction is the Royal Rush Skycoaster – a 50-mile-per-hour (80 km/h) ride at 1200 feet (365 m) is as thrilling as the scariest rollercoasters!
7. Langkawi SkyBridge, Malaysia
The Langkawi SkyBridge has the best views of the island
Langkawi Sky Bridge is located on Langkawi Island in Malaysia. This cable bridge built on Mount Mat Cincang provides stunning views to pedestrians. Since its opening in 2005, it has become one of the must-see tourist attractions in this part of the world.
Access to the Bridge is by cable car (the steepest in the world), which takes you 2170 ft above sea level. Hence this unique experience is not for those afraid of heights. Moreover, since 2015 the SkyGlide glass panels have provided visitors a look down at the valley. SkyGlide is an elevator connecting the top station and Sky Bridge.
6. Trift Bridge, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps have one not so well kept secret, the extraordinary Trift Bridge
Trift Bridge is a steel cable suspension bridge at 330 feet (100 m) above the valley, and it's almost 560 feet (170 m) long. Located among the stunning Swiss Alps, Triftbrücke (German) offers astonishing views over the Trift Glacier and turquoise blue glacier lake.
To reach the bridge, you need to take the cable car, followed by a 90-minute hike, but the views are worth the trouble. Since its opening to the public in 2004, Trift Bridge has become the favorite tourist attraction among hikers.
5. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
If you are terrified of the heights and sight of the rocks and water below you, don't step one foot at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
The North part of Northern Ireland has unique flora and fauna and stunning geological formations. This is the location of the Giant's Causeway. The whole area is mystical and followed by many legends about the creation of basalt columns (actually made by ancient volcanic activities) on the famous Giant's steps.
At this point, we are far more interested in Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This one connects the mainland and a small island used by salmon fishermen. The shaky structure is 98 feet (30 m) above the rock and water, and crossing it requires you to walk 66 feet (20 m). Quite scary but exciting at the same time.
4. Kakum Canopy Walk, Ghana
Hang out with the monkeys and the birds among the trees at Kakum Canopy Walk
Kakum National Park in Ghana is a preserved tropical forest with endangered species. Along with flora and fauna, the park has a unique attraction, Kakum Canopy Walk. It's a trail of hanging bridges high above and among the trees, offering a spectacular view of the rainforest from the bird's perspective.
The path consists of seven bridges, with a total length of 329 feet (100 m). This is a very narrow and shaky walk over 160 feet (49 m) above the forest floor. You might be scared, but it's worth it as you'll be among the trees with only birds and monkeys.
3. The Q'eswachaka Bridge, Peru
A remarkable example of preserving the tradition and community working together is shown in building the Q'eswachaka Bridge
This is a fantastic example of the community working together and one of the last remaining examples of Inka's handwoven bridges. The whole local society is hand-making the Q'eswachaka Bridge across Apurimac Canyon.
Basically, they use more than 500 years old techniques to handmade the bridge, and they do it every year in June. The women braid the grass ropes, then interwoven them in thicker ones until they were finally assembled into the bridge's support cables. The construction is made from scratch in just a few days, so while it's a bit shaky, it's very safe to cross.
2. Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, China
The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge wasn't scary enough, so they added a bungee jumping platform
This pedestrian glass-bottom bridge became a tourist attraction briefly after opening to the public in 2016. The skywalk connects two cliffs in Zhangjiajie National Park, 980 feet (300 m) above the ground. However, it had to be closed quickly after its opening to add some features, as the expected number of visitors was 8,000 daily. Nonetheless, the prediction was way off the mark since there were ten times more tourists!
Moreover, the world's highest bungee jumping platform is in the middle of Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, located 935 feet (285 m) above the ground. The brave ones who have experienced it say it's a unique and thrilling experience, so we'll trust their judgments.
1. Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya, India
Living root bridges are a truly remarkable example of people shaping the nature
Meghalaya is among the highest annual rainfall regions worldwide. Hence, most of the wooden or rope bridges built there would only last a short time, so locals had to think about alternatives. That's why they started building bridges from the roots of the Ficus elastica tree.
The tree's roots are flexible and easy to shape into the bridge. Firstly, they plant it on both river banks and then shape their roots into the bridge. However, the process is very long, as it takes ten to thirty years to build. Moreover, the roots still grow and strengthen the structure over time. Hence the nickname's living root bridge.
As you can see, the 10 most dangerous bridges in the world can be lovely but also scary. If we have to pick one, the most significant is the Q'eswachaka Bridge, which preserves the ancient Inca civilization's tradition.
How about you? Which Bridge from our list made the most impression on you? Please write to us in the comment section below, as we would like to hear your thoughts.
Cover photo: TopTens.fun/Midjourney