Navigating the globe, one finds that there are marvels of engineering that inspire awe and wonder. Yet, among these feats, there lie structures that strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest souls—bridges that induce trembling knees and sweaty palms at the mere thought of crossing them. From dizzying heights to spine-chilling spans, these bridges around the world are not for the faint of heart. So, if you're ready to feel your heart race and your knees tremble, join us as we embark on a thrilling journey across some of the most terrifying bridges ever constructed. But be warned: you might want to hold onto something sturdy before you take that first step!
Stretching across the dizzying chasm of the Sidu River Gorge in Hubei Province, the Sidu River Bridge stands as the highest bridge in the world, towering over 1,600 feet above the river below. The construction of the bridge was completed in 2009. Its vertigo-inducing height combined with the swaying motion caused by strong winds makes crossing a test of nerves for even the most seasoned travelers. You can't help but wonder if it's the bridge or your courage that might snap first!
Hanging precariously over the Arkansas River in Colorado, the Royal Gorge Bridge holds the title of the highest suspension bridge in the United States. Built in 1929, its narrow wooden planks and gaping 955-foot drop induce a bone-chilling fear, especially for those with a fear of heights. It's an architectural marvel, but its terror lies in its dizzying height and narrow pathway. As you walk across the bridge, the planks beneath your feet creak with every step, reminding you of the sheer drop below. It's like a dance with death, and you're never sure who is leading!
Hussaini Hanging Bridge was built in 1968 and located in the remote village of Hussaini in northern Pakistan. This rope bridge swings terrifyingly over the Hunza River and is made of fraying cables and wooden planks. The bridge offers a perilous journey for those brave enough to traverse its shaky expanse, with the ever-present risk of plunging into the icy waters below. This bridge, despite its wobbly appearance, serves as a crucial link for locals but tests the courage of any traveler who dares to cross it.
Connecting the Swedish city of Malmo with the Danish capital of Copenhagen, the Oresund. The bridge was built in 1995 and is now a marvel of modern engineering. Stretching over 5 miles across the Oresund Strait, this bridge offers drivers a breathtaking—and slightly terrifying—journey across international waters. As you drive across the Oresund Bridge, the waters of the strait below seem to stretch out forever, swallowing the world whole.
Hidden amidst the lush forests of British Columbia, the Capilano Suspension Bridge sways ominously over the churning waters of the Capilano River. Originally built in 1889, this narrow, creaking bridge stretches 450 feet across and is a favorite haunt of thrill-seekers and brave tourists. The fear factor here lies in its age, with each creak and sway reminding visitors of the bridge's storied history and uncertain future. Each gust of wind feels like a ghostly caress against your skin!
Nestled deep within the Siberian wilderness and built in the 1980s, the Vitim River Bridge is not for the faint of heart. Constructed from decaying wooden planks and lacking any safety railings, this rickety bridge spans the icy waters of the Vitim River, daring travelers to cross its treacherous path. The sense of isolation and the feeling of being on the edge of the world make this bridge a truly terrifying experience!
Suspended high above the Trift Glacier in the Swiss Alps, the Trift Bridge offers breathtaking views along with heart-stopping thrills. The construction of the bridge commenced in 2004 primarily to facilitate access for workers of a hydroelectric plant located near the glacier. Spanning 558 feet and swaying in the alpine winds, this narrow bridge is not for those prone to vertigo, but the awe-inspiring scenery have made it a popular destination for adventurers.
The Hanging Bridge of Ghasa in Nepal, positioned over the Kali Gandaki Gorge, is a daunting passage for both locals and adventurous travelers. With its wobbly planks and dizzying height, this bridge provides an adrenaline rush like no other, offering a glimpse into the rugged beauty of the Himalayas. Crossing this bridge requires steady nerves and a willingness to face the unknown depths below!
Suspended high above the lush rainforest canopy of Langkawi Island, the Langkawi Sky Bridge offers visitors a bird's-eye view of the surrounding landscape. Built in 2005, the steel skybridge serves as a pedestrian pathway, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a picturesque walk high above the forests of the Gunung Mat Chinchang mountain. Spanning 410 feet and accessible via a nerve-jangling cable car ride, this bridge provides an unforgettable experience for those wish to brave its length!
Perched precariously over the swirling waters of the North Atlantic, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was built back in 1755. Suspended 100 feet above the rocky shoreline, this swaying bridge offers stunning views of the rugged coastline, but crossing its narrow span requires nerves of steel. The unpredictable motion of the bridge can make you sway and bounce with each step, testing your balance and courage in ways you wouldn’t want it to!
Suspended high above the mist-shrouded peaks of Huangshan Mountain, the Huangshan Glass Bridge offers visitors a dizzying panorama of the surrounding landscape. Although constructed in 1987, the bridge was intentionally designed to evoke the appearance of a structure from an earlier era. With its transparent glass floor, this bridge provides a stomach-churning sensation of walking on air, making it a must-visit for adrenaline junkies!
Perched on the edge of a sheer cliff high in the French Alps, the Aiguille du Midi Bridge offers a breathtaking—if terrifying—view of the surrounding peaks. The bridge is accessible via a nerve-wracking cable car ride, it provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those brave enough to make the journey. The dizzying height and the sense of exposure undoubtedly makes it dreadful for visitors!
Spanning the deep canyon of the Ojuela Mine in Durango, Mexico, the Puente de Ojuela is a relic of a bygone era. Built in the late 19th century to transport ore from the mines, this rusting metal bridge now stands as a haunting reminder of the dangers faced by miners in days gone by. The sense of history and decay, with each creaking plank and rusted bolt serves as a reminder of the bridge's precarious condition.
Stretching across the tranquil waters of Lake Taungthaman near Mandalay, the U Bein Bridge is a picturesque yet nerve-wracking crossing. The bridge was constructed around 1850s from teakwood planks and supported by weathered wooden pillars, this ancient bridge creaks and sways with each step, offering a glimpse into Myanmar's rich cultural heritage. In the bridge's shadows, nine passages lurk, where floors rise for unseen boats. With 482 spans, it stretches 1,209 meters—a chilling abyss!
Built in 1924, spanning the shimmering waters of Tampa Bay in Florida, the Gandy Bridge is a vital lifeline for commuters and travelers. However, its narrow lanes and lack of guardrails make it a harrowing experience for those afraid of heights, with nothing but the vast expanse of water below. What makes it even more perilous is the feeling of vulnerability, as drivers navigate the narrow lanes with nothing to prevent them from plunging into the bay surrounding the bridge.
Found throughout the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, these precarious bamboo bridges provide a vital link for locals navigating the waterways. The bridge was built in 1928 and is narrow and often slippery. Crossing these bridges requires a delicate balance and nerves of steel. The fear here is in the sense of instability, as visitors navigate the narrow, swaying bridges with nothing but bamboo poles to support them.
Since 2004, soaring high above the Tarn Valley in southern France, the Millau Viaduct, is a masterpiece of modern engineering. With its slender towers and graceful curves, this cable-stayed bridge offers drivers a thrilling—and slightly terrifying—journey across the rugged landscape below the bridge.
Spanning the churning waters of the Kawarau River in New Zealand's South Island, this historic suspension bridge is famous for its role in bungee jumping. The bridge was completed in 1880s. Rave souls leap from its narrow platform, plunging towards the river below in a heart-stopping display of adrenaline-fueled courage.
Crossing the mighty Volga River near the city of Volgograd, this towering bridge offers drivers a nerve-wracking journey across its expansive span since the time it was built in 2009. With its dizzying height and the ever-present roar of traffic, crossing this bridge is an experience not soon forgotten.
Dubbed the "roller coaster bridge" for its steep incline, the Eshima Ohashi Bridge in Japan challenges drivers with a heart-stopping ascent that seems to defy gravity. Climbing at a stomach-churning elevation of 6.1%, it's no wonder this bridge strikes fear into the hearts of motorists. Constructed between 1997 and 2004, this bridge stands as the largest rigid-frame bridge in Japan and ranks as the third largest globally. The steep incline and the sensation of driving up into the sky make this bridge a nightmare for those with acrophobia.
So, the next time you find yourself facing one of these dreaded structures, take a deep breath, summon your courage, and step boldly into the unknown. Who knows what adventures await on the other side?
*This article originally appeared on Health Discover*