Bridges, essential for connecting places and people, also hold a certain charm when it comes to adventure and awe. However, there are some bridges that challenge not just your sense of direction, but also your nerves. For adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, these bridges offer not only a means of crossing but also a serious test of courage. From precarious rope bridges to towering glass pathways, here are the 15 scariest and most nerve-wracking bridges in the world that will make you question if you really want to take the next step.
1. Hussaini Hanging Bridge – Hunza, Pakistan
Height: 100 feet
Length: 635 feet
The Hussaini Hanging Bridge in Hunza, Pakistan, is often considered one of the most terrifying bridges in the world. Located in the remote Hunza Valley, this bridge, made up of wooden planks and narrow ropes, sways precariously over the Hunza River. Though it offers spectacular views of the valley, the uncertainty of its fragile construction makes crossing it an extremely dangerous endeavor. The Hussaini Hanging Bridge is not for the faint of heart, offering a risky but thrilling experience for those who dare to cross.
2. Coiling Dragon Path – Hunan, China
Height: 4,600 feet
Length: 328 feet
Width: 5 feet
If heights make your palms sweat, then the Coiling Dragon Path in Hunan, China, should be at the top of your list. Perched 4,600 feet above the ground, this narrow bridge is entirely made of glass, giving those brave enough to cross it a crystal-clear view of the drop below. While the views of the surrounding Tianmen Mountain and the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are breathtaking, the vertigo-inducing height and see-through floor make this path incredibly frightening to walk on.
3. Trift Bridge – Gadmen, Switzerland
Height: 330 feet
Length: 560 feet
Located in the Swiss Alps, the Trift Bridge in Gadmen, Switzerland, is not easily accessible. To get there, visitors must take a cable car and then embark on a strenuous 1.5-hour hike to the bridge. Once you arrive, the view of the turquoise waters of the Triftsee Lake below adds to the adrenaline rush. Though the bridge is sturdy, the height and the rocky terrain beneath it make it a challenge for even the most daring adventurers.
4. Kinzua Bridge – Pennsylvania, USA
Height: 301 feet
Length: 1,320 feet
Once considered one of the longest and tallest bridges in the world, the Kinzua Bridge in Pennsylvania suffered significant damage after a tornado in 2003. Today, the Kinzua Sky Walk remains an iconic structure, offering a glass-floored observation deck that lets visitors look directly down at the valley below. Standing 301 feet above the ground, this bridge provides both stunning views and a heart-stopping experience.
5. Brave Men’s Bridge – Shinihuzai, China
Height: 590 feet
Length: 984 feet
Material: Glass
The Brave Men’s Bridge, also known as the Haohan Qiao Bridge, holds the title of the world’s longest glass-bottom bridge. Located in Hunan Province, China, it spans 984 feet and hangs 590 feet above the ground. The thick glass used in the construction is 25 times stronger than regular glass, but that’s little consolation for those who have to look down at the abyss beneath them. The design and the height of this bridge create a nerve-wracking experience for those daring enough to take the challenge.
6. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – Wales, UK
Height: 126 feet
Length: 1,000 feet
While not as high as some other bridges on this list, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales is still one of the scariest to cross due to its exposure and history. Built in 1805, this aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee. The bridge itself is not wide and offers a dizzying drop to the river below, making it an unnerving crossing for anyone with a fear of heights.
7. Langkawi Sky Bridge – Langkawi, Malaysia
Height: 2,000 feet above sea level
Length: 410 feet
The Langkawi Sky Bridge in Malaysia is a unique suspended bridge that curves over lush rainforest terrain, offering incredible panoramic views of the surrounding islands. At over 2,000 feet above sea level, the bridge is only accessible by a cable car. Although it has been renovated for safety, the height and the stunning views of the surrounding landscape make this bridge a nerve-wracking experience for visitors.
8. Royal Gorge Bridge – Canon City, Colorado, USA
Height: 955 feet
Length: 1,260 feet
Standing at 955 feet, the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado holds the title of the highest bridge in the U.S. Spanning the Royal Gorge above the Arkansas River, this bridge offers breathtaking views of the canyon below. The bridge is used for both pedestrian crossings and as a tourist attraction with various amusement rides and activities, but the height alone is enough to make anyone’s heart race.
9. Aiguille du Midi Bridge – Alps, France
Height: 12,500 feet
At an incredible height of 12,500 feet, the Aiguille du Midi Bridge in the French Alps is one of the highest bridges in the world. It is a short but intense crossing offering an unparalleled view of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountainous region. Adding to the thrill, the bridge now features a glass floor, allowing visitors to peer straight down into the snowy abyss below.
10. Capilano Suspension Bridge – Vancouver, Canada
Height: 230 feet
Length: 460 feet
The Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver is an iconic structure that attracts over 1 million visitors annually. Suspended amid the trees of the Capilano River, this bridge spans 460 feet and is 230 feet above the ground. Although the bridge is supported by strong cables, the height and fragile appearance of the structure make it a thrilling experience. In addition to the bridge, visitors can try the Cliffwalk, a narrow suspended walkway that offers even more excitement.
11. Kakum Canopy Walk – Kakum National Park, Ghana
Height: 130 feet
Length: 1,000 feet
The Kakum Canopy Walk in Ghana is an exhilarating experience for anyone brave enough to venture through the rainforest. Set 130 feet above the ground, this series of bridges stretches over 1,000 feet through thick jungle. Though it has safety netting, the rickety appearance and height make it a challenging and slightly terrifying crossing.
12. U Bein Bridge – Amarapura, Myanmar
Length: 1,200 meters (0.75 miles)
At 1.2 kilometers long, the U Bein Bridge in Myanmar is the longest teak bridge in the world. While not particularly high, the bridge’s length over Taungthaman Lake and its uneven planks make it a precarious walk, especially with the thousands of visitors who come each day to witness stunning sunsets from the bridge.
13. Chesapeake Bay Bridge – Maryland, USA
Height: 186 feet
Length: 4.3 miles
One of the scariest bridges to drive on, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans 4.3 miles and reaches a height of 186 feet. What makes this bridge so terrifying for drivers is its length, steep climbs, and the frequent storms that make driving conditions dangerous. The lack of shoulders on the bridge adds to the anxiety for many travelers.
14. Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge – Shikoku, Japan
Height: 46 feet
Length: 147 feet
The Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge in Japan is a historic crossing that was originally constructed using actinidia arguta vines found locally. While reinforced with wire, the bridge still maintains its rustic, fragile appearance. Despite its relatively low height and short length, the vine construction and the eerie sway of the bridge create a sense of unease.
15. Puente de Ojuela – Ojuela, Mexico
Height: 360 feet
Length: 1,043 feet
The Puente de Ojuela in Mexico is an old, wooden bridge that rises 360 feet above a canyon. Built in 1898, this bridge is not only precarious due to its age, but the wooden planks often creak and sway as you cross. The bridge leads to a ghost town, adding to its eerie atmosphere, making it one of the most terrifying crossings in the world.
Conclusion: Conquering the Scariest Bridges
From the towering heights of the Royal Gorge Bridge in the USA to the nerve-wracking glass floors of the Coiling Dragon Path in China, these 15 scariest bridges in the world represent the ultimate test of courage. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking thrills or someone looking to face your fears, crossing these bridges will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.
For those seeking adventure, these bridges offer more than just a way to get from one side to another—they are monumental feats of engineering and courage, each one with its own story to tell.
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These 15 bridges are a testament to human ingenuity and the pursuit of adventure.
