Bridges exist for a pretty simple reason: to provide a secure passageway from one place to another, whether that's across a body of water or connecting two mountains. But what to do when faced with a bridge that’s over 2,000 feet tall, made of decrepit wood, and in the middle of the French Alps? If you’re an adrenaline junkie, it’s game time. But if you’re an acrophobic (with a clinical fear of heights) it’s probably o-v-e-r.
Nevertheless, some of the scariest bridges in the world are still insanely captivating. Whether you dream of one day crossing the hanging bridges of Pakistan or just admiring them from a safe — and ground level — distance, there’s something eerily inspiring about these horrifically sky-high structures. So to celebrate their intriguing allure, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most vertigo-inducing bridges from around the globe. Read ahead and plan your next big bridge adventure — or nightmare.
The Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado
Soaring nearly 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the United States. And though it was originally built in 1929, its stabilising wind cables weren’t added until the early 1980s. Yep, there was a time when it was even more frightening — and unsafe — to cross.
Photo: via @royalgorgetravel.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana
Forget the fact that it’s completely surrounded by the murky — and alligator-infested — waters of Lake Pontchartrain, after eight miles on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, you can kiss any land visibility goodbye. Known as the world’s longest bridge over a body of water, the 24-mile causeway certainly isn’t for the faint of heart.
Photo: via @leblogviagens.
The Sidu River Bridge, Hubei, China
Less than 10 years old, the Sidu River Bridge in Hubei, China, spans 4,000 feet across the mountainous terrain of the Sichuan Basin. Even spookier, hanging over 1,600 feet above the Sidu River, it’s considered the second highest bridge in the world.
Photo: via @travels_and_art.
Aiguille du Midi Bridge, France
Just getting to the Aiguille du Midi Bridge in the Mont Blanc massif of France requires taking a cable car ride that climbs over 9,000 feet in less than 20 minutes. At 12,605 feet above sea level, this tiny footbridge offers panoramic views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps, but is still nothing short of petrifying.
Photo: via @juu.pl.
The Millau Viaduct Bridge, Millau, France
Taller than the Eiffel Tower at its highest point, the Millau Viaduct Bridge in southern France is officially the tallest motorway in the world. Less than two miles long but more than 1,125 feet above ground, the cable-stayed beauty helps connect Paris to Montpellier, meaning that, hair-raising or not, it’s commuter-friendly.
Photo: via @designboom.
Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada
Originally built in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver, British Columbia, stretches 450 feet across the evergreen forest. And if being 230 feet above the roaring Capilano River isn’t intimidating enough, please note that the cedar planks that make up this narrow passageway are notoriously shaky.
Photo: via @capilanosuspensionbridge.
Eshima Ohashi Bridge, Japan
It’s a road! It’s a bridge! It’s a...roller coaster?! From a distance and in photos, the mile-long Eshima Ohashi Bridge in Japan appears to be all three. Although a terrifying sight, in reality the road bridge sits at a totally normal incline, rising to a near 45-degree angle only to let ships pass through Lake Nakaumi underneath.
Photo: via @roelofenraymond.
Hussaini Hanging Bridge, Pakistan
As if its rickety planks and tattered rope rails weren’t scary enough, the Hussaini Hanging Bridge in Pakistan has a history of being destroyed by the rushing waters below. Still, that doesn’t stop thousands of visitors from embarking on the dangerous trek across the Hunza River every year.
Photo: via @hamzamanzoor007.
Deception Pass Bridge, Washington
If you plan on trekking across the Deception Pass Bridge in Washington, do yourself a favour and don’t look down. The super foggy overpass runs 180 feet above the turbulent — and freezing cold — waters of the Puget Sound. It includes a narrow pedestrian lane, in case driving over it isn’t horrifying enough for you.
Photo: via @russellassunta.
Langkawi Sky Bridge, Mount Mat Cinchang, Malaysia
Rising 2,170 feet above sea level, the Langkawi Sky Bridge sits at the very top of 500-million-year-old Mount Gunung Mat Cinchang in Malaysia. The curvy, pedestrian-only walkway is just six feet wide and supported entirely by slim cables.
Photo: via @hungrymaz.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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