Bridges are marvels of engineering that connect people and places, often spanning vast distances and challenging terrains. While many bridges are designed with safety and convenience in mind, some present significant risks due to their location, design, or the materials used in their construction.
Here, we explore some of the most dangerous bridges in the world, where crossing them is not for the faint of heart.
1. Hussaini Hanging Bridge
Pakistan
Located in the remote Hunza Valley in northern Pakistan, the Hussaini Hanging Bridge is often dubbed the most dangerous bridge in the world. This rickety suspension bridge, made of wooden planks and rope, sways precariously over the Hunza River.
The large gaps between the planks and the visibly worn-out ropes make crossing the bridge a nerve-wracking experience. Despite its perilous nature, it is still used by locals to reach nearby villages.
2. Trift Bridge
Switzerland
The Trift Bridge is a pedestrian-only suspension bridge situated in the Swiss Alps. Spanning 170 meters (560 feet) across the Trift Glacier, it is one of the longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps.
The bridge sways significantly in the wind, and the narrow walkway, combined with the dizzying height, makes crossing it a thrilling yet terrifying experience. The stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains provide some consolation for the brave souls who venture across.
3. Puente de Ojuela
Mexico
Puente de Ojuela, located in the ghost town of Ojuela in Durango, Mexico, is a historic suspension bridge that once served as a vital route for miners. Today, it stands as a testament to 19th-century engineering. The bridge stretches 318 meters (1,043 feet) across a deep canyon and is supported by cables and wooden planks.
The bridge’s age and the creaking of its wooden planks add to the sense of danger, making it a popular destination for thrill-seeking tourists.
4. Aiguille du Midi Bridge
France
The Aiguille du Midi Bridge is a short but extremely high bridge located near the summit of the Aiguille du Midi in the French Alps. At an altitude of 3,842 meters (12,605 feet), it offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
However, the bridge’s height and the thin air at such an altitude can be disorienting and intimidating for many visitors. The cable car ride to the top and the subsequent walk across the bridge provide a heart-pounding adventure.
5. Capilano Suspension Bridge
Canada
The Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a popular tourist attraction that spans 137 meters (450 feet) across the Capilano River.
While the bridge is well-maintained and secure, its height of 70 meters (230 feet) above the river, combined with its swaying motion, can be quite unnerving. The lush rainforest scenery adds to the allure, making it a must-visit destination for those who can handle the heights.
6. U Bein Bridge
Myanmar
U Bein Bridge, located near Mandalay, Myanmar, is the world’s longest teak footbridge, stretching 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) across Taungthaman Lake. Built in the 19th century, the bridge is made of teakwood pillars and planks that have weathered over time.
The absence of railings in some sections and the sheer length of the bridge can make crossing it a daunting task, especially during the monsoon season when the lake’s water level rises.
7. Eshima Ohashi Bridge
Japan
Eshima Ohashi Bridge, connecting the cities of Matsue and Sakaiminato in Japan, is one of the most intimidating bridges to drive across. Known for its steep gradient, the bridge rises sharply to allow ships to pass underneath.
The bridge’s appearance has earned it the nickname “rollercoaster bridge,” and driving up the steep incline can be a white-knuckle experience. While the bridge is structurally sound and safe, its steepness is a psychological challenge for many drivers.
8. Canopy Walkway
Ghana
The Canopy Walkway in Kakum National Park, Ghana, is a series of suspension bridges that offer a unique perspective of the rainforest canopy. The bridges are suspended 30 meters (98 feet) above the forest floor and are made of rope and wooden planks.
The swaying motion and the sight of the forest floor far below can be unsettling for many visitors. However, the chance to walk among the treetops and observe the rich biodiversity of the rainforest is a rewarding experience.
9. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Northern Ireland
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. The 20-meter (66-foot) long bridge is suspended 30 meters (98 feet) above the rocky coastline and sways significantly in the wind.
Originally built by fishermen, the bridge offers stunning views of the North Atlantic and the rugged coastline. Crossing the bridge is a test of nerve, but the beautiful scenery and the chance to explore the island make it worth the effort.
10. Seven Mile Bridge
United States
The Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys is an engineering marvel that spans the seven miles between Knight’s Key and Little Duck Key. While it is a modern and well-constructed bridge, its location in a hurricane-prone area makes it potentially dangerous during severe weather conditions.
The bridge offers stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, but drivers need to be cautious during storms and high winds.
11. Storseisundet Bridge
Norway
Storseisundet Bridge, part of the Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway, is famous for its dramatic and seemingly impossible curves. The bridge appears to drop off into the sea from certain angles, creating an optical illusion that can be disconcerting for drivers.
The combination of sharp curves, high winds, and the surrounding ocean waves makes crossing the bridge an exhilarating experience.
12. Kuandinsky Bridge
Russia
The Kuandinsky Bridge in Russia’s Trans-Baikal region is an old and narrow railway bridge that has become infamous for its lack of railings and safety features. Stretching 570 meters (1,870 feet) across the Vitim River, the bridge is just wide enough for a single vehicle.
The rickety wooden planks and the significant drop to the river below make crossing the bridge a terrifying ordeal. It’s not officially open for public use, but adventurers occasionally attempt the crossing.
13. Marienbrücke
Germany
Marienbrücke, located near the famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, is a pedestrian bridge that offers spectacular views of the castle and the surrounding mountains.
The bridge is suspended 90 meters (295 feet) above the Pöllat Gorge and can be quite narrow and crowded with tourists. The combination of the height, the swaying motion, and the sheer drop below can be quite intimidating.
14. Siduhe Bridge
China
The Siduhe Bridge in China is one of the highest bridges in the world, suspended 496 meters (1,627 feet) above the Sidu River Gorge. The bridge connects two mountainous regions in Hubei Province and is an engineering marvel.
While the bridge is structurally sound and safe for vehicles, the dizzying height and the view of the deep gorge below can be overwhelming for many travelers.
Conclusion
Bridges are essential for connecting people and places, but some of them present significant challenges and risks. From rickety suspension bridges in remote regions to modern engineering marvels that test the limits of design, these dangerous bridges offer a unique blend of thrill and beauty.
For those with a sense of adventure and a head for heights, crossing these bridges can be an unforgettable experience. Just be sure to take precautions and respect the inherent risks involved.
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