Would You Brave These Terrifying Bridges?

Bridges fix problems the bluntest, smartest way: they get you from A to B without a massive detour or the threat of raging water. Some old crossings have been patched up and kept for visitors, while others survive in their original, creaky form. Newer spans push into dizzying heights and narrow walkways that are definitely not for everyone. They deliver killer views and the odd adrenaline jolt.

Trift Bridge, Switzerland: Glacier-High Sway

The Trift Bridge dangles roughly 558 feet above the Trift Glacier near Gadmen, and the view is both spectacular and stomach-dropping. Built in 2004, it needed stabilizing cables added in 2009 after alpine gusts proved a handful. Walkers swear by the unforgettable panoramas and the real sway underfoot. It’s stunning, and it forces you to watch every step.

Living Root Bridges: Nature's Slow Engineering

In Meghalaya locals guide the living roots of Ficus trees into bridges, braiding and training them across rivers over many years. It can take 10 to 15 years to shape a span longer than 100 feet that will hold dozens of people. These crossings are literally alive, improving with age and lasting generations. They feel part garden, part craft, and wholly unforgettable.

Royal Gorge Bridge: America’s Vertigo Fix

The Royal Gorge Bridge sits about 955 feet above the Arkansas River, and just looking down will give you vertigo. It held the title of world’s tallest suspension bridge from 1929 until 2001 and now anchors a 360-acre park. Visitors ride cable cars or stand at the rail and stare into the drop. Brave souls love it, the less brave stick to solid ground.

U Bein Bridge, Myanmar: Teak Walk at Sunset

Stretching 1.2 kilometers across Taungthaman Lake, U Bein looks like a bridge in permanent renovation, but that’s just its style. Built around 1850, it’s thought to be the oldest teakwood bridge in the world and a sunset photographer’s dream. Locals line the span with souvenirs and you can cross the whole thing on foot. It’s a simple, atmospheric walk that draws plenty of visitors.

U Bein Bridge (Myanmar)

This bridge has the appearance of a bridge undergoing renovation but it actually looks like this all year round. The bridge crosses the Taungthaman Lake in Myanmar and is 1.2 km long. Constructed in 1850, U Bein Bridge is believed to be the oldest teakwood bridge in the world. It is now a popular tourist attraction and makes for some beautiful photos at sunset. Locals stand along the bridge selling souvenirs and you can cross the entire bridge by foot.

Living Root Bridges (Meghalaya)

These bridges happen to be one of the biggest attractions in Meghalaya and they have been growing for almost two centuries. The Khan clan created them from rubber tree roots and nourished the roots until they spanned across the opposite ends of the river banks. Over time, the roots became entwined with each other, which made them strong enough to support a lot of weight (they can hold the weight of over 50 people at a time!)

These bridges are actually living; they can take ten to fifteen years to reach the perfect shape and they are over 100 feet long! When the roots are fully grown, they can last up to 500 years.

The photo below is of the Double living root bridge in the East Khasi Hills.

Iya Kazurabashi Bridge (Japan)

In this picture, no one is boldly strolling down the bridge's center. Instead, everybody is cautiously gripping to the sides for fear that they will fall off. The bridge was built across the Iya Valley in the 12th century and sits high above the Iya-gawa river in Tokushima, Japan. It is built from wooden planks and mountain vines. Although modern renovations have made this bridge safer, it is still wise to hold on, although to be honest, it is difficult not to from instinct anyway.

Hanging Bridge Of Ghasa (Nepal)

This breath-taking bridge may look terrifying, but it also happens to be one of the main sources of transportation for the locals in the village. It serves an import purpose: the bridge was built to ferry people and cattle; shepherds and animals move freely across it daily.

The bridge is extremely narrow and it stretches high above a river valley. It’s also susceptible to wind gusts, that occur regularly in the area. The locals have grown accustomed to the bridge, but many tourists are too afraid to cross the bridge due to the fact that it looks like it’s about to break. It may look fragile and unstable, but it also has high railings which make it safer.

The Bridge of Immortals (China)

The Bridge of Immortals connects the Huangshan mountain ranges in the southern Anhui province of Eastern China. The vertigo-inducing bridge is terrifying to cross but the views are definitely rewarding and the photographs are pretty special too. There is another bridge on the side of the mountain made up of just a few planks. The drop below is pretty dramatic and if you decided to cross, we only have piece of advice to offer you crazy adventurers… Don't look down!

Slaters’ Bridge (England)

This bridge is located in the Lake District (also known as Lakeland), England’s most popular and largest national park. Each year, more than 15 million people come to explore the largest lakes, forests, and mountains found in this attraction.

The Slater Bridge is two parts and is handmade - it consists of a long slate slab that crosses the River Brathay from Little Langdale Tarn to Elterwater. In 2017, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Royal Gorge Bridge (Colorado)

Just looking at this bridge gives us vertigo. The Royal George Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the whole of the United States. It stands 955 ft. above the Arkansas River and held the title of the World's tallest bridge from 1929 until 2001. Now, the bridge is a tourist attraction and is located in the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. This is a 360-acre amusement park where bold visitors can ride a cable car to view the stunning Colorado scenery.

Monkey Bridges (Vietnam)

The monkey bridges in Vietnam are about as far from the Golden Gate Bridge as you can get. The bridge in this photo crosses over the Mekong Delta and it gets its name from the animal like movement people do as they cross. This monkey bridge was made from a single piece of bamboo logs. The locals use these bridges all the time although they can be dangerous for those who are not used to using them. Locals, however, are highly accustomed to this Vietnamese tradition and are often spotted carrying 50kg across these surprisingly sturdy monkey bridges.

Deception Pass Bridge (Washington)

Deception Pass Bridge looks pretty daunting from afar, let alone close up. The bridges are 180 feet above the water and connect Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island. In the 1900s, locals traveled across the water using a ferry. They took their horse-and-buggy on board and would bang a saw with a drumstick until the ferry arrived. Now, people cross using the bridge although to be honest, we would much rather try out luck with a ferry. The bridge is a scenic wonder but does not look all that sturdy.

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (Louisiana)

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is one of the longest and most horrifying bridges in the world. It may sit just 16 feet above the water but the waters below are choppy and dangerous. The longer of the two bridges is 23.83 miles long and has held the record as the longest bridge over water in the world since 1969. Since the bridge was built, communities living in the North Shore have better access to New Orleans as the bridge only takes 50 minutes to cross.

Canopy Walk (Ghana)

Rainforest walks are always made more exciting by a 130 feet high bridge through the treetops. You'll get the chance to be up close with nature and might see a couple of snakes, birds and monkeys if you are lucky. The bridge was constructed by Canadians to bring tourists to the park. The walk consists of seven bridges and they are made from rope and wooden planks. The trek across is scary but they are all equipped with safety netting, so they are safer than they look!

Seven Mile Bridge (Florida)

The Seven Mile Bridge stretches for… well… seven miles. It can be found in the Florida Keys and connects the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. When it was constructed, it was one of the longest bridges in the world. It won 8 awards and one of these was the Exceptional Award for Cost Savings Innovation from the Federal Highway Administration. The bridge may not look as daunting as the last we looked at, but the thought of being trapped on this bridge during a hurricane is pretty darn terrifying.

Moses Bridge (Netherlands)

It’s not surprising as to why this bridge is named after the biblical man who parted the The Red Sea. The bridge, which is found in the Netherlands, actually divides the water so visitors can pass through.

The bridge is in the middle of a moat and it allows visitors to cross the water so they can visit the 17thcentury Fort de Roovere, a fortress that was built to prevent French and Spanish invasions.

Vitim River Bridge (Russia)

There aren't enough "wet floor" signs in the world to fill this slippery bridge. The bridge crosses the Vitim river and is made out of wooden planks which seem to be either rotting or missing. Winter in Russia is pretty unpleasant to say the least and so the bridge is usually very slippery due to ice. Drivers are welcome to cross but it really is best to find another route if you can. Daredevils still head to the bridge to make the journey though.

Puente de Ojuela (Mexico)

This shocking bridge actually used to be used by the mining town below. Vehicles genuinely used to pass and the thought makes our hearts beat much quicker than usual. The bridge was completed in 1898 and in 1991 it opened as a tourist attraction. Today, it is used by pedestrians only. Getting stuck half way across is literally our worst nightmare.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge (Florida)

The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge is known by locals as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It crosses Tampa Bay and its total length is a whopping 21,877 feet. In 1980, the original bridge was destroyed after a ship ran into a pier. 35 people were killed but this didn't stop people from rebuilding the bridge in 1987. It is currently open for public use but is tragically a popular spot for those who wish to take their own life.

Storseisundet Bridge (Norway)

Storseisundet Bridge is one of the most well-known bridges and for good reason. The view from the top is truly spectacular and it is one of the most popular tourist routes in the country. Although the mountain views are incredible, the route is also a little daunting. The bridge is often described as “The road to nowhere” as it seems to stretch into the distance. If you are a fan of that thrill you get on a roller coaster, crossing this bridge will probably be an amazing experience for you. Let us know how it is, OK?

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (Northern Ireland)

This 66-foot-long bridge might not seem like much but few people make it there and back. Don't worry, they don't fall in, they just can't stomach the journey twice and so they opt for a ferry on the way back. The bridge sits 30 meters above the rugged rocks and choppy waters. It's become a bit of a tourist attraction and you actually have to pay to cross. If you don't have a stomach of steel, it's probably best to get a one way ticket… just in case!

Sidu River Bridge (China)

Wow, just wow. Sidu River Bridge is the highest in the world and we are getting anxious just looking at this picture. The steel bridge was built in 2009 and cost $100 Million to build. It hangs 1,600 feet above the canyon floor and 5,000 feet across the river valley. That is pretty darn high. The bridge connects two separate parts of the country which were formerly inaccessible due to the mountain ranges. The bridge may be one of the sturdiest ever built but it is still terrifying to cross. Unfortunately, those wishing to visit the separate terrains have no choice.

Eshima Ohashi Bridge (Japan)

This bridge is giving us major Inception vibes. We're no architects, but this bridge seems to bend the rules of physics. The bridge is 144 feet high and has a gradient of 6.1%. The bridge took seven years to build and is the largest rigid-frame bridge in Japan and the third largest in the world. To be honest, we'd rather swim across than take our chances driving on this monstrosity. How cars make it down such a steep slope is the prove physics is magic.

Langkawi Sky Bridge (Malaysia)

This curious looking bridge in Malaysia is 400 feet above the ground and has been closed several times for maintenance purposes. Its reopening was delayed several times but it is now open for use, although not many people actually want to cross. Closing the bridge for two years because it is considered unsafe is not great for publicity. There was a rumor going around in Langkawi which claimed that the bridge can potentially collapse. We will be giving this one a miss but hey, you're welcome to take the risk.

Millau Viaduct (France)

The Millau Viaduct is the tallest bridge in the world and also holds the title of the largest cable-stayed bridge in Europe. The bridge is 8,000 feet long, 105 feet wide and most impressively, it stands 1,125 above base. The bridge crosses the Gorge Valley of Southern France and took three years to build. Side screens had to be built to reduce the impact of the wind because the bridge stands so tall. In 2006, the Milau Viaduct won the Outstanding Structure Award from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering.

Longjiang Suspension Bridge (China)

The Longiang Suspension Bridge, more commonly known as the Long River Bridge, can be found on the outskirts of Baoshan, Yunnan, China. It connects the cities of Baoshan and Tengchong. The Long River Bridge is the tallest and highest suspension bridge in the whole of Asia. It took 5 years to construct and was completed in 2016. The bridge stretches for 3,900 feet in total and suspends 920 feet above the river. Crossing the bridge is far more convenient than taking the 8.4-mile detour from Baishan to Tengchong. It's not for the faint of heart though.

Capilano Suspension Bridge (Canada)

Capilano Suspension Bridge is a famous bridge in Vancouver which takes you across the treetops. It is 230 feet high and 430 feet long. Each year, 800,000 visitors head to the Capilano river to cross the bridge and immerse themselves in the rainforest. The bridge was built in 1889 by George Grab Mackay and renovated in the 1950s. Since being renovated, the bridge has appeared in many TV shows including MacGyver, Sliders, The Crow: Stairway to Heaven, and Psych.

Suspension Glass Bridge (China)

The infamous suspension glass bridge is one of the most horrifying designs on this list. It is located in the Shiniuzhai National Geological Park of China and stretches 1,410 feet between two mountains. Thousands of visitors flock to the bridge each year to take photos of the spectacular scenery. Peering through the glass bottom makes for some killer photo ops but if you are scared of heights, you might want to make sure you have a friend with you to hold your hand.

Plank Road in the Sky (China)

China have a reputation for building horrific bridges that scare the life out of tourists. The "Plank Road in the Sky" is a bunch of wooden planks on the edge of a mountain top. Given that the planks are 7,000 feet above ground level, it is no surprise that you need a harness to cross. Horrifyingly, you need to unclip your harness if you want to pass by another person and then clip back when you've crossed. Is the view really worth the terror? Let us know in the comments!

Marienbruecke (Germany)

The Marienbruecke Bridge was a birthday present from Crown Prince Maximilian II to his friend, Marie. The two liked to climb mountains together and the bridge gave them both a breathtaking view of the castle and the gorge below. The bridge has recently been restored, but the original barristers are still used. The bridge may be high but it is quite short and we reckon we could stomach it just to enjoy the view of the castle. What did you get your friend for their birthday?

Mackinac Bridge (Michigan)

The Mackinac Bridge is commonly known as "Big Mac". It connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan and spans 26,372 feet. Built in 1956, the bridge is now a major tourist attraction. It is constructed well and is safe to cross but when winds are strong, it's best not to cross. Cars have been known to fly off when winds are particularly strong. Luckily, there is a ferry service too if you would rather not take your chances on this hazardous bridge.

Kawarau Bridge (New Zealand)

Kawarau Bridge is a popular tourist attraction located near Queenstown. These days, it is used mostly for tourism rather than for convenience. People travel to the bridge to bungee jump. It is mostly used as a bridge by the hikers doing the famous Queenstown Trail. Walkers, bikers and runners can be seen crossing over at all hours of the day. To be honest, the only way we could get across the bridge is by running because if we stopped to look down, it would be game over.

Rakotzbrücke Devil’s Bridge (Germany)

If the name didn't give it away, this bridge is pretty frightening to cross. It is designed to be built in a steep arch so that when it reflects in the water, a full circle is formed. The bridge is referred to by its name because it is believed that only Satan himself could create a bridge of this kind. Even if you don't fancy crossing, it is worth stopping by just to take a photo of the magical circular structure.

Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge (Thailand, Laos)

The Mekong river connects six countries in Southeast Asia and you can cross them using what we are reluctant to even call a bridge. In most cases, the "bridge" is essentially wires which you have to be an expert slackliner to walk across. Below the "bridge" are extremely ferocious rapids and most of us would have to be mad to cross them. For the brave locals who live there, however, the wire bridge is part of their daily life. Thailand and Laos decided, however, to build the Friendship Bridge which is the first bridge across the lower Mekong.

Sidu River Bridge, the rocket trick

Here’s a wild bit of bridge lore that actually happened. Engineers used military rockets to string the first pilot cables across the yawning Sidu River canyon, a clever shortcut that saved time and money. The Sidu River Bridge opened in 2009 and still does the job of linking terrain that used to be nearly inaccessible. It stands as both an eye-popping view and a neat bit of engineering improvisation.

Why Eshima looks like a rollercoaster

That dizzying look is mostly an optical trick. From certain viewpoints or with a telephoto lens, the Eshima Ohashi Bridge’s long slope compresses perspective and appears impossibly steep. The bridge really does rise high, and yes it has a 6.1% gradient on one side and took seven years to build, but drivers manage just fine. It’s a reminder that photos can exaggerate fear more than the road itself does.

Langkawi Sky Bridge, helicopter assembly

The Langkawi Sky Bridge did not get hauled up by climbers alone. Key sections were prefabricated and airlifted into place by helicopter, which helped get the curved structure onto the ridge. After a lengthy closure for maintenance, the bridge reopened with reinforcements and a glass panel to spice up the view. So yes, it looks precarious, but a lot of careful work went into putting it there.

Engineers keep strengthening high bridges

Scary-looking does not always mean unsafe. Across the world engineers keep adding reinforcements, stabilizing cables, side screens and stronger anchors to handle tourists and wild weather. You saw this with the Millau Viaduct’s wind screens and with the maintenance work at places like Langkawi and Sidu. The upgrades aim to preserve the views while cutting down the real risks.

What this means if you want to visit

If you love a good adrenaline photo op, many of these bridges are still visitable and in use, but expect rules and closures from time to time. Reopenings often follow upgrades, so a hair-raising walkway today might be safer tomorrow. Use common sense, follow posted warnings, and don’t blame the bridge for your phone addiction when you stop to take that heart-stopping selfie. The views are usually worth it, as long as you respect the ropes and rails.

What We Can Learn From These Crossings

What makes this remarkable is how many different jobs a bridge can do. Some are simple lifelines for locals, others are scenic dare-devils for tourists. You saw rope-and-plank scrapes like the Hussaini Hanging Bridge, living root art in Meghalaya, and engineered giants such as the Millau Viaduct. All of them solve a problem and offer a view that sticks with you.

Fear Versus Function

These crossings often look like death traps. The Hussaini Hanging Bridge will make your stomach drop, while the Longjiang Suspension Bridge and Lake Pontchartrain Causeway show the other side of the coin, engineered to carry traffic and save hours of detour. Locals treat many of these spans as everyday routes. Tourists treat them like thrill-seeking challenges.

How Engineers Quiet the Sway

Scary-looking does not always mean unsafe. Engineers add stabilizing cables, side screens and stronger anchors to make those goosebump views usable, as with Trift and Millau. Even Sidu River Bridge has its rocket story of improvisation, showing clever fixes matter as much as bold design. The result is preserved views with fewer real risks.

Take Your Photo, But Use Some Sense

If you cross any of these spots, follow the rules and respect closures. Wear harnesses where required, mind the rails and step off for a quick selfie rather than stopping mid-span. Don’t blame the bridge for your phone obsession when you get stuck admiring the view. The memory is better if you come back in one piece.

Which One Would You Cross?

Pick your thrill. Living root bridges suit nature lovers who want something gentle and ancient. The Millau Viaduct and Sidu reward architecture fans with engineered scale. Or go raw and try a rope crossing like Hussaini if you want a story to tell. Tell us which one you would brave and why.

Here's the Takeaway

Bridges do two big jobs: get people where they need to go and give everyone else a story to tell. Some spans are plain lifelines, others are built to rattle your confidence and your camera. You saw everything from rope-and-plank scrapes like the Hussaini Hanging Bridge to engineered giants such as the Millau Viaduct and Sidu River Bridge. Each one solves a problem and hands you a view that sticks with you.

Why the fear feels real

Photos can lie, and your legs tell the truth. A telephoto angle can squash distance and make a gentle rise look like a drop, while gusts and thin air make a safe span feel spooky. That wobble underfoot at Trift or the visual drama at Eshima Ohashi is part optics, part physics, and part pure adrenaline. Knowing that doesn’t always calm the stomach, but it helps explain what you’re feeling.

Respect the locals' crossings

For many communities these spans are not attractions, they are daily routes. The Hanging Bridge Of Ghasa, monkey bridges and living root spans are practical, maintained in ways that make sense for locals but may look fragile to visitors. Treat them like someone else’s road: step carefully, keep pace, and let the locals set the example. Tourism is fine, but humility goes a long way on a narrow plank.

Small fixes, big difference

Scary-looking does not always mean unsafe. A few stabilizing cables, new anchors, side screens or routine maintenance can turn a white-knuckle walk into a manageable one. You saw that with Trift and with the upgrades that keep places like the Millau Viaduct and Langkawi usable for visitors. Those interventions preserve the view while cutting down on real risk.

Pick your crossing, but be smart

If you want the photo, get the photo but don’t make the bridge part of the caption. Wear the harness if it’s required, step off the span for selfies and obey posted warnings. Want gentle beauty? Try the Living Root Bridges. Want engineered scale? Millau or Sidu will do it. Or go raw and test a rope crossing for a real tale to tell, just come back in one piece.