Whether it is by foot or driving a vehicle, a bridge typically serves as a connection from one place to another. But there are some bridges in the world that feels and looks scary. It could be everything from the bridge’s imposing height to the fact it is merely constructed out of wooden planks or glass panels. That being said, we have handpicked 10 Scariest Bridges in the World – listed in alphabetical order – that might make you think twice before crossing them.
1) Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada
With an average total of over 2,000 visitors a day, no wonder the Capilano Suspension Bridge stands tall as one of Canada’s top tourist attractions. The bridge is actually located at North Vancouver, spanning 460 feet wide with a height of 229 feet above the rainforest. Both of the length and height of the bridge alone is enough to give one goosebumps. And if that’s not scary enough, there have been several reports related to the accidents on the bridge. Definitely, definitely not for those with acrophobia.
2) Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
Stretching 65 feet wide, the purpose of this particular rope bridge is to link the Northern Ireland mainland to the tiny Carrickarede island. However, not every visitor has the nerve to cross the bridge, especially given the fact that it is located 100 feet above the rocks. If that’s not enough, the bridge itself tends to sway during windy days.
3) Eshima Ohashi Bridge, Japan
Ever ride a rollercoaster in a theme park? This is how it generally feels upon crossing the Eshima Ohashi Bridge in Japan. It consists of two lanes and stretches around a mile long. And what makes it scary for some drivers are the rollercoaster-like appearance of the bridge. This is particularly evident when you ascend the bridge, which rises at 6.1 per cent gradient over Lake Najaumi. Apparently, the bridge is specifically built as such to allow ships to pass underneath.
4) Hongyagu Glass Bridge, China
At 1,601 feet, Hebei’s Hongyagu Glass Bridge is currently the longest bridge in the world. First opened to the public in late 2017, it attracts a great deal of local and foreign tourists. The bridge itself is constructed using glass panels measuring at 1.6 inches thick and able to accommodate up to 600 people. Visitors who wish to cross the bridge are required to wear specially-provided “shoe gloves” to help protect the glass panels from potential scratching and breaking.
5) Hussaini Hanging Bridge, Pakistan
It certainly takes a lot of guts to cross the 635-feet-wide Hussaini Hanging Bridge located at the Hunza region in Pakistan. Originally built during the late 60s, the bridge consists entirely of rope and wooden planks. What makes the bridge scary is that it tends to sway due to the regular windy condition. While most tourists might think twice to step on the bridge, the locals still regularly use it on a daily basis. Some are even brave enough to cross the bridge while carrying large packs behind their back!
6) Kuandinsky Bridge, Russia
The familiar “cross at your own risk” phrase definitely rings true for Kuandinsky Bridge located in Kuanda, Russia. Stretching over 6.6 feet wide, the bridge is originally meant to be a railway track. Instead, it becomes a “bridge” for vehicles to cross over. And get this: It has no guardrails and proper structures such as wooden planks have rotted due to harsh conditions. Now, you can imagine how does it feel like to be driving in a wet and slippery condition during the winter season.
7) Mystery Bridge, Indonesia
This bridge is particularly not for the faint-hearted. And yet, there are school children who braved enough to cross the so-called bridge where the word “safety” is totally out of the question. It sure is a mystery to us why this is even considered as a bridge.
8) Plank Road In The Sky, China
It’s easy to see why Plank Road In The Sky is notoriously known as “the most dangerous hike in the world”. The so-called “bridge” is made of wooden planks attached to the side of China’s Mount Hua. And just so you know, the height of the mountain itself is over 7,000 feet. Crossing the “bridge” also poses a huge challenge. Get this: you are required to connect your harness to the cable while the long chains serves as handrails. We’ll pass.
9) Suspension Glass Bridge, China
The idea of crossing a 984-foot-long suspension bridge that stretches between two mountains at 590 feet high is already scary enough to begin with. Then, there’s the surface of the bridge itself — the kind that it’s best not to look down if you have acrophobia. To put it bluntly, the bridge’s surface is made of thick glass panes — yes, we kid you not. You can locate the bridge at Shiniuzhai National Geological Park in Hunan, China.
10) Trift Bridge, Switzerland
Originally built in 2004 before its subsequent repair in 2009, the Trift Bridge spans approximately 560 feet long and 330 feet high above the Trift Glacier. This long, “pedestrian-friendly” suspension bridge is definitely not for the weak and particularly those who suffer from acrophobia. But those who are brave enough to cross the bridge will be rewarded with the panoramic view of the Swiss Alps. For the Alps, we’ll consider.
