20. Quepos Bridge, Costa Rica
The Quepos Bridge, also known locally as “The Bridge of Death” or “Oh My God Bridge,” is a famously narrow wooden bridge on the road from Jaco to Quepos in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region. Built in the 1930s or 1940s by the Bananera Company for banana train transport, the bridge’s wooden plank construction and extremely narrow width allow only one-way vehicle traffic. It barely fits a bicycle yet regularly supports trucks up to 30 tonnes crossing it. The bridge’s loose wooden slats create loud noises under vehicular weight, and its trembling structure adds to its perilous reputation. Despite its precarious appearance, this historic bridge remains in active use, serving as a vital but challenging crossing point for local traffic.
19. Storseisundet Bridge, Norway
The Storseisundet Bridge is a cantilever bridge that forms part of the Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) on Norway’s western coast, in Møre og Romsdal county. It is the longest of the road’s eight bridges and has become its most iconic feature. Because of the bridge’s dramatic curve and steep incline, photographs taken from certain angles create the optical illusion that the bridge suddenly drops off or ends abruptly, making it appear risky to drive across. This has earned it nicknames such as the “drunk bridge” or “the bridge that disappears.” In 2011, the Daily Mail featured it in an article, calling it the “road to nowhere,” highlighting its striking and unusual design.
18. Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, Nepal
The Ghasa Suspension Bridge, located near the village of Ghasa in Nepal’s Mustang District, is a pedestrian suspension bridge designed to provide safe passage across a deep river gorge. While it appears narrow and sways with the wind, the bridge is an important and sturdy structure built to withstand both the region’s weather conditions and heavy use. It was constructed not only for local residents but also as a vital route for livestock, particularly cattle, which are an essential part of the community’s livelihood. Although the swaying motion can feel intimidating to visitors unaccustomed to such bridges, local people and their animals cross it routinely and confidently.
17. Musou Tsuribashi Bridge, Japan
The Musou Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge, often called “Japan’s Scariest Suspension Bridge,” is a very narrow and somewhat precarious footbridge located in the remote Southern Japanese Alps, also known as the Akaishi Mountains. Constructed in the 1950s, it is one of the oldest suspension bridges in Japan still in use. The bridge is primarily supported by wire cables and has a wooden plank walkway that stretches across a steep mountain valley. Due to its location on a steep mountain slope, reaching the bridge requires a climb assisted by metal chains, as the incline is too steep to ascend safely without them.
Despite its somewhat daunting appearance, the bridge was built to serve local communities in this rugged terrain, providing vital pedestrian connectivity. The bridge’s design, while thin and swaying in strong wind, is typical of suspension bridges in mountainous areas and has remained functional for more than half a century.
16. Sidu River bridge, China
The Sidu River Bridge, located near Yesanguan town in Badong County, Hubei Province, China, was the world’s highest bridge when it opened in November 2009. The suspension bridge’s deck stands approximately 496 meters (1,627 feet) above the Sidu River valley, making it an engineering marvel at the time. Due to the remote and steep gorge it spans, engineers used a rocket to carry the pilot cable across—an innovative approach since traditional methods like helicopters or boats were impractical. The bridge features a steel structure with concrete towers supporting a truss-stiffened roadway, spanning 1,222 meters (4,009 feet) in length with a main span of 900 meters (2,952 feet). Constructed at a cost of about US$100 million, the bridge crosses a dramatic gorge that can be intimidating to those afraid of heights. The Sidu River Bridge held the record as the highest bridge in the world until 2016, when it was surpassed by the Duge Bridge.
15. U Bein Bridge, Myanmar
The U Bein Bridge, located near Amarapura in Myanmar, is the world’s oldest and longest teakwood bridge. Built between 1849 and 1851 by order of Maung Bein (U Bein), the mayor of Amarapura, the bridge was constructed using teak wood reclaimed from the former royal palace of Inwa, which had been damaged over time. Stretching approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) across Taungthaman Lake, it is supported by over 1,000 wooden pillars, some of which have been replaced with concrete to enhance stability.
The bridge, famous for its unique design and scenic beauty, especially at sunrise and sunset, is a vital pedestrian thoroughfare for locals including monks, vendors, and fishermen, as well as a major tourist attraction in Myanmar. It has no guardrails, so visitors are advised to exercise caution near the edges.
Due to its age and exposure to natural elements such as floods and termites, many of the teak pillars are decaying, raising concerns about the bridge’s long-term stability. Some pillars have become detached and are held merely by lateral supports. Efforts to preserve the bridge are ongoing, overseen by Myanmar’s Ministry of Culture, with plans for restoration to protect this iconic heritage structure while maintaining its historic character.
14. Eshima Ohashi Bridge, Japan
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge is a large rigid-frame concrete bridge in Japan, famous for its strikingly steep appearance that has earned it the nickname “Rollercoaster Bridge.” Spanning Nakaumi Lake, it connects the cities of Matsue in Shimane Prefecture and Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture. The bridge is about 1.7 kilometers (1.06 miles) long and reaches a height of approximately 45 meters (148 feet) at its highest point, allowing large ships to pass underneath without interruption.
Due to its steep slope—about 6.1% on the Shimane side and 5.1% on the Tottori side—the bridge appears, especially from certain angles and telephoto lens photos, to rise almost vertically like a rollercoaster, creating a thrilling optical illusion. Despite this daunting look, the gradient is gentle enough to be safe and meets all engineering standards. It is the largest rigid-frame bridge in Japan and ranks as the third-largest of its kind in the world.
Constructed between 1997 and 2004 to replace an older drawbridge that caused traffic delays, the bridge features a robust concrete structure designed to withstand earthquakes and heavy vehicular loads. Its dramatic slope combined with its scenic views over Nakaumi Lake—and landmark status—make it a popular spot for photographers, tourists, and cyclists alike.
13. Kuandinsky Bridge in Kuanda, Russia
The Kuandinsky Bridge, located in Russia’s Trans-Baikal Region, is a precarious and narrow crossing over the Vitim River. Originally constructed as part of the Baikal–Amur Mainline railway project, which was never completed, the bridge stretches approximately 570 meters (1,870 feet) in length and is just over two meters (about six feet) wide. It lacks railings or safety barriers, making it hazardous for both pedestrians and vehicles, who risk falling into the freezing river below.
The bridge’s iron structure has deteriorated over decades without significant repairs, and its surface is covered with old wooden railway sleepers. These wooden planks become extremely slippery when coated with ice and snow, conditions common in Siberia throughout much of the year. The steep, icy surface combined with strong winds makes crossing especially dangerous in winter, and drivers often roll down their windows to counteract the wind pressure.
Despite its risks, the Kuandinsky Bridge remains a critical crossing for the small village of Kuanda and draws daredevil drivers willing to take on the challenge. Remarkably, there are no documented accidents or fatalities associated with the bridge, likely due to the small number of people who attempt to cross it.
12. Puente de Ojuela, México
Walking across the creaking wooden planks of the Puente de Ojuela can be a terrifying experience. The suspension bridge, which is about 2 feet (0.6 meters) wide, stretches approximately 318 meters (1,043 feet) and stands around 110 meters (360 feet) above the valley floor. Its open design and impressive height create a sensation of weightlessness as you cross. The bridge connects the ghost town of Ojuela to an abandoned mine, adding to its eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
Originally built in 1898 by German engineers—who were descendants of the Roebling family, famous for designing the Brooklyn Bridge—the bridge was one of the longest suspension bridges in the world at the time. It was constructed to provide access for workers to the mine during Ojuela’s mining boom. Today, the wooden planks and steel cables have been reinforced for safety, and the bridge serves primarily as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors intrigued by its dramatic setting and historical significance.
The surrounding ghost town, once a thriving mining community, now lies in ruins, with crumbling buildings that echo the past. Crossing the bridge evokes both awe and apprehension due to its height, narrow walkway, and the open framework allowing views straight down to the ravine below.
11. Canopy Walk, Ghana
The Canopy Walk in Ghana’s Kakum National Park is a thrilling way to explore the rainforest from a unique vantage point approximately 40 meters (130 feet) above the forest floor. The walkway consists of seven suspension bridges connected between tall trees, spanning a total length of about 350 meters (1,150 feet). This elevated trail offers visitors an exciting and somewhat challenging experience, providing close encounters with the forest canopy, including views of trees, birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.
Despite its tropical location, the Canopy Walk was designed and built in the 1990s with the help of Canadian engineers alongside Ghanaian experts. The structure is made of wire rope, aluminum ladders, and wooden planks, secured safely with netting to prevent accidents while allowing the natural environment to flourish. The walk is not recommended for those with a fear of heights due to the suspension bridges’ movement and elevation.
The Kakum Canopy Walk is one of only a few such rainforest walkways in Africa and is a highlight of ecotourism in Ghana, attracting many visitors who seek adventure and a chance to see rare flora and fauna from a canopy-level perspective.
10. Suspension Bridge on the Trift Glacier, Switzerland
The Trift Bridge is one of the most spectacular pedestrian suspension bridges in the Swiss Alps. It spans approximately 170 meters (558 feet) in length and hangs about 100 meters (328 feet) above the turquoise waters of Triftsee, a lake formed by meltwater from the retreating Trift Glacier. The bridge offers breathtaking views of the glacier region and surrounding alpine cliffs, providing a thrilling experience for visitors.
For those who enjoy adventure, crossing the Trift Bridge is an exciting challenge comparable to mountain climbing or other adrenaline-inducing activities. Accessing the bridge involves a scenic cable car ride followed by a roughly 90-minute uphill hike, which can be steep and demanding.
The cliffs overlooking the glacier and lake add to the dramatic landscape, making this hike both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Visitors are advised to be prepared for variable weather and to take safety precautions while crossing due to the bridge’s height and suspension design.
The current bridge, completed in 2009, replaced an earlier, less stable structure built in 2004 to improve safety and accommodate the increasing number of tourists drawn to this remote alpine area.
9. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
The bridge tends to be quite “bouncy,” which can feel unsettling for some. Its walkway consists of two narrow wooden planks supported by woven wire cables. Because of the gaps and narrowness, a slip could result in injury. The bridge is maintained and managed by the National Trust, which regularly inspects and carries out necessary safety measures to ensure the bridge remains safe for visitors to cross.
This routine maintenance includes daily visual checks, periodic operational inspections, and annual comprehensive safety evaluations conducted by qualified professionals. The National Trust’s care helps preserve the bridge’s structural integrity while allowing people to safely experience this unique and historic crossing.
8. Monkey Bridges, Vietnam
Monkey Bridges, known locally as cầu khỉ, are traditional handmade bridges found throughout rural Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta. These bridges often consist of a single bamboo log or narrow wooden plank, accompanied by a simple handrail made from bamboo or wood. The name “monkey bridge” comes from the unique, crouched posture that people adopt while crossing to maintain balance—resembling the way monkeys move—since the narrow and uneven surface requires careful navigation to avoid falling into the river or canal below.
Constructed by local villagers using readily available materials like bamboo and wood, these bridges serve as vital pedestrian links connecting remote villages, rice fields, and markets. Though many have been replaced by modern bridges, monkey bridges remain important cultural symbols and practical structures in areas where road infrastructure is limited.
Vietnam’s monkey bridges have gained international recognition and were ranked among the top ten scariest bridges in the world by sources such as Top Ten Things and Travel & Leisure. Their narrowness, height above water, and rustic construction contribute to the challenge and thrill of crossing them, especially for visitors unfamiliar with this traditional mode of crossing waterways.
7. Aiguille du Midi Bridge, French Alps
The Aiguille du Midi footbridge, though relatively short, offers an extraordinary experience due to its incredible altitude and spectacular surroundings. Located at an elevation of 3,777 meters (12,388 feet) in the Mont Blanc massif within the French Alps, the bridge connects the cable car station to a viewing platform and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
To reach this dramatic vantage point, visitors take a famous two-stage cable car ride from the town of Chamonix, ascending from about 1,035 meters (3,396 feet) to the Aiguille du Midi station at 3,777 meters—a vertical climb of over 2,700 meters (9,200 feet), which is the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world. The cable car journey itself is an exhilarating experience, offering stunning views of glaciers, cliffs, and alpine terrain.
Once at the top, visitors can cross the small footbridge, which is perched at high altitude, providing a breathtaking and vertigo-inducing view of the Alps. For those brave enough to face the heights, the Aiguille du Midi offers one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain vistas.
6. Royal Gorge Bridge, USA
Until the completion of the Beipan River Guanxing Highway Bridge in 2003, the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, USA, held the record as the world’s highest suspension bridge. The Royal Gorge Bridge spans the Arkansas River, which lies approximately 956 feet (291 meters) below the bridge deck.
The Beipan River Guanxing Highway Bridge, located near Huajiang town in Guizhou Province, China, stands at an astonishing height of 366 meters (1,201 feet) above the Beipan River. When it opened, it became the highest suspension bridge in the world, surpassing the Royal Gorge Bridge after 74 years. The Guanxing Bridge is part of an extensive highway facilitating transport through mountainous terrain.
The Royal Gorge Bridge remains a popular tourist attraction known for its dizzying height and spectacular views. Since opening, various companies have capitalized on its dramatic setting by adding attractions such as a zip line, a sky coaster ride, and gondolas, turning visitors’ fear of heights into thrilling experiences.
The Guanxing Bridge, while no longer the world’s highest, is still among the tallest bridges globally, situated in a region with several other record-breaking high bridges crossing the Beipan River valley.
5. Seven Mile Bridge, Florida
The Seven Mile Bridge, a well-known landmark in the Florida Keys, spans approximately 6.79 miles (10.93 kilometers), making it one of the longest bridges in the world extending over open ocean waters. It connects Knight’s Key in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. The bridge is a two-lane causeway, with one lane in each direction, and rises to a height of about 65 feet (20 meters) in certain sections to allow marine traffic to pass underneath.
The current bridge, completed in 1982, replaced an older bridge originally built as part of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway in the early 1900s. The old bridge, which rested closer to the water and included a swing span for boat passage, was damaged by hurricanes and was eventually decommissioned. Much of the original bridge remains and is utilized as fishing piers and pedestrian access, although it has been closed in many parts due to deterioration from saltwater and storms.
Although the bridge does not pose major safety risks under normal conditions, its location makes it vulnerable to the Florida Keys’ frequent hurricanes, which can cause significant damage. The Seven Mile Bridge has also been featured in several movies and television shows, adding to its fame and cultural significance.
4. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a popular and iconic pedestrian bridge located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It spans the Capilano River with a length of approximately 140 meters (460 feet) and hangs about 70 meters (230 feet) above the river below. The bridge sways noticeably, which can be unnerving for some, but it offers spectacular views of the surrounding temperate rainforest and canyon.
First built in 1889, the bridge was originally made of hemp ropes and cedar planks but has since been replaced and upgraded with steel cables and modern materials to ensure visitor safety. It is part of a private park that attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually. The park also features other nature attractions such as treetop walkways and a cliffside walk.
Contrary to some misconceptions, the bridge is well maintained, and no significant fatalities have been reported. Visitors are advised that those with a fear of heights or vertigo may find crossing the bridge challenging due to its height and swaying motion, but it remains one of Vancouver’s most celebrated natural attractions.
3. Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia
The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a stunning curved pedestrian cable-stayed bridge located at an elevation of 660 meters (2,170 feet) above sea level on the peak of Gunung Mat Cincang, Langkawi, Malaysia. The bridge deck stretches 125 meters (410 feet) and curves gracefully around a single 81.5-meter-high pylon, hanging approximately 100 meters (328 feet) above the ground below.
Visitors typically reach the bridge via the Langkawi Cable Car, which takes them to the top station near the bridge. An inclined lift called the SkyGlide transports guests from the terminal station down to the bridge itself. The bridge’s design maximizes panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls along the route to the peak.
Constructed in 2004 and opened in 2005, the entire structure was prefabricated and assembled in place with the help of Russian Kamov helicopters. The bridge underwent a major closure for maintenance and upgrades between 2012 and 2015, after which it fully reopened to visitors. Despite its height, the bridge is safe to cross, featuring steel railings and wire mesh sides, though visitors with a fear of heights may still find it intimidating. The Langkawi Sky Bridge offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience with breathtaking views of the Malaysian rainforest.
2. Hussaini hanging Bridge, Pakistan
The Hussaini Hanging Bridge in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan is considered one of the most precarious and thrilling rope bridges in the Himalayas. Spanning approximately 660 feet (200 meters) across the Hunza River, it hangs about 50 feet (15 meters) above the river’s surface. The bridge is constructed from spaced wooden planks supported by multiple steel cables, creating wide gaps between the planks that allow hikers to see the river rushing far below. Strong winds frequently sway the bridge, adding to its intimidating reputation.
Originally built around 1968 to connect the villages of Hussaini and Zarabad, the bridge has been reconstructed several times after damage from floods and deterioration. Remnants of the old bridge’s broken planks and cables still lie scattered near the current structure, serving as a reminder of the bridge’s turbulent history.
Crossing the Hussaini Hanging Bridge is a nerve-testing challenge for both locals and tourists alike. It has become a popular attraction for adventure seekers who cautiously shuffle across while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding Karakoram Mountains and nearby glaciers. Due to its age and natural wear, the bridge requires careful maintenance, and crossing it demands respect for the natural elements and the bridge’s precarious condition.
Though there have been few reported accidents, the bridge’s extreme exposure and fragile construction mean that crossing carries inherent risks, making it essential for visitors to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines while experiencing this iconic suspension bridge in Pakistan.
1. Deception Pass Bridge, Washington
The Deception Pass Bridge, located in Washington state’s Deception Pass State Park, connects Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island. The two-lane steel cantilever bridge stands about 180 feet (55 meters) above the swirling waters of Puget Sound, depending on tide levels. Spanning approximately 1,487 feet (453 meters) in total length, the bridge is a significant architectural and engineering landmark in the region.
Driving across the bridge can be especially intimidating on foggy days when visibility is poor, enhancing the dramatic views of the rushing water below. The bridge also features narrow sidewalks along both sides for pedestrians. Walking on the bridge’s pedestrian lane, which closely borders the edge, can increase the thrill and anxiety for those uneasy with heights or moving water.
Built in 1935, the bridge has become one of the most photographed and visited sites in Washington, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its combination of rugged natural beauty and historic design makes crossing the Deception Pass Bridge a memorable experience for drivers, hikers, and tourists alike.
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