Top 10 Most Fascinating Bridges Around the World You Should Know About

The Rolling Bridge is unique in that it can curl up on one side when needed. It consists of eight triangular segments and a hydraulic system in the handrails that allow it to fold into an octagonal shape. When extended, it becomes a 12-meter-long pedestrian bridge made of wood and steel, crossing a small section of the Grand Union Canal in London. The name “Rolling Bridge” comes from its ability to open up and then roll back into place. Typically, the bridge is open during the weekdays and curls back into its octagonal form on weekends, allowing boats to pass. The Rolling Bridge has earned its place on many lists of the world’s most unique bridges. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the bridge features a hydraulic system that allows it to retract and roll up, enabling small boats to pass under. Every Friday afternoon, the bridge is rolled back in a dramatic fashion, drawing admiration from crowds.

The Water Bridge in the Netherlands is a breathtaking structure that leaves anyone who sees it in awe. This bridge was designed by the brilliant architect behind the Veluwemmer Aqueduct to allow seamless movement of both land and water traffic. It features pedestrian walkways on both sides, while a highway runs through the center. Above, a fleet of boats navigates effortlessly, free from concerns of traffic jams. This monumental feat of engineering defies the laws of physics and has stunned the world. The Veluwemeer Water Bridge is located near the town of Harderwijk in eastern Netherlands and serves both as a tunnel for vehicles and a waterway for ships to pass through.

Constructed to connect the mainland of the Netherlands with an artificial island, the bridge facilitates easier boat passage. This unique structure spans 25 meters in length, 19 meters in width, and is 3 meters deep. Its innovative design saves on construction costs while maximizing efficiency, without impeding traffic flow. After years of planning and construction, the Veluwemeer Water Bridge was officially opened in 2002, and the world stood in awe of this one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

The standout feature of the Slauerhoffbrug Bridge is its unique ability to quickly raise and lower, earning it the nickname 'the flying bridge.' Spanning the Harlinger Vaart river in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, this bridge serves not only as a vital transportation link but also as a symbol of creativity and architectural brilliance. Built in 2002 using steel and iron, the bridge showcases a striking design with green and yellow as its dominant colors. The Slauerhoffbrug gives pedestrians the feeling of stepping into a futuristic world. When large ships pass through, a steel arm of the bridge lifts a large section into the air, allowing vehicles to pass below. Shortly after, the arm lowers the section back into place.

What sets this bridge apart is its design: unlike traditional hinged bridges, the 'flying bridge' uses a single off-center pillar with a hydraulic arm to lift and lower the connecting section. Today, the bridge operates roughly ten times a day, depending on traffic. Due to its uniqueness, Slauerhoffbrug has become a popular tourist attraction in Leeuwarden, with visitors often timing their visit to capture photos as the bridge raises or lowers. For many years, it has been listed among the world’s most unique bridges, making it a must-see in the Netherlands.

In addition to its stunning beaches, Langkawi is home to one of the most remarkable attractions: the Langkawi Sky Bridge. Spanning 125 meters in length, this suspension bridge is supported by a single pillar and offers breathtaking views from 82 meters above the ground and 660 meters above sea level. The 1.8-meter-wide bridge features two triangular platforms for visitors to enjoy the panoramic mountain and forest vistas. The Langkawi Sky Bridge is also recognized as one of the most unique suspension bridges in the world.

Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands off the western coast of Malaysia, surrounded by turquoise waters and known for its picturesque rice fields and rolling hills covered in dense rainforests. It’s a paradise for nature lovers with its soft sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. The Langkawi Sky Bridge at Pantai Kok is a particularly stunning architectural feat, designed with a winding curve atop Mount Mat Chincang. Suspended by cables and a single slanted pillar, the bridge connects two peaks and provides an open space for visitors to stand and take in the spectacular scenery or snap unforgettable photos.

The Henderson Wave Bridge is Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, standing at a height of 36 meters. With a length of 274 meters and a width of 8 meters, it connects the Mount Faber and Telok Blangah parks. The bridge features a distinctive wave-like design, inspired by the image of a giant snake. The wooden deck and the wave-shaped structure make it not just a walkway but also a spot for visitors to sit, relax, and enjoy the surrounding beauty. Opened in 2008, the Henderson Wave Bridge quickly became an iconic structure due to its unique shape and its breathtaking location. Its golden hue makes it stand out from afar, especially when the sun’s rays shine upon it, giving it a radiant and shimmering effect. The bridge mimics the shape of ocean waves, twisting along its length. Many people describe the bridge as resembling a graceful serpent gliding through the air. The deck is made from a special type of wood that resists wear and tear from the humid, tropical climate of Southeast Asia.

This one-of-a-kind structure has attracted many photographers and explorers eager to experience its unusual design. The bridge’s steel arches create hidden alcoves and shell-shaped nooks where pedestrians can rest in the shade. Visitors can stroll across the bridge to reach the two parks or simply stand and breathe in the fresh air, surrounded by nature. From the bridge, visitors can also take in stunning views of Singapore’s skyline, with its high-rise buildings, or spot hidden streets tucked away between charming buildings.

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is located in the city of Gateshead, in the north of England. This pedestrian and cyclist bridge connects the southern bank of Gateshead Quays with the northern bank of Newcastle Quayside. The bridge spans 126 meters in total, including the bridge deck and the surrounding lifting structure. When the bridge deck is raised, it creates the appearance of two eyelids opening, earning it the nickname “the blinking bridge” or “the winking bridge.” The sight of the bridge lifting is a popular spectacle, drawing curious onlookers to watch the unique mechanism in action.

Characterized by its graceful double curve, the bridge features a main arch and a lifting structure that holds the entire bridge. To allow boats to pass beneath, the bridge operates by lifting the curved deck in a parabolic motion, creating a gap underneath. When raised, the bridge resembles a pair of eyelids blinking. This action is powered by six hydraulic pistons, each 45 cm in diameter, and driven by 55 kW motors. The lifting mechanism takes approximately four and a half minutes to raise the bridge to a 40-degree angle, depending on wind conditions. This allows vessels with a height of up to 25 meters to pass under the bridge.

The Oresund Bridge is a remarkable combination of an 8-kilometer-long cable-stayed bridge and a 4-kilometer underwater tunnel. It connects the Danish capital of Copenhagen with the Swedish city of Malmo. As you gaze upon the bridge, you may find it curious when the structure seemingly disappears into the sea. The Oresund Bridge has four lanes for road traffic and a separate track for trains. It has become a symbol of diplomacy between Denmark and Sweden.

The Oresund Bridge spans the sea, linking the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, with Sweden’s third-largest city, Malmo. As such, it is jointly owned by both Denmark and Sweden. Travelers crossing the bridge must pay a toll and be sure to bring their passport. Since its completion, the Oresund Bridge has become a diplomatic landmark for both nations. The bridge’s construction began in 1995, led by Danish architect George KS Rotne, and was finished in 2000. It is regarded as a marvel of modern engineering.

The construction process involved completing most of the bridge components on land before floating them out to sea with the help of massive floating cranes. Only the large pillars were built on-site. The suspension system of the bridge stretches over 500 meters. The bridge then dives into the sea, where it transitions into a 4-kilometer-long tunnel running beneath the Baltic Sea, connecting to the artificial island of Peberholm. This island, made from dredged materials, marks the bridge’s dramatic entry into the tunnel, which was built on land before being submerged.

The Banpo Bridge is a magical bridge that spans the Han River in Seoul, South Korea. This stunning structure features 38 pumps and 380 water jets along its 1,140-meter-long sides, capable of pumping 190 tons of water from the Han River in just one minute. The bridge is illuminated by 10,000 LED lights, creating a dazzling 200-color display as the water jets shoot streams of water, creating a mesmerizing fountain show. The Banpo Bridge is also known as the "Moonlight Rainbow Fountain". At night, standing by the Han River or from a high building, you can enjoy the breathtaking sight of the water fountain in all its glory.

Banpo Bridge was constructed in 2009 and has since become an iconic symbol for the city of Seoul. The bridge is not only a spectacular sight, but also serves an important environmental function: the water used in the fountain is pumped from the Han River, only to return to the river after the display, demonstrating the city's commitment to sustainability. The design of the fountain is intricate and impressive, with the water jets stretching across 43 meters of the bridge's span, painting a picture of dancing water in vibrant hues. The combination of the colorful display and accompanying music creates a magical atmosphere. This innovative feature has earned the Banpo Bridge a Guinness World Record for the longest water fountain bridge in the world.

The Eshima Ohashi Bridge connects the cities of Matsue and Sakaiminato. At its highest point, the bridge rises 45 meters above the sea, stretching 1,700 meters in total. The bridge’s design features a steep incline and impressive height, with nearly 1,500 meters of the bridge rising at a 6.1% gradient. The bridge is 11.3 meters wide, split into two lanes of traffic. Due to its striking design, it has become a symbol of the region.

Eshima Ohashi is often called one of the scariest bridges in the world due to its dramatic slope, which can make visitors feel uneasy just by looking at it. However, despite its intimidating appearance, the bridge is entirely safe to cross. Its design, resembling a road reaching straight into the sky, has made it an iconic landmark in Japan, often featured in TV commercials and known nationwide. The bridge is also called “Betabumizaka” or “Betabumi” in Japanese, which translates to “step hard,” referring to the steepness of the climb. To drive up it, cars need to accelerate fully, and while it is possible to walk up the slope, doing so provides a unique and exhilarating perspective of the landscape. The view at night is equally breathtaking.

The Dragon Bridge in Da Nang is a stunning structure designed in the shape of a dragon, with intricate curves symbolizing power and grace. It's considered one of the most unique bridges in the world. Not only does the bridge boast an impressive design, but it also features special effects: the bridge can spray water for 2 minutes and shoot fire for 3 minutes, with lights illuminating the base, sides, and the dragon itself. Measuring 666 meters in length and 37.5 meters in width, the bridge represents a modern pride of Da Nang, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship and creativity of the Vietnamese people.

The Dragon Bridge is a powerful symbol of the Ly Dynasty's dragon, arching over the river and facing the sea. At night, the bridge comes alive with thousands of LED lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The Golden Dragon soars across the Han River, facing the East Sea. While the bridge predominantly glows in golden hues, it also changes colors to silver, green, blue, and a golden-orange tone, representing the familiar colors of the Vietnamese dragon. The movement of the dragon is depicted through lights along the bridge's cables, accompanied by cloud patterns reflected on the water's surface. These lights are programmed to move gently, mimicking the wind, creating the illusion of a dragon appearing from within the mist, just as in ancient legends.