Top 12 Most Dangerous Bridges in the World

1. Mount Hua Plank Walk in China

China is renowned for its majestic mountains. Mount Hua is one of the most famous martial arts mountains and one of the Five Great Mountains of China. However, the summit of Mount Hua is also the most dangerous, steep cliff in the world, challenging every mountaineer. The path to the mountain is made up of small wooden bars temporarily attached to the mountain wall, each claiming the lives of hundreds of aspiring climbers. To ascend to the summit, people often build bridges on the mountainside. And in this country, there is a bridge called Mount Hua Bridge ranked among the most dangerous bridges in the world.

The bridge has no railing, and below it is a deep abyss. To reach the summit of Mount Hua, you must conquer the 'stairs to heaven' running along the 1,800m-high mountain slope (actually 6km, equivalent to 4,000 steps). After climbing the steep stone steps, tourists must cling to the mountain wall to follow the wooden plank system to reach the mountain top. Those who choose this path are mostly professional mountaineers who love adventure. If you prefer not to take risks and expend energy, you can pay to take a cable car to the mountain top. Just looking at the pictures is terrifying enough. If you are an adrenaline junkie, experiencing this bridge is truly amazing.

2. Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie, China

Glass bridges are becoming tourist hotspots in China. Some regions in this country have constructed transparent glass bridges as a way to boost tourism. However, not everyone has the courage to walk across these terrifying bridges. This is one of the first glass bridges in China, operational since 2015. Unlike bridges that span between two mountains like Zhangjiajie or Hongyagu, the Van Dai glass bridge forms a U-shape around Van Dai Mountain, leading tourists up to the mountain peak, shrouded in mist throughout the four seasons.

This special bridge stretches 300 meters around Van Dai Mountain in Ha Nam province, standing at a height of 180 meters above the ground. The bridge deck is made of three layers of toughened glass, capable of bearing a minimum load of 800kg per square meter. From here, you can gaze upon the misty Ha Nam valley, experiencing the sensation of hanging between sheer cliffs with no support. The main material used to construct the bridge is load-bearing, transparent glass. The bridge is becoming a major attraction in China. However, not everyone has the courage to cross this terrifying bridge.

The world is not lacking in bridges dubbed as dangerous, but the Hussaini Hanging Bridge in Pakistan is one that not everyone has the courage to set foot on. Nevertheless, it is the lifeline of the region where locals traverse it every day. The Hussaini Bridge spans over the swiftly flowing Hunza River below, making anyone's legs tremble upon crossing. Constructed with various-sized wooden planks, sparsely joined by thin ropes, this rope bridge sways precariously, and a lack of caution might lead to slipping through the gaps. According to locals, this bridge was built by a man with the help of villagers to facilitate easier passage, eliminating the need for risky climbs and river crossings.

The Hussaini Hanging Bridge poses a challenging tourist destination, holding the title of the world's second-longest suspension bridge. In 2005, Hussaini Bridge was swept away by a massive flood, but it was promptly reconstructed to serve the transportation needs of the people. Crossing over the scenic Borit River, the Hussaini Hanging Bridge sways with the wind due to its loose rope construction. Locals are adept at traversing it, as it has become a habit. They not only traverse it alone but also carry heavy loads of goods from one area to another. Despite being dubbed one of the most dangerous bridges globally, it significantly facilitates the work and lives of the local people.

Qeswachaka Bridge, also known as Q’eswachaka, is part of a network of grass bridges built since the Inca Empire era, but today, it remains the only surviving grass bridge in the world. The bridge spans approximately 36.6 meters, crossing the Apurimac River at a height of 67 meters, made from grass and only wide enough for one person to cross. The Qeswachaka Bridge lasts only about a year, and every year the locals here have to rebuild the bridge. With only simple materials like dry grass and skilled hands, the Inca people in the Queswachaka region have created a marvel every year. This bridge-making technique has been present here since the Inca Empire era, hundreds of years before Europeans arrived.

Approximately 1,000 people, both men and women, from various communities in the area weave Qoya grass into large ropes to make the bridge. The bridge spans a mountain gorge about 70 meters across the Apurimac River and is only wide enough for one person to cross at a time. The grass bridge is considered a sacred symbol of the local people, serving as a connection between nature, tradition, and history. Woven from a local grass called Qoya, the ropes that make up the Qeswachaka Bridge last only about a year, and every year the locals here have to rebuild the bridge. The weaving technique of these grass bridges is passed down from generation to generation, with each bridge woven in just a few days and rebuilt once a year, astonishing the world.

Visiting Northern Ireland, one cannot miss the famous rope bridge Carrick-a-Rede. The bridge spans 20 meters and hangs about 30 meters above the water. It connects the mainland of Ireland with the small island of Carrick-a-Rede. Visitors can walk across the hanging rope bridge, made of wood and ropes, which appears quite daunting. However, once crossed, you can enjoy watching diverse seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The bridge primarily serves as a tourist attraction and is owned and maintained by the National Trust. In 2018, the bridge welcomed 485,736 visitors. It is open year-round (weather permitting) and accessible for a fee. From afar, Carrick-a-Rede looks delicate, like a thin thread stretched across the gap between high cliffs and the offshore island, with a height of over 30 meters above sea level.

In the 18th-19th centuries, fishermen from the Antrim area often came to this stretch of the Atlantic Ocean coastline to catch salmon - a major occupation in the region. The spot where fish from the open sea approached the shore was where the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge stands today. To catch the fish, fishermen had to cross the cliffs to the island, and they came up with the idea of a unique bridge over the cliffs. During the bustling times at Carrick-a-Rede, over a hundred fishermen would swing across the rope bridge to the island daily, descend to the boats to set nets, with one end fastened to the cliff, and the other stretched out to sea to block the fish's path to the shore, regardless of the lurking dangers from the fragile rope bridge. As Atlantic salmon stocks were overfished, now severely depleted and listed as an endangered species, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge continues to be reinforced for sturdiness and repurposed as a scenic tourist destination.

Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge in Colorado is the longest suspension bridge in the United States, standing 321 meters above the ground. It's a popular tourist spot near the city of Canon in the state of Colorado, USA. The bridge and Royal Gorge Park are sure to provide an unforgettable experience, as it's home to one of the highest suspension bridges in the world. Walking across the bridge, riding on a gondola, ziplining, or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Royal Gorge Canyon at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Gorge Bridge was once recognized as the longest bridge in the world from 1929 to 2003, with a length of 384 meters and a width of 5.5 meters. Standing on the bridge and gazing at the surrounding scenery will awe you with its depth and landscape. Nevertheless, it remains a highly attractive tourist destination in the United States.

This impressive natural wonder attracts many tourists every year. The bridge spans the width of the canyon, allowing everyone crossing to look down into the canyon below. At 1,270 feet high and 956 feet over the river, this suspension bridge is both thrilling and iconic. Walking along this bridge during a winter snowfall is truly an exciting experience; your body shivers from the cold, yet your head heats up from the glaring sunlight. Upon arrival, visitors can choose to take a unique sky coaster to admire the spectacular canyon or, for the more adventurous, zipline from one side to the other in just... 45 seconds. In reality, 90% of this 360-hectare park has been destroyed, and the historic Gorge bridge exists with only about 100 charred planks, with the burnt bridge abutments rebuilt into scenic overlooks...

These bridges, with or without handrails, are extremely difficult and dangerous for those unfamiliar with them. Those accustomed to them may carry a load of about 20–50 kg to cross the bridge (of course, they must estimate the bridge's load-bearing capacity to avoid collapse). It's imagined that only monkeys or agile climbers could navigate them, hence the name monkey bridge. Another opinion suggests that the stooped posture of pedestrians resembling monkeys led to this name for the bridge. Additionally, it's also called a coconut bridge (if made of coconut wood) or bamboo bridge (if made of bamboo). Although not the decrepit or suspended rope bridges in the sky, monkey bridges in Vietnam still make tourists' hearts skip a beat every time they cross.

Such danger has placed the monkey bridge on the list of the world's most dangerous bridges. The monkey bridge is closely associated with the riverine life and has become a familiar and beloved image of the people in the Mekong Delta region. The rustic charm of the riverine monkey bridges remains deeply ingrained in the memories of the people of the Mekong Delta as an incredibly unique aspect of the landscape and livelihoods of the people in the Cuu Long River Delta. Back then, when the countryside was still impoverished, the monkey bridge shared its loyalty with the homeland, familiar to rural residents. When stepping onto the monkey bridge, everyone seemed accustomed to the 'swaying rhythm,' and that rocking has become poetic through the gentle lullabies of mothers. If the image of the monkey bridge is familiar to riverine residents, it is a source of fear for urban dwellers, with trembling steps as they lightly tread on the 'bare back' of the monkey bridge, resembling the steps of an old man.

The Titlis Cliff Walk Bridge stretches 100m long, 3m wide, but hangs at a staggering height of 3,238m above sea level, built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the famous cable car connecting the two towns of Engelberg and Gerschnialp in January 1913. It is the longest suspension bridge in Europe, spanning a glacier-fed river atop the majestic Alps in Switzerland. Standing on this bridge, one can behold incredibly beautiful natural scenery. Despite the cold weather and even snowfall, many still break into a sweat walking across the bridge. The bridge is nearly 98m long but only just under 1m wide. On clear days, visitors on the bridge can marvel at the ice and snow formations below their feet at 460m, stretching along the Uri Alps range and even into neighboring Italy.

The bridge was constructed in just 5 months and designed to withstand winds of up to 190km/h along with harsh snowfall conditions. According to representatives from the Titilis Engelberg Ski Resort, the bridge can withstand the weight of nearly 450 tons of snow. The Titilis Suspension Bridge is considered one of the most spectacular destinations, no less adventurous that travelers should not miss when visiting Switzerland. Most of the building materials were transported via cable car, with larger parts airlifted by helicopter. With a cost of around £1 million, the bridge will become a significant tourist attraction, especially in the warmer months. Media reports call it the “scariest bridge in the world,” and Swiss Tourism dubs it “a new high-adrenaline adventure”...

Unlike its namesake movie, Madagascar is a wild and unique place. This African island nation boasts a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna along with a series of bizarre natural landscapes, including the sharp rock formations of Tsingy. The wire bridge in Madagascar is a narrow bridge situated at a height of 90m, spanning a deep ravine filled with sharp rocks towering over Tsingy de Bemaraha. Madagascar is not for the faint-hearted traveler. The bridge sends shivers down the spine as it overlooks a landscape of razor-sharp rocks. Any mishap would lead to a tragic end. Locals here must tread carefully when crossing this bridge. This area was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1990 for its unique terrain and the preservation of its mangrove forests and diverse wildlife populations, including lemurs, birds, and wild foxes.

The Tsing de Bemaraha National Park in Madagascar features a limestone plateau covering 6 km2. This unique terrain has been shaped over centuries by wind, rain, and geological processes. The rugged trail helps travelers navigate through the toughest stretches. Experienced mountaineers use ropes and gear to climb the limestone towers. The magnificent scenery is a rewarding sight for those who dare to conquer these mountains. Tsingy means “the place where one cannot walk barefoot,” reflecting the treacherous terrain of this land. Visitors can traverse it on heart-stopping wire bridges. As you cross the bridge, you can look down at the lush greenery below. The limestone pinnacles in Tsingy rise 80m above ground level, making it unsuitable for those with a fear of heights.

Regarded as the longest suspension bridge in Germany, the Geierley Suspension Bridge spans over 365m, standing nearly 100m high over the Geierley gorge. This wire bridge serves as the centerpiece of a stunning panorama cutting through the forest between the towns of Morsdorf and Sosberg, near the border of Germany and Luxembourg. It's not for the faint-hearted. Truly terrifying. The bridge is constructed with cables and currently holds the record as the longest wire suspension bridge in Germany. Two bridge towers are erected on two mountains, and the bridge deck is securely connected by solid wooden planks. The total weight of the bridge is 77.5 tons, with a deck width of 85cm and a maximum load capacity of 50 tons equivalent to 600 people if each person weighs 80kg.

The idea of ​​building a suspension bridge using cables originated in 2006 with the aim of revitalizing the village and community development in the town of Mörsdorf, but unfortunately, the project was rejected as 'impractical' at the time. By 2010, three town members, Mörsdorfer Ingo Börsch, Hans-Peter Platten, and current Mayor Marcus Kirchhoff, continued to propose and push forward the idea to expedite the project. In April 2010, the City Council passed a basic decision on the construction of the bridge and came to the conclusion: The bridge is feasible. It's truly fascinating to walk across the bridge at a height of 100m above ground, spanning the lush green valley in summer along with the babbling brook below. But perhaps the most beautiful is in autumn, where you feel like walking on a valley full of gold with the vast blue sky above. The challenge of crossing the bridge at a height of 100m is not for the faint-hearted or those afraid of heights. You will encounter many faces with myriad different expressions...

Just by looking at the picture, you can feel the terror of the wooden cable bridge on Mount Ai-Petri, Crimea. This wooden bridge spans a vast canyon in the Ai-Petri mountain region on the southeastern coast of the Crimea peninsula. If you want to admire the panoramic view of Mount Ai-Petri, you must cross this bridge to fully appreciate the scenery. However, faint-hearted visitors should refrain from attempting to step on the wooden planks of this bridge. The staggering height of 1000m above sea level and the questionable reliability of the bridge, constructed from extremely fragile wooden slats, can make anyone's head spin from the very first step. Understandably, this bridge has earned the nickname 'path to hell'. But for those travelers seeking to behold the surreal and spectacular beauty of Mount Ai-Petri, located on the southeastern coast of the picturesque Crimea peninsula, this bridge is the perfect choice.

As for the climate, it is extremely harsh here, with up to 125 days of fierce winds reaching speeds of 100 mph. Standing on the wooden bridge amidst the height, fog, strong winds, and a series of 'harsh' factors can easily make visitors falter. However, once you muster the courage to step onto the bridge, the truly deserving reward is an unparalleled view to capture the beauty of the majestic mountain ranges or the cities of Yalta and Alupka, and even the Black Sea coastline. This winding wooden bridge is constructed in two sections in the shape of a V, intersecting at a mountain peak. With each step taken, treading on the fragile wooden slats strung together on tiny cables, travelers will increasingly feel a chill down their spine. Apart from the height, the howling winds and fog only add to the daunting experience. But on clear days, enjoying the sunset falling on the mountain peaks is incomparable...

12. Stonecutter Bridge in Hong Kong

Stonecutter Bridge in Hong Kong is the world's second-longest cable-stayed bridge. It is built over water, with both bridge towers rising above the surface. Stonecutter Bridge is constructed to facilitate transportation for residents. During stormy weather, the bridge sways in the wind, causing considerable fear among those crossing it. Many cargo boats have had to steer clear from passing beneath this bridge. Stonecutters Bridge has become a popular tourist attraction in Hong Kong, attracting visitors to come and explore. The bridge spans the Rambler Channel from the container terminal on the eastern side of Stonecutter Island. Featuring a dual three-lane carriageway on Stonecutters Bridge. Construction began in 2004, the bridge is a collaboration between the United States, Japan, and the Hong Kong SAR Government, with a budget of up to $354 million, completed in 2009 to become one of the longest-standing cable-stayed bridges (in the cable-stayed design category) in the world, with a total length of 1,596 meters.

Stretching from the Rambler Channel at the entrance to the bustling Kwai Chung container port, it forms part of Route 8, linking Tsing Yi and Cheung Sha Wan. This century-old structure has a main span of over 1km, utilizing 65 steel bridge decks weighing from 400 to 600 tons. The bridge is uniquely designed with 7 mid-span towers to support the enormous weight of the entire bridge deck and the traffic passing through. It utilizes overhead air support and minimizes ground-based support. Travelers visiting Hong Kong cannot afford to miss this century-old bridge because it will awe anyone. As a colossal structure, the bridge also astonishes with its flexibility, likely unmatched by any bridge in the world. The bustling yet orderly maritime activities of the port city are almost immediately evident under this structure.