Buzz
For many, bridges are a source of deep fear. Those with gephyrophobia often go to great lengths to avoid crossing them, sometimes taking long detours just to stay away. Even individuals with acrophobia find certain bridges to be particularly daunting.
Some bridges, though, evoke sheer terror in anyone who encounters them. Below, we explore ten bridges that are guaranteed to make your knees weak. Proceed with caution—and try not to glance downward.
10. Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado
Constructed in 1929 for just $350,000, the Royal Gorge Bridge once held the title of the world’s highest bridge until 2001. Stretching 384 meters (1,260 ft) across Colorado’s stunning Royal Gorge, it offers breathtaking views of the Arkansas River roaring 291 meters (955 ft) below, where adventurous white-water rafters often brave the rapids.
The bridge was completed in just six months. Its two primary cables, each weighing 200 tons, are made up of 2,100 smaller cables tightly wound together. The deck consists of 1,292 wooden planks securely fastened to the base. Without a vertical truss, the bridge sways with every step, creating an unnerving sensation as you traverse a gorge with a roaring river nearly 300 meters (1,000 ft) beneath you.
For those who prefer to avoid the bridge, aerial gondolas offer a panic-free alternative to reach the other side.
9. Titlis Cliff Walk, Switzerland
To experience the Titlis Cliff Walk, you must first ascend Mount Titlis. At the summit, an underground tunnel through a glacier cave leads you to the bridge.
Perched at approximately 3,000 meters (10,000 ft) above sea level, the Titlis Cliff Walk spans 100 meters (330 ft) in length but is only 1 meter (3.3 ft) wide. Connecting two rock faces in the Swiss Alps, it overlooks a 500-meter-deep (1,600 ft) abyss. Walking single file, it takes about 150 steps to cross—each one suspended over a breathtaking chasm.
After crossing, you can hop on the “Ice Flyer” chairlift to reach the summit on the opposite side of the glacier. It’s puzzling why no one considered simply climbing that side from the start.
8. Marienbrucke, Germany
Marienbrucke (Queen Mary’s Bridge) in Bavaria is part of the Neuschwanstein Castle estate. The castle epitomizes fairy-tale perfection, perched dramatically on a cliff as if waiting for a princess and a pair of dragons to call it home. The bridge is equally enchanting, soaring 90 meters (295 ft) above the Pollat River and providing stunning views of the castle.
The bridge was built purely for scenic enjoyment. Maximillian II had lookout points installed around the area to appreciate the castle’s beauty. In the 1840s, he ordered the construction of the bridge as a birthday gift for his wife, Marie, who fortunately shared his love for mountain climbing and heights.
7. Puente De Ojuela, Mexico
The journey to Puente de Ojuela is challenging, but the bridge itself is downright terrifying. Spanning approximately 300 meters (1,000 ft) and hanging nearly 100 meters (327 ft) above a deep ravine, the bridge is a mere 0.6 meters (2 ft) wide. While it’s now reserved for pedestrians, it once served as a route for pack animals.
Built in 1898, the bridge was initially used to transport gold and silver from nearby mines and deliver supplies. As you walk across, the bridge sways, and despite having handrails, the gaps between the planks offer a clear view of the canyon below—if you dare to look. With two-way traffic, you might also find yourself navigating around others as you cross.
If you muster the courage to traverse this bridge (designed, surprisingly, by the same team behind the Brooklyn Bridge), you can explore the ghost town museum and one of the deserted mines. Then again, maybe that’s not such a great idea.
6. The Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, Nepal
The Hanging Bridge of Ghasa might be better named the Swinging Bridge of Ghasa. Positioned at a high altitude in an area prone to strong winds, the bridge sways dramatically as locals, tourists, and even cattle make their way across.
Despite its fragile appearance, the bridge is reputed to be quite robust. It remains in use for transporting cattle, with some animals fitted with blinkers to prevent panic during the crossing. One can only wish for a similar solution for the humans braving the bridge.
Constructed to alleviate congestion on other bridges, it sees daily use by locals herding their livestock. The concept of traffic jams on such a precarious structure adds an intriguing twist.
5. Iya Kazurai, Japan
Iya Kazurai, one of the more peculiar bridges, is located in Japan’s Iya Valley, surrounded by mountains and hot springs. Spanning 45 meters (148 ft) and standing just 14 meters (46 ft) above the Iyagawa River, it compensates for its lack of height with sheer oddity.
Built from a plant known as Hardy Kiwi, the bridge’s material, while somewhat strong, is far from ideal for construction due to its lack of durability and susceptibility to rot—hardly reassuring qualities for a bridge.
Legend has it that the Hardy Kiwi was chosen intentionally, allowing the bridge to be swiftly dismantled in the event of an invasion, effectively blocking enemy forces from crossing the gorge.
The bridge undergoes reconstruction every three years, with vines anchored to towering cedar trees on either side of the gorge. Modern safety measures include steel cables concealed within the vines, but the wide gaps between steps and the bridge’s wild swaying are enough to terrify most visitors.
4. Q’eswachaka Bridge, Peru
The Q’eswachaka Bridge, located along the Great Inca Road in the Andes, stands as the last remarkable example of an Inca suspension bridge. These bridges played a crucial role in uniting and strengthening the Inca Empire, remaining integral to the road network for centuries.
During times of conflict, the bridges were often destroyed to shield communities from invaders. When the Spanish arrived, many of these bridges were set ablaze.
Inca bridges are crafted by weaving natural fibers to create the floor, handrails, and vertical supports. Stone pillars secure the cables on both sides. Crossing the bridge is far from smooth, and its flexible design offers a clear view of the river below.
Each year, local communities come together to rebuild the bridge. They harvest grass, twist it into cables, and collaborate to stretch the ropes across the gorge. The old bridge remains intact until the new one is complete. Villagers work from opposite ends, meeting in the middle. The entire process takes just three days, culminating in a celebratory gathering—a fitting reward for their efforts.
3. Hussaini Hanging Bridge, Pakistan
The Hussaini Hanging Bridge in Pakistan barely qualifies as a bridge. The current structure is an upgraded version, replacing the original, even more terrifying one that was destroyed by harsh weather. Made of ropes and wooden planks, the bridge sways dangerously in the constant icy winds. Locals claim at least ten people have lost their lives attempting to cross it.
A fall from the bridge would send you plummeting into the river below. Many tourists venture onto the bridge, often stepping just a few feet forward for a photo before retreating quickly. For locals, however, it’s a necessary route, frequently crossed while carrying heavy loads on their backs.
2. Hongyagu Bridge, China
Sometimes, it feels like bridge architects have a mischievous streak. Consider the creators of Hebei’s Hongyagu Bridge, unveiled in late 2017. They built a bridge stretching 488 meters (1,601 ft) over a 220-meter (722 ft) drop, already enough to unsettle most. But they didn’t stop there—they added a glass floor, offering a clear view of the valley below, playing tricks on the mind by making it seem like nothing supports you. And as if that weren’t enough, they engineered the bridge to sway.
The glass panels are just 4 centimeters (1.6 in) thick, a thin barrier between you and a fatal plunge. While the bridge can hold 2,000 people, only 600 are allowed at a time for safety. Visitors must wear special “shoe gloves” to prevent scratches or damage to the glass. (Apparently, this is standard for glass bridges—who knew?)
To assist those overwhelmed by fear, staff are stationed along the bridge. But the designers didn’t stop there—they added sound effects. With every step, the glass emits a cracking noise, mimicking the sensation of it breaking beneath your feet. No, thank you.
1. Kuandinsky Bridge, Russia
Spanning 570 meters (1,870 ft) over Siberia’s Vitim River, the Kuandinsky Bridge was originally a railway bridge but now serves as an unofficial crossing for vehicles. The term “bridge” is used loosely here—it’s just over 2 meters (6.6 ft) wide, lacks railings, and has no safety measures to prevent vehicles from plunging into the icy waters below. Rusted and with rotting wooden sleepers due to harsh conditions, the bridge has never undergone major repairs, as the railway company abandoned it and no one else has claimed responsibility.
Locals, perhaps numbed by the relentless cold, use the bridge as a shortcut across the river. Heavy vehicles often break the sleepers, and gaps are patched with whatever planks or wood scraps are available. This means drivers must stop mid-crossing to repair the bridge. Adding to the challenge, the wood becomes treacherously slippery when wet—which is always. Sometimes, taking the long way around seems like the wiser choice.
