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While most bridges are designed for practicality, a few stand out as extraordinary. These exceptional structures, ranging from engineering masterpieces to artistic wonders, attract countless visitors annually. Iconic examples like San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and New York's Brooklyn Bridge are well-known, but there are numerous lesser-known yet equally captivating bridges to explore on your travels.
Discover 10 of the world's most unique and fascinating bridges that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.
10. The Moses Bridge, Netherlands
Unlike traditional bridges that span over water, the Moses Bridge in the Netherlands is designed to cut through it. This innovative structure leads to Fort de Roovere, the largest fortification on the West Brabant Line, a defensive system that utilized moats for protection. During a restoration project, building a conventional bridge was discouraged to preserve the site's historical integrity, leading to the creation of this unique submerged pathway.
The innovative solution was to design a bridge that slices through the water like a trench, minimizing visual impact while providing access. Constructed in 2010, it was initially named Loopgraafbrug but is now famously known as the Moses Bridge, evoking the biblical imagery of parting waters. Despite appearing precarious, the water level is regulated by dams, ensuring the submerged bridge remains safe from flooding.
9. The Golden Bridge, Vietnam
Vietnam's Golden Bridge is an architectural marvel, seemingly supported by two colossal stone hands. These weathered hands, towering over visitors, give the illusion of ancient origins, though they are crafted from wire mesh and fiberglass and were installed in 2018. The bridge not only offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains but also stands as a breathtaking attraction in its own right.
Situated in the Bà Nà Hills resort near Da Nang City, the bridge connects the gardens to a cable car station. This cable car holds the Guinness World Record for the longest non-stop single-track ride, spanning 19,000 feet (5,791 meters). While the Golden Bridge doesn't hold any records, it enhances the resort's charm, described by Forbes as a blend of Disney’s Epcot, a French ski resort, and a Buddhist mountain retreat.
8. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
The Atlantic Ocean, the world's second-largest ocean, is so vast that it seems improbable to cross by bridge. However, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, first erected in 1755, allows fishermen and now tourists to traverse a small section of it. Stretching over a 98-foot (30-meter) deep and 65-foot (20-meter) wide gap, this bridge technically crosses the Atlantic, albeit a narrow part.
A newer version of the bridge now stands, offering visitors the unique experience of walking over the Atlantic. While Carrick-a-Rede is notable, it isn't alone in this distinction. Scotland's Clachan Bridge also crosses a channel connected to the Atlantic, though over a shorter distance, making it another bridge with a similar claim.
7. The Euro Banknote Bridges, Netherlands
Euro banknotes showcase imaginary bridges to avoid favoring any specific country. Inspired by this, Robin Stam envisioned bringing these fictional designs to life. He proposed the idea to his hometown of Spijkenisse, and soon, a dedicated team was assembled to turn his vision into reality.
From 2011 to 2013, the bridges were constructed in Spijkenisse, each representing a distinct architectural style corresponding to the euro banknotes. For example, the €20 bridge features Gothic design, while the €50 bridge reflects Renaissance architecture. Though smaller than their illustrated counterparts, the bridges are vividly colored to match their respective notes. Five were built with colored concrete, and the remaining two used steel.
6. Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, South Korea
Banpo Bridge, the upper level of a double-decker bridge spanning 3,740 feet (1,140 meters), is located above Jamsu Bridge over Seoul's Han River. In 2008, it gained global recognition for hosting the world's longest bridge fountain, featuring 380 nozzles that release 60 tons (54 tonnes) of water per minute.
By day, the fountain displays elegant water patterns, but its true magic is revealed at night. LED lights transform the water jets into a vibrant rainbow, synchronized with music. Spectators can enjoy the 20-minute show from Jamsu Bridge below, offering a unique perspective of the illuminated display.
5. Kinzua Bridge, USA
The Kinzua Bridge in Pennsylvania offers a rare glimpse into its own destruction. Once the world's longest and tallest railroad bridge at 2,053 feet (626 meters) long and 301 feet (92 meters) high, it was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003 during restoration efforts, leaving behind a striking reminder of its former glory.
Rebuilding the bridge was deemed too costly, so the remaining structure was repurposed into a pedestrian walkway, completed in 2011. Six intact support towers were incorporated into the design. While the bridge no longer spans the gorge, it leads to a viewing platform where visitors can observe the eerie sight of eleven collapsed towers, now twisted and lying at the valley's base.
4. The Bastei Bridge, Germany
The Bastei is a striking 636-foot (194-meter) rock formation towering above Germany's Elbe River. Once home to Neurathen Castle, which was destroyed in 1484, the site now attracts visitors for its breathtaking natural beauty. A wooden bridge connecting the rock pillars was replaced in the mid-1800s with the current sandstone bridge, which remains a key attraction.
Crossing the bridge offers an up-close view of the towering rock pillars and a stunning vista of the surrounding mountains and valley. The bridge's medieval aesthetic complements the dramatic sandstone formations, creating a scene reminiscent of a fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings.
3. Living Root Bridges, India
Living root bridges are unique suspension structures crafted from the roots of rubber trees. These natural bridges are especially prevalent in Meghalaya, India, where dense jungles make traditional construction materials like concrete and steel impractical. Over 100 such bridges have been created to help local tribes navigate the region's numerous rivers.
To create these bridges, bamboo is first stretched across a river, and the tree roots are guided into place. Over time, as the trees grow, the bridges strengthen and can support more weight. Recognized for their cultural and environmental significance, they are on Unesco's tentative list for world heritage site status, showcasing a unique harmony between nature and human ingenuity.
2. The Tianjin Eye on Yongle Bridge, China
The Tianjin Eye stands out as the only Ferris wheel suspended over a river, specifically the Hai River in China. At 394 feet (120 meters) tall, it is smaller than the Ain Dubai in the UAE, which towers at 820 feet (250 meters), but its integration with Yongle Bridge makes it one-of-a-kind.
Opened in 2008, the Tianjin Eye can carry 384 passengers in its 48 compartments, completing a full rotation in 30 minutes. Its striking tri-pronged supports connect it to the bridge, and at night, vibrant neon lights illuminate the wheel, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for those crossing the bridge below.
1. Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia
Las Lajas Sanctuary is a stunning Gothic revival church perched 330 feet (100 meters) above a gorge in Colombia. Spanning the Guáitara River, a 160-foot (49-meter) bridge connects the church to the opposite side of the canyon. Constructed between 1916 and 1949, it replaced an earlier, simpler shrine built to commemorate a reported miracle at the site.
According to local lore, in 1754, a woman and her deaf-mute daughter took refuge in a cave during a storm and encountered the Virgin Mary. Following this event, the child gained the ability to speak. The cave became a pilgrimage site, and an image of Mary allegedly appeared on a stone slab, which is now enshrined in the church's altar.
