Presenting a collection of some of the most amazing, scary, dangerous and adventurous man-made bridges around the world. Lots of visitors travel to these countries just to see these bridges, and to test their faith in the human capacity for construction. Would you?
1. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
This is one of the most adventurous and dangerous bridges that you can cross. Located in Northern Ireland’s County Antrim, near the small fishing village of Ballintoy, this rope bridge can be reached via a short coastal footpath that was the first tread by 18th Century fishermen. The bridge has a capacity of 8 pedestrians at a time, and there’s a toll of 5.40 GBP to cross.
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On the way, there are wonderful vantage points where you can stop and take in natural beauty. The geology, flora and fauna have won Carrick-a-Rede recognition as an area of special scientific interest.
Carrick-a-Rede boasts an exhilarating rope bridge experience that will carry you onto “Rocky Island,” from where you can enjoy wonderful views of Rathlin Island, Scotland and the Causeway Coast. Fishermen erected the bridge to Carrick-a-Rede island over a 30m deep and 20m wide chasm to check their salmon nets – in 1755! Today visitors are drawn here simply to take the rope bridge challenge!
2. Royal Gorge Bridge, USA
Located near Cañon City, Colorado, this bridge has become a tourist attraction because of its extreme 360 degree view. The bridge deck hangs 955 feet (291 m) above the Arkansas River.
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It is a suspension bridge with a main span of 938 feet (286 m), which hangs from two 150 ft (46 m) towers. The bridge is 1,260 feet (384 m) long and 18 feet (5.5 m) wide, with a wooden walkway with 1,292 planks.
3. Pulau Langkawi’s Bridge, Malaysia
This sky bridge spans around the gorge on Pulau Langkawi, which is the largest island in the Langkawi archipelago, Malaysia. It’s suspended at 660 m above sea level, offering magnificent views of the Andaman Sea and Thailand’s Tarutao Island.
The view from the bridge is really breathtaking – its curves provide different perspectives of the landscapes around every turn. The Sky Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world and it delivers quite a pump of adrenaline on top of its amazing views.
(Note: You can check here one of the hidden gems of Malaysia – Pulau Redang.)
4. Hussaini Hanging Bridge, Pakistan
Hussaini Hanging Bridge is situated in Pakistan and crosses over Borit Lake. It is known all over the world as the most dangerous and scariest rope bridge. Crossing this bridge is a real adventure that will test your tolerance for heights and human structures.
5. Inca Rope Bridge, South America
Inca rope bridges were simple suspension bridges over canyons and gorges (pongos) that provided access to hard to reach places for the Inca Empire.
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Bridges of this type were suitable for use since the Inca people did not use wheeled transport — traffic was limited to pedestrians and livestock. The bridges were an integral part of the Inca road system and are an example of Inca innovation in engineering.
6. Liuguanghe Bridge, China
Liuguanghe Bridge is a 305 meter high beam bridge at Liu Guangzhen, in Guizhou, China. It held the record for world’s highest bridge between 2001 and 2003, surpassing the 72-year old 291 m (955 ft) high Royal Gorge Bridge.
The Liuguanghe Bridge forms part of the China National Highway 321 between Bijie and Guiyangand, and has a 240 m long span. The highest pillar, which sits on the edge of a steep, deep valley, is 90 m high.
7. Si River Bridge Du, China
The Si Du River Bridge is a 1,222 m long (4,009 ft) suspension bridge crossing the valley of the Si Du River near Yesanguan in Badong County of the Hubei Province of the People’s Republic of China.
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8. Seven Mile Bridge, USA
Besides being seven miles long, the bridge itself doesn’t seem that scary. However, its position in the Florida Keys makes it a prime target for the region’s many hurricanes. In fact, the current bridge is the second iteration, built after the first bridge was severely damaged by Hurricane Donna in 1960.
The newer bridge scrapped the swing span concept of the original in lieu of a sturdier 65 foot-high arch to allow boats to pass by. While it may be sturdier, we still wouldn’t want to be on it during a storm.
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9. Millau Viaduct, France and Spain
Looking down on clouds can be expected if you’re in an airplane, but it’s a bit more unsettling in a car. That’s often the sight when driving across this bridge though. It is taller than the Eiffel Tower at its highest point. In fact, when it opened in 2004, it claimed the title of the world’s tallest vehicular bridge.
Many tourists heading to southern France and Spain follow this route because it is direct and without tolls for the 340 kilometers (210 mi) between Clermont-Ferrand and Pézenas. You only pay a toll to use the bridge itself.
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10. Quepos Bridge, Costa Rica
Known as the “Oh My God” bridge, this crossing is so narrow that cars can travel only in one direction. After waiting your turn, you pile onto the bridge with many other cars (including heavy trucks). The loose slats of the roadway clank loudly while the bridge shakes under the weight of all the vehicles.
