20 Of The Most Dangerous Bridges In The World

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Every time I look at a bridge, I marvel at the clever engineering minds behind its construction. Bridges are works of engineering invented to allow people and vehicles to traverse fissures, valleys, rough terrains, bodies of water and other obstacles that would otherwise be difficult to cross. The number of bridges in the world today is estimated to be around 600,000.

The ancient Greeks, Romans, Indians and Chinese were bridge builders, along with the Inca civilisation. The world’s oldest bridge that is still being used (according to Guinness World Records) is Turkey’s Caravan Bridge in Izmir. The technology to build bridges has advanced rapidly over the years and there are many amazing bridges all over the world.

There are bridges built in some of the most unusual places, at unimaginable heights of well over a thousand feet and lengths of more than a hundred kilometres. These days, China has is one of the world’s leading bridge-building nations and has bridges with jaw-dropping architectural features, as well as the most long-span and highest bridges of any country.

While it is difficult to tell if a bridge is secure simply by looking at it, some are just too terrifying to cross, no matter how stable or safe they are. With steep inclines, frightening heights, these are some of the most dangerous bridges in the world.

Most Dangerous Bridges In The World

Dangerous Bridges In The World For Pedestrians

1- Hussaini Hanging Bridge, Pakistan

20 most dangerous bridges in the world
It’s easy to see why the label of one of the most dangerous bridges in the world has stuck to Hussaini Hanging Bridge, which is suspended over the Hunza River in a mountainous landscape in Gojal, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan.

The Hussaini Bridge is often regarded as the most dangerous bridge in the world to walk across.

The Hussaini Hanging Bridge is in the Gilgit-Baltistan area of Pakistan, hanging at a height of 2,600 m (100 ft) and is 194 m (635 ft) long.

The bridge was constructed between 1966 and 1977 to serve the villages around the Hunza valley but has become a tourist attraction.

It was built by the residents of the village using ropes and planks from the surrounding area after the previous bridge washed away in a flood.

The stability of this suspension bridge is questionable, and there are numerous spaces on the bridge’s floor, making it unsafe to walk on while crossing the Hunza River.

2- Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya, India

living roots bridge of meghalaya
The Living Roots Bridges of Meghalaya are some of the most dangerous bridges in the world to cross.

The Living Root Bridges, commonly found in the Indian state of Meghalaya, are a unique type of bridge formed by tree shaping.

They are made from the aerial roots of the Indian rubber tree by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes, who reside on both sides of the river.

The roots of these trees are wrapped around a framework of bamboo or palm stems and guided across the river, where they are placed into the earth.

Living root bridges can grow to be over 20 m (66 ft) long and are unsafe to walk on due to their slippery nature, yet they are stable constructions that last a long time thanks to the regenerating ability of the trees.

3- Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, Nepal

The Ghasa Hanging Bridge is a long suspension bridge in the town of Ghasa, Nepal.

The 443-ft (135 m) high and 1,128-ft (343 m) long bridge is mostly used to transport animals from one side to the other.

The primary purpose of the bridge was to reduce traffic congestion caused by livestock on the highways.

Despite its appearance as an unsafe bridge, it is still heavily used by pedestrians and farmers herding their animals on a daily basis.

While crossing the bridge may be frightening for some, watching the animals walk across the wobbly suspension bridge is quite an experience.

4- U Bein Bridge, Myanmar

10 most dangerous bridges in the world
The locals who cross the U Bein Bridge might disagree with this being one of the most dangerous bridges in the world. Sunset in Amarapura in the Mandalay region of Myanmar is a beautiful time to photograph this bridge.

The U Bein Bridge, in Mandalay, Myanmar, is a wooden footbridge across Taungthaman Lake.

The bridge, which was built in 1851, has 1,086 teakwood pillars that extend out into the lake and is considered the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world.

Although the bridge is largely intact, the teakwood pillars are steadily decaying, and there are fears that it will collapse one day if repairs are not made.

Despite the deteriorating state of this bridge, it is an awesome sight when the sun sets behind it and casts its golden light over the lake.

5- Monkey Bridges, Vietnam

monkey bridges
Monkey Bridges are some of the most dangerous bridges in the world to attempt climbing if you don’t have the strength or the skills.

Monkey bridges are a unique type of bridge found in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

Suspended between two to 10 m (6.5 to 33 ft) above the Mekong Delta, these bridges are used to travel between villages by foot.

The bridges are made of one piece of bamboo log with only one railing for support and are built by the residents of the surrounding area.

They are called monkey bridges because most people have to bend over and hold on tight like a monkey while crossing.

These stunning bridges are terrifying and difficult to cross but will present adventure-seekers with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

6- Iya Valley Vine Bridges, Japan

The vine bridges are stunning suspension bridges that hang over the Iya River in Miyoshi, Tokushima, Japan.

At one time, the Iya Valley had 13 of these bridges but only three exist now.

The Iya Kazurabashi, with a length of 45 m (148 ft) and a height of 14 m (46 ft) above the river, is the largest and most famous of the remaining three.

The bridge is built of wood and rope-like vines and is remade every few years.

It’s attached to towering cedar trees at both ends and has steel cables hidden within the vines for added safety.

Walking on these vine bridges will get the adrenalin pumping as you sway with the structure while admiring the views as you cross.

7- Puente de Ojuela, Mexico

The Puente de Ojuela is a suspension bridge in Mapim, Durango, Mexico, built in 1898.

The 318-m (1,043-ft) bridge has become a popular tourist attraction since 1991 when visitors started joining tours of the Ojuela ghost town.

It’s mostly made of wood and rises 109 m (360 ft) above the canyon floor.

Because it sways and squeaks when crossing, this is one of the most dangerous bridges in the world to cross by foot. And if you’re game, you’ll catch views of the desert canyon through the gaps in the wooden floorboards.

8- Musou Tsuribashi Bridge, Japan

Musou Tsuribashi Bridge is a suspension bridge located in the southern Japanese Alps.

The bridge, which was constructed in the 1950s, is commonly recognized as Japan’s most dangerous suspension bridge.

It’s 144 m (472 ft) long and is made of wire and thin boards.

Standing at a height of 83 m (272 ft), it is extremely difficult to get to as the only access is to climb a steep mountain using a network of chains embedded in the stone.

As it has not been maintained over the years, many wooden boards have rotted, so crossing this bridge in its deteriorated state would be extremely dangerous and there is a sign warning you not to do so.

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The Most Dangerous Vehicle Bridges In The World

9- Eshima Ohashi Bridge, Japan

Eshima Ohashi Bridge, also known as the “Rollercoaster Bridge,” is one of the most peculiar bridges in the world.

Located in Yatsukacho-Eshima, it is Japan’s largest rigid-frame bridge and the world’s third-largest rigid-frame bridge.

It’s 1700 m (1.1 mi) long and stands at a height of 44.7 m (147 ft), connecting the cities of Matsue and Sakaiminato.

Although it appears to be quite steep in photographs, it is not as frightening and the inclination is more gradual than it looks.

10- Quepos Bridge, Costa Rica

The Quepos Bridge, commonly known as The Bridge of Death, is on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, on the road from Jaco to Quepos.

The bridge, which was erected between 1930 and 1940, is extremely narrow as it was previously a railway bridge used to transport goods to the port of Quepos.

This Costa Rica landmark is one of the most dangerous bridges in the world because it looks like it could collapse at any time.

You can hear the loose slats of the roadway clank loudly as the bridge shakes under the weight of all the vehicles.

Surprisingly, the locals are unconcerned with the state of the bridge and regularly drive trucks and heavy vehicles across it.

11- Vitim River Bridge, Siberia

The Vitim River bridge in Siberia is a narrow bridge built in the 1980s.

The original bridge is only 15 m (50 ft) above the river and is 570 m (1870 ft) in length.

The bridge was previously a railway bridge over the Vitim River but it’s now used by vehicles.

At only 1.8 m (6 ft) in width, it’s barely wide enough for one car and lacks guard railings, making it one of the most dangerous bridges in the world to cross.

Watch out for the rotting hardwood boards and the region’s cold temperatures, which result in the bridge being covered in slippery ice most of the year.

More Bridges In The World To Cross For The ‘Danger’ Factor

12- Trift Suspension Bridge, Switzerland

The Trift Bridge is one of the world’s longest cable suspension bridges, spanning 170 m (560 ft) and rising to a height of 100 m (330 ft).

The bridge in the Swiss Alps is a landmark in Switzerland crossing the Trift glacial river and providing visitors with breathtaking views.

It was built in 2004 to provide access to the Swiss Alpine Club’s Trift Hut and rebuilt in 2009 to strengthen and make it more aesthetically pleasing.

It’s constructed from steel cables and timber boards that are tightly fastened together and with its steep incline, hiking the bridge can get dangerous in bad weather.

13- Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia

most dangerous bridges in the world Langkawi Sky Bridge
Langkawi Island’s Sky Bridge is an impressive feat of engineering in Malaysia.

Constructed in 2005, this is a 125-m (410-ft) curved bridge in Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia, and is the world’s longest curved bridge, measuring 125 meters (410 ft).

The bridge deck is 660 m (2,170 ft) above sea level, sitting atop the Machinchang Mountain and a famous landmark in Malaysia

One of the elements that make it feel dangerous to cross is the curved design, which creates unstable sections that require the use of a crane for support.

This bridge is also not suitable for people who are afraid of heights, as the railing along the bridge is relatively low in comparison to its height.

Walking down the length of the bridge offers incredible scenery as its shape presents different viewpoints of the island’s lovely scenery.

14- Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada

capilano suspension bridge
Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge is not for the faint-hearted and neither is the Cliff Walk, which is within Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. 

Built in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a historic wire cable suspension bridge across the Capilano River in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

This bridge runs for 137 m (449 ft) above stunning views of the forest and river below.

Suspended more than 70 m (230 ft) above the Capilano River, the cedarwood walkway is quite narrow and the bridge allows you to take an incredible walk among the treetops.

Visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the things to do in Vancouver you should not miss. 

15- Kakum Canopy Walk, Ghana

The Canopy Walk is a popular tourist attraction in the Kakum National Park in Ghana, which was opened in 1995.

It is a collection of seven bridges that span 350 m (1,150 ft) across numerous treetops more than 39 m (130 ft) above the earth.

The bridges appear to be weak but they are made of wire rope, aluminium, and timber planks, with safety netting functioning as guardrails to keep people from falling off.

The Canopy Walk is an incredible experience.

It allows guests to take in breathtaking views of the treetops as well as observe incredible wildlife species in the jungle.

16- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland

30 most dangerous bridges in the world Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is an experience to write home about.

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland is a 20 m (66 ft) bridge that provides access to a small beautiful island and is a landmark in Ireland

Built at a height of 30 m (98 ft), the main purpose of the bridge was to allow fisherman to suspend their fishing nets in the water between the mainland and Carrick Island.

These days, the bridge is used mostly by visitors who wish to see the natural beauty and wildlife of the island.

Most visitors who cross the rope bridge to the other side usually choose to make the return journey by boat because its swinging motion can be rather scary.

17- Seven Mile Bridge, USA

most dangerous driving bridges in the world Seven Mile bridge
The historic Seven Mile Bridge was built by Henry Flagler as part of the Overseas Railroad to Key West. The new seven-mile bridge can be seen on the left running alongside the old one.

The Seven Mile Bridge in Florida is a 6.8-mi (10.9-km) long concrete bridge located in the Atlantic Ocean in the Florida Keys.

This Florida landmark, which was completed in 1982 and stands at a height of 20 m (65 ft), is one of the longest in the United States.

It has a fascinating history, as it was formerly an old railway bridge that was devastated in 1935 by the Donna hurricane.

It was eventually restored and used for vehicular traffic, and until 1982, when the adjacent new Seven Mile Bridge opened, it was the only road that cars could use to get to Key West.

When driving over the new bridge, you will see the old bridge nearby, which is now known as the Old Seven and is used for recreation.

Anyone who visits both bridges will have an unforgettable experience.

18- Aiguille du Midi bridge, French Alps

the most dangerous bridges in the world Aiguille du Midi footbridge in Alps
The Aiguille du Midi footbridge in the Alps is one bridge that will get your heart racing.

The Aiguille du Midi bridge is a short bridge connecting two mountains at the top of the Mont Blanc Massif.

It’s over 3840 m (12,600 ft) above sea level and is sure to get the adrenalin pumping as its glass floor offers a plunging view of the mountainous region below.

The bridge can only be accessed by a cable car which holds the record as the world’s highest vertical ascent cable car, reaching a height of 3,842 m (12,605 ft).

19- Cloud Bridge, South Korea

The Cloud Bridge in South Korea’s Wolchulsan National Park is 52 m (171 ft) in length and rises 120 m (394 ft) above the ground.

The suspension bridge is made of reinforced steel and wire and spans a canyon to connect two peaks atop the national Daedunsan Mountains in the park.

Although the bridge appears to be dangerous, especially to those who are afraid of heights, the view from this South Korean landmark is simply amazing.

On the northern side, it offers spectacular views of Yeongam and Jeollanamdo Province, while on the southern side, it offers dramatic vistas of the rocky peaks in the park.

20- Royal Gorge Bridge, USA

top 10 most dangerous bridges in the world Royal Gorge Bridge
Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City, Colorado, is one of the USA’s highest suspension bridges.

The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is a suspension bridge built in 1929, as an attraction rather than as a transit route.

This Colorado landmark was built of steel and timber and stands at a height of 291 m (955 ft) on the Arkansas River.

From the year of its completion until 2001, it held the title of the world’s tallest bridge, until the construction of the Liuguanghe Bridge in China to over the crown.

It remains the tallest suspension bridge in the United States.

You’ll get a breathtaking view of the gorge beneath the bridge, while those who are afraid of heights may get chills looking down.

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Christina Pfeiffer
Christina Pfeiffer is a writer, photographer and video blogger based in Queensland, Australia. She has lived in three continents and her career as a travel journalist has taken her to all seven continents. Since 2003, she has contributed travel stories and photographs to mainstream media in Australia and around the world such as the Sydney Morning Herald, CNN Traveller, The Australian and the South China Morning Post. She has won many travel writing awards and is a full member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers.