Europe is home to some of the most spectacular bridges in the world. These engineering marvels soar high above deep valleys, rivers, and canyons, demonstrating human ingenuity and architectural prowess.

Here, we explore the 14 highest bridges in Europe, ranked by their structural height (from base to highest point). These bridges not only serve a functional purpose but also offer breathtaking views and stand as testaments to modern engineering.

1. Millau Viaduct (France) – 343m

millau-bridge — Image from Jordi Vich Navarro on Unsplash

The Millau Viaduct is the tallest bridge in the world and the highest in Europe. Spanning the Tarn Valley in southern France, this cable-stayed bridge reaches an astonishing height of 343 meters at its highest mast. Designed by Sir Norman Foster and engineer Michel Virlogeux, it was completed in 2004 and remains one of the most iconic structures in modern engineering.

2. Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge (Turkey) – 322m

Also known as the Third Bosphorus Bridge, this massive structure connects Europe and Asia over the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. Opened in 2016, it features a height of 322 meters, making it the second-highest bridge in Europe. It serves both vehicular and rail traffic, combining function with elegance.

3. Russky Bridge (Russia) – 320.9m

Located in the Russian Far East, the Russky Bridge connects the mainland city of Vladivostok with Russky Island. Completed in 2012, it has a towering height of 320.9 meters and holds the record for the longest cable-stayed span in the world at 1,104 meters.

4. Çanakkale 1915 Bridge (Turkey) – 318m

The Çanakkale 1915 Bridge, completed in 2022, is a striking suspension bridge spanning the Dardanelles Strait. Its towers reach 318 meters, making it the longest suspension bridge in the world in terms of main span length and one of the highest bridges in Europe.

5. Vladivostok Bridge (Russia) – 312m

Also known as the Zolotoy Bridge, this structure, completed in 2012, stands at 312 meters. It is a cable-stayed bridge spanning Zolotoy Rog Bay in Vladivostok and is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the region.

6. Ponte 25 de Abril (Portugal) – 190m

lisbon bridge — Photo by Hanna Kazak on Unsplash

Resembling the Golden Gate Bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril in Lisbon reaches 190 meters at its highest point. Opened in 1966, it is a vital connection between Lisbon and Almada, spanning the Tagus River.

Read Next: Safest Cities in Europe

7. Baluarte Bridge (Spain) – 180m

The Baluarte Bridge is one of the highest cable-stayed bridges in Spain, with a tower height of 180 meters. It was constructed to improve transportation across challenging mountainous terrain.

8. The Oresund Bridge (Denmark-Sweden) – 204m

Connecting Copenhagen and Malmö, the Oresund Bridge stands at 204 meters at its tallest point. The structure consists of both a bridge and an underwater tunnel, making it one of Europe’s most unique engineering projects.

9. Great Belt Bridge (Denmark) – 254m

The Great Belt Fixed Link is a suspension bridge that connects the Danish islands of Zealand and Funen. Its two towers stand 254 meters tall, making it one of the highest bridges in Europe.

10. Lupu Bridge (Russia) – 160m

This massive steel arch bridge in Russia reaches 160 meters at its tallest point and stands as one of the country’s most remarkable infrastructure projects.

11. Ting Kau Bridge (Germany) – 170m

Located in Germany, the Ting Kau Bridge has a structural height of 170 meters. It is a cable-stayed bridge that enhances connectivity across important trade routes.

12. Högakustenbron (Sweden) – 182m

The Högakustenbron in Sweden is a suspension bridge spanning the Ångerman River. Its towers reach 182 meters, making it one of the tallest bridges in Northern Europe.

13. Viaduc de Garabit (France) – 122m

A historical bridge built by Gustave Eiffel, the Viaduc de Garabit is a beautiful arch bridge standing 122 meters above the Truyère River in France. Completed in 1884, it remains a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering.

14. Rheinbrücke Wesel (Germany) – 106m

Von Bundesarchiv, Bild 195-1158 / CC-BY-SA 3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5439861 — PC: Wikipedia Von Bundesarchiv

This bridge spans the Rhine River in Germany and reaches a height of 106 meters. It is an essential part of Germany’s transportation network, linking key industrial regions.

37 Most Dangerous Cities in the World You Need to Know About

While traveling is one of the greatest joys humans have, certain places need you to take extra precautions. With frequent news stories of violence, kidnappings and gang warfare, it’s hard to ignore the reality that there are dangerous places to travel to.

If you have no idea what the most dangerous cities in the world are, don’t worry — this guide’s got you covered. It’s been compiled using data from the Mexican Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice (MCPSCJ) and sources like The Economist Intelligence Unit.

Whether you’re looking at places to avoid when traveling or just want to stroke your curiosity, you’ll find some of the world’s most dangerous cities below.

37 Most Dangerous Cities in the World

31 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe You Might Want to Avoid

Europe is an incredibly diverse continent and has many beautiful cities. Many of those cities are perfectly set up for tourists, but some are considered more dangerous than others.

What makes a city dangerous? Is it the number of criminal reports? Natural disasters? Scams? Terrorist attacks? Generally, it’s a combination of all of those. Europe is quite lucky to be a continent full of safe and bucket list-worthy destinations. But there will always be some level of risk wherever you go.

31 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe

Amanda OBrien

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

14 Highest Bridges in Europe