Bridges are meant to provide safe passage over treacherous terrain, but some are more frightening than others. Whether due to their precarious heights, rickety construction, or extreme weather conditions, these bridges pose serious risks to those who dare to cross them. This article explores the 20 most dangerous bridges in the world, detailing their hazards, structural challenges, and the adrenaline-pumping experiences they offer.
1. Hussaini Hanging Bridge (Pakistan)
Located in northern Pakistan, the Hussaini Hanging Bridge is one of the most perilous crossings in the world. Made of wooden planks and frayed ropes, it sways above the Hunza River, with large gaps between the planks making every step a gamble.
2. Quepos Bridge (Costa Rica)
Nicknamed the “Bridge of Death”, the Quepos Bridge in Costa Rica is a rusting, narrow structure that shakes violently under vehicle weight. With its unstable planks and gaps, crossing it is not for the faint of heart.
3. Vitim River Bridge (Russia)
This abandoned railway bridge in Siberia is a narrow, ice-covered death trap. Only a handful of daring adventurers have successfully crossed its slippery, aged wooden planks.
4. Trift Bridge (Switzerland)
Suspended high above the Trift Glacier, this pedestrian bridge is one of the most intimidating in the Alps. Strong winds and swaying motion make crossing a heart-stopping experience.
5. Capilano Suspension Bridge (Canada)
While safe, the Capilano Suspension Bridge in British Columbia is terrifying due to its extreme height and movement. It stretches 137 meters across a canyon and sways with each step.
6. U Bein Bridge (Myanmar)
Made entirely of teakwood, this ancient bridge, stretching 1.2 km, lacks railings and deteriorates over time, making each crossing an uncertain journey.
7. Sunshine Skyway Bridge (USA)
Due to its height and exposure to extreme weather conditions, Florida’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge has been the scene of tragic accidents, including a 1980 collapse caused by a ship collision.
8. Langkawi Sky Bridge (Malaysia)
While structurally sound, this curved pedestrian bridge is terrifying due to its extreme height and occasional strong winds that make it feel unstable.
9. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (Northern Ireland)
Originally built by fishermen, this bridge sways precariously 30 meters above the rocky sea below, with only a few ropes and wooden planks separating pedestrians from the abyss.
10. Puente de Ojuela (Mexico)
A relic from a mining town, this rickety bridge is fragile and suspended high above a canyon, making it one of the scariest crossings in Latin America.
11. Canopy Walk (Ghana)
Located in Kakum National Park, this narrow hanging bridge takes visitors high into the rainforest canopy, swaying as they navigate the wobbly planks.
12. Deception Pass Bridge (USA)
This narrow, high-altitude bridge in Washington State is notorious for its heavy fog, strong winds, and limited visibility, making it an anxiety-inducing crossing.
13. Monkey Bridges (Vietnam)
Handmade bamboo bridges in rural Vietnam are difficult to navigate due to their narrow design and lack of handrails—one wrong step could send you into the river below.
14. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (USA)
At 38.4 km, this is the longest continuous bridge over water. Foggy conditions make it particularly eerie, with no land in sight for miles.
15. Eshima Ohashi Bridge (Japan)
This towering bridge is nicknamed “The Roller Coaster Bridge” due to its sharp incline and steep descent, making it a nerve-wracking experience for drivers.
16. Royal Gorge Bridge (USA)
Hanging 291 meters above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge was once the world’s highest bridge, and it still terrifies visitors with its swaying structure.
17. Siduhe Bridge (China)
One of the highest bridges in the world, it spans 496 meters above a canyon. While structurally stable, its sheer height alone makes it terrifying to cross.
18. Q’eswachaka Bridge (Peru)
Handwoven by the Quechua people, this rope bridge is a living piece of history that must be rebuilt annually to remain safe. However, it still requires a brave heart to cross.
19. Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge (China)
This transparent glass bridge allows visitors to walk above a 260-meter-deep canyon. The experience is enough to make even the bravest adventurers freeze in fear.
20. Hanging Bridge of Ghasa (Nepal)
Used daily by locals and livestock, this long suspension bridge sways precariously in the Himalayan wind, making it one of the scariest bridges in the world.
Article Sources
- National Geographic – World’s Most Dangerous Bridges (www.nationalgeographic.com)
- Structural Engineering Database (www.structurae.net)
- Atlas Obscura – Scariest Bridges in the World (www.atlasobscura.com)
- BBC Travel – Dangerous Bridges You Must See (www.bbc.com/travel)
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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.