We probably cross at least one bridge on a daily basis. However, not all bridges are the same and you will need a lot of courage and willpower to cross those listed in this article. We present to you 10 of the most dangerous bridges in the world you wouldn’t want to cross.
10. Queen Mary’s Bridge (Marienbrücke)
Marienbrücke (Queen Mary’s Bridge) is located in the vicinity of the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. The bridge offers a great view of the “fairytale” castle, but it may be a bit too much for those who are afraid of heights, as it passes 90 meters (295 ft) over the Pollat River. Marienbrücke was constructed in 1845 by King Maximilian II (the husband of Queen Marie).
9. Royal Gorge Bridge
The Royal Gorge Bridge was the world’s highest bridge until 2001. It was built in 1929 for $350,000. The bridge is 384 meters (1,260 ft) long and it is built over Colorado’s Royal Gorge. It passes over the Arkansas River which is 291 meters (955 ft) below. The Royal Gorge Bridge is held in place by two giant cables which weigh 200 tons. However, there is no vertical support, so it cannot stay completely still when someone is walking over it. Try not getting a panic attack.
8. Titlis Cliff Walk
On Mount Titils in the Swiss Alps, there is bridge that stretches between two big rocks. The Titlis Cliff Walk is around 3,000 meters (10,000 ft) above sea level and 100 meters (330 ft) long but only 1 meter (3.3 ft) wide. The chasm between the two connected rocks is roughly 500 meters deep. There are around 150 steps from one end to the other.
7. Puente De Ojuela
This Mexican bridge was originally built in 1898 and was used to move gold and silver taken from the local mines. Puente De Ojuela is around 300 meters (1,000 ft) long and is suspended almost 100 meters (327 ft) above a ravine. It is only 0.6 meters (2 ft) wide. The spaces between the planks are a bit wide so you can see the canyon below if you dare. The bridge also sways on top of that.
6. The Hanging Bridge Of Ghasa
The Hanging Bridge Of Ghasa is located in a high-altitude windy region in Nepal. Because of that it tends to sway dangerously. However, the locals say that the bridge is not so fragile as it looks and they use it daily to cross the Gandaki River. It is also used to move cattle. The animals are often blindfolded to prevent them from panicking. Maybe the humans should practice that too?
5. Iya Kazurabashi
This unusual-looking bridge can be found in Japan’s Iya Valley among mountains and hot springs. Iya Kazurabashi bridge is 45 meters (148 ft) long and only 14 meters (46 ft) above the Iyagawa River. However, there is a twist which will make you think twice before you cross it. It is built from a plant called Hardy Kiwi. The material is relatively strong, but not the best constructing material for a bridge as it is not very durable. It is said that the bridge was deliberately built that way, so if there is an invading army, the defenders would be able to destroy it more easily and prevent the invaders from crossing the gorge. Nowadays, Iya Kazurabashi is rebuilt every three years, but the vines also hide steel ropes inside them, just in case.
4. Q’eswachaka Bridge
The Q’eswachaka Bridge is a remaning example of an Inca suspension bridge in Peru. It is located on the Great Inca Road through the Andes. This type of bridges are made by braiding natural fibers to make the floor, handrails, and vertical ties between the base and the handrails for protection. Stone pillars anchor the cables on either side of the bridge. The local people who are using this bridge, replace it each year with fresh materials. It is said that the process lasts three days, after which the the communities gather for a celebration. By the look of it, you may want to celebrate each successful crossing.
3. Kuandinsky Bridge
The Kuandinsky Bridge stretches for 570 meters (1,870 ft) over the Vitim River in Siberia. It was originally a railway bridge, but now it is used by vehicles. It is only over 2 meters (6.6 ft) wide and there is no fence that can prevent cars from falling over in the icy waters below. The bridge is not in a good condition as no officials have ever bothered to repair it. The construction is rusty and the wood is half-rotted. Despite all of this, locals sometimes use the bridge as a shortcut across the river. Of course, the wet and cold weather only make the situation worse.
2. Hongyagu Bridge
This Chinese bridge was opened to the public in 2017 and it is the longest glass bridge in the world. The Hongyagu Bridge which is located in Hebei province, spans 488 meters (1,601 ft) over a vertical drop of 220 meters (722 ft). The glass panels which are 4 centimeters (1.6 in) thick should be capable of carrying 2,000 people at a time, but actually only 600 are allowed to walk on it together. Visitors have to wear “shoe gloves” to protect the glass from scratching or breaking.
1. Hussaini Hanging Bridge
The Hussaini Hanging Bridge is located in Pakistan. It is made of rope and planks and it honestly looks terrible. There is a constant icy wind blowing in the region, which makes the bridge sway dangerously and makes the crossing a difficult task. The locals say that at least 10 people have lost their lives while trying to cross the bridge. The tourists rarely dare to cross the whole bridge, but the local residents need to use it regularly even carrying large packs on their backs as they walk across.
