A common fear of heights can be intensified by the presence of these daring bridges.
Across the globe, a variety of bridges can be found that stretch over rivers, lakes, gorges, and roads. Some are meticulously designed to be artistic marvels, while others serve purely functional purposes and lack aesthetic appeal.
While all these bridges fulfill practical needs and play a crucial role in transportation, some are undeniably hair-raising. From a 300-meter glass bridge to a shaky wooden plank pedestrian path, these structures rank among the most terrifying in the world, and it’s easy to understand why.
Few things evoke fear more than a glass-floor suspension bridge teeming with tourists. The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, spanning 375 meters with a floor made of 99 thick glass pieces, looms 300 meters above the Karst valley in China. Initially opened in August 2016, it claimed the titles of the world’s longest and tallest glass-bottom bridge at the time.
In the United States, a pedestrian bridge stretches over the Arkansas River and the Royal Gorge, consisting of 1,257 wooden planks suspended 956 feet above the ground. Interestingly, amusement parks are located at both ends of the bridge and on the gorge’s edge, offering attractions like the “World’s Scariest Skycoaster” and thrilling ziplines.
The Huajiang Canyon Bridge in China stands as the world’s tallest, towering 625 meters above the Beipan River in the Huajiang Canyon, nearly twice the height of London’s Shard. This bridge allows for activities like bungee jumping, slack-lining, and potentially hosting base jumping events, as per local reports. Having opened only in September 2025, it remains a relatively new marvel.
Another nerve-wracking structure is the 635-foot-long suspended bridge held by six main ropes supporting wooden planks. Often dubbed the “most dangerous bridge in the world,” its design includes gaps between planks to withstand wind-induced vibrations, attracting thrill-seekers looking to cross the narrow structure above fast-moving waters.
Nestled in Japan’s scenic landscapes lies the Kazurabashi Bridge, also known as the Iya Valley Vine Bridge, spanning 45 meters across the Iya River, hanging 14 meters above. Constructed entirely from tree vines, it sways with the breeze and features uneven planks, making it a precarious crossing.
Although not the longest, the multispan cable-stayed bridge crossing the gorge valley of the Tarn near Millau, France, remains noteworthy. Formerly the world’s tallest until recently surpassed by the Huajiang Canyon Bridge, it stands at a staggering 343 meters, often shrouded in clouds, offering a spine-chilling experience to visitors.
In the Swiss Alps, a pedestrian-only bridge rises 100 meters above a lake formed by the Trift Glacier’s melting waters, stretching 170 meters. Originally erected in 2004, it underwent a redesign in 2009 to enhance safety, becoming one of the longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps.
For a different kind of thrill, the Kakum Canopy Walkway in Ghana offers a unique experience in Kakum National Park, standing at 40 meters high and featuring a 250-meter wobbly and narrow path for adventurous visitors.
Closer to home in Northern Ireland, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge may not appear as daunting as others, yet it suspends nearly 30 meters above sea level, connecting to rugged cliffs. Initially crafted by salmon fishermen in 1755, it now draws daring visitors eager to traverse its swaying expanse.