A fear of heights is a common phobia, and these daring bridges are sure to amplify that dread. Around the world, there are numerous impressive bridges that span rivers, lakes, gorges, and roads. While some are artistically designed, others are more utilitarian and lack aesthetic appeal.
Despite their functional necessity and importance in travel, some bridges are undeniably spine-chilling. From a 300-meter glass bridge to a precarious pedestrian path on wooden planks, these structures rank among the most fear-inducing in the world.
Few things evoke terror like a glass-floor suspension bridge teeming with tourists. The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, with a 375-meter length and a floor made of 99 thick glass panels, soars 300 meters above the Karst valley in China. Serving solely pedestrians, this bridge, inaugurated in August 2016, was once the tallest and longest glass-bottom bridge globally.
Another nerve-wracking structure is a pedestrian bridge over the Arkansas River in the Royal Gorge, comprising 1,257 wooden planks suspended 956 feet above the ground. Adjacent amusement parks offer adrenaline-pumping activities like the “World’s Scariest Skycoaster” and a thrilling zipline over the gorge.
China boasts the world’s tallest bridge, the Huajiang Canyon Bridge, towering 625 meters above the Beipan River in the Huajiang Canyon. This bridge, opened in September 2025, offers activities like bungee jumping and slack-lining, with plans for base jumping events.
Considered the “most dangerous bridge in the world,” a 635-foot-long suspended bridge with wooden planks held by six main ropes is renowned for its wobbly movements caused by wind. Despite its gaps between planks, the bridge remains popular among thrill-seekers crossing over fast-moving waters below.
Japan’s Kazurabashi Bridge, also known as the Iya Valley Vine Bridge, stretches 45 meters across the Iya River, hanging 14 meters above the ground. Constructed entirely from tree vines, this swaying bridge with uneven planks presents a challenging crossing.
Although not the longest, the multispan cable-stayed bridge near Millau in Southern France spans the gorge valley of the Tarn. Previously the tallest bridge globally, it now stands at 343 meters, still awe-inspiring with occasional cloud cover. French tightrope walker Nathan Paulin crossed this bridge during a traffic-free day in 2024.
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, a pedestrian-only bridge stands 100 meters above a glacier-formed lake, spanning 170 meters. Originally built in 2004 and replaced in 2009 for safety, this bridge is among the longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps.
In Ghana’s Kakum National Park, the Kakum Canopy Walkway offers a thrilling 250-meter walk along its wobbly and narrow path, standing 40 meters high. Closer to home, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland, suspended almost 30 meters above sea level and linking rugged cliffs, entices brave visitors seeking scenic thrills.
