Some of the world’s best views come from the middle of the world’s scariest bridges. That’s not to mention the adventure you’ll get from crossing these sometimes rickety but always thrilling expanses. Here are our picks for the world’s 10 scariest bridges with amazing views, sure to get your heart pounding.
Peak Walk, Switzerland: For a window to the Alps floor 6,500 feet below, check out the Peak Walk when it opens this November. The world's first hanging bridge between two peaks -- Glacier 3000 and Scex Rouge in the canton of Vaud -- the bridge has a partially glass floor, allowing unobstructed views of the snowy chasm below. If that's not enough of an adrenaline rush, at certain times of the year, the Alpine winds can reach up to 155 miles per hour.
Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia
Perched at 2,000 feet above sea level at the top of Mount Mat Cincang in Langkawi, Malaysia, the Langkawi Sky Bridge provides 360-degree views of Langkawi Islands and Andaman Sea. But traversing the curved pedestrian bridge isn’t as relaxing as a walk in the park -- the structure is less than 6 feet wide.
Titlis Cliff Walk, Switzerland
Here's another daredevil Swiss bridge for those who aren't afraid of heights. Titlis Cliff Walk is a suspension bridge between two mountain peaks nearly 10,000 feet above the ground in the Swiss Alps. Even getting there can be harrowing for acrophobics--you’ll have to brave a 5-minute journey on the world’s first revolving gondola--but the scenery is unbeatable. Note: Titlis isn’t Switzerland’s only scary bridge. Both the Trift Suspension Bridge and the Salbit Bridge connect hikers to huts in the Alps.
Aiguille du Midi Bridge, France
Don't worry if you're not heading to Switzerland; the Swiss don’t have a monopoly on suspension bridges with views of the Alps. France’s Aiguille du Midi Bridge in the Mont Blanc Massif near Chamonix provides a dramatic, icy vista. Although the bridge is short, it sits 12,605 feet above sea level and requires a cable car ride that climbs 9,200 vertical feet in just 20 minutes.
Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada
Originally a hemp and cedar plank footbridge built in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge spans the Capilano River in the logging country just outside of Vancouver. Today, the cedar planks are supported by steel cables, but hold on just to be safe as you take in the evergreen forest around you and the rumbling river below -- the bridge can still be a little shaky.
Glacier Skywalk, Canada
You'll feel like you're standing on air as you step out on the glass-bottomed Glacier Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped extension that juts 100 feet from a cliff in Jasper National Park. Take in the view of the glacier-formed Sunwapta Valley 900 feet below, and then look to the horizon where you'll see the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
This 65-foot bridge connects the island of Carrickarede to the mainland near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It's so nerve-wracking that many visitors who walk across it have to return by boat, but the good news is no one has ever fallen.
U Bein Bridge, Myanmar
Less than 7 miles south of Mandalay, you’ll find the world’s longest teak bridge, built by the city of Amarapura’s mayor from the remains of an old palace. Ironically, it isn’t the views from the bridge make it worth the visit; it’s the views of the bridge. Go at sunset for the most stunning photographs.
