Extraordinary Bridges Around The World That Deserve A Place On Your Bucket List
With their individual designs, unique architecture, and beautiful surrounding landscape, bridges are so much more than a convenient way to cross a body of water. In fact, in recent years, bridges have become must-see attractions around the world.
From the breathtaking Wind and Rain Bridge in China constructed using no nails to the Living Root Bridges in India that are completely made of roots of the rubber fig tree, here are some of the world's most beautiful, incredible, and photo-worthy bridges.
The Living Root Bridges Is Made Of Rubber Fig Tree Roots
One of the more interesting bridges in the world is arguably the Living Roots Bridge in Cherrapunji, India. Built by the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia tribes, the simple suspension bridge is 100% natural, formed by the aerial roots from rubber fig trees.
There are more than one of these living bridges throughout the jungle terrain. And, as long as the bridge's origin tree remains healthy, the roots that make up the bridges will continue to grow, strengthen, and stand for a long time.
Mathematical Bridge Is Completely Made A Straight Timber Wood
Designed by William Etheridge and built by James Essex, the Mathematical Bridge in Cambridge, UK, was completed in 1749. Utilizing nothing by straight timber, the bridge is named for the engineering accomplishment, making it appear as though the wood is bent to complete its arch-like appearance.
Now, the bridge spanning the River Cam is the source of more than one myth, including that it was actually first constructed by Sir Issac Newton!
Cau Vang "Golden Bridge" Is "Held Up" By Two Hands
It might be a fairly new bridge compared to some others on this list, but that doesn't mean the Cau Vang, aka the "Golden Bridge," located near Da Nang, Vietnam, is any less gorgeous.
While the hands of the Cau Vang look as though they've been in the Vietnamese jungle for some time, they, along with the 490 feet of the golden bridge, were just completed back in 2018. Now, the pedestrian bridge is a major tourist destination.
Stari Most Bridge Holds An Annual Diving Competition
After standing for 427 years, Stari Most, "The Old Bridge," was destroyed in 1993, during the Croat–Bosniak War. The 18th-century Ottoman bridge was reconstructed in the early 2000s, with its completion in 2004.
While the Stari Most bridge is known for its gorgeous Balkan Islamic architecture, it is also the home of an annual diving competition! At the end of July, it's a tradition for men of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina to leap from the 78 ft 9 in bridge and into the Neretva River below.
The Wind And Rain Bridge Was Constructed Without Nails
Built back in 1916 to look like a rainbow, the beautiful Wind and Rain Bridge in Sanjiang County, of Guangxi, China, isn't something to be overlooked. With five pavilions, 19 verandas, and three piers, it's hard to imagine that this masterpiece was constructed without the use of a single nail.
Instead, groove joints were used in the design, a specialty of the Dong carpenters. Obviously, they knew what they were doing since the bridge is still standing today.
Benson Bridge Looks Like A Dream
Between the two cascades of the Multnomah Falls sits the fairytale-looking Benson Bridge. Located 135 feet above the lower tier of the falls and between some of the lushest green landscape the Pacific Northwest has to offer, it's no wonder Benson Bridge is one of the most photographed locations in Oregon.
So, let us all put our hands together and thank Mr. Benson, whose idea to build a footbridge across the falls became a reality.
The Rakotzbrücke Was Thought To Have Been Build By Satan
Looking like it's straight out of Lord of the Rings is the stone structure of the Rakotzbrücke, also known as the Devil's Bridge. Located in Gablenz, Germany, the Rakotzbrücke was constructed back in 1860 after being commissioned by a knight.
Specifically built to make a perfect circle when reflecting in the water below, the Devil's Bridge was thought to be built by Satan himself. People back then were a wee superstitious, especially when it came to crossing water on strange bridges.
The Bridge of Sighs Is Aptly Named
The white limestone of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy, is enough to make a romantic, well, sigh. Constructed in 1600 and located over the Rio di Palazzo, the Bridge of Sighs is aptly named not for its romantic look but for the two buildings it connects.
The picturesque bridge connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms at the Doge's Palace. So, as one can imagine, prisoners most likely sigh when crossing the bridge from one building to the other!
The Langkawi Sky Bridge Is 2,170 Feet Above Sea Level
The Langkawi Sky Bridge in Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia, is the perfect destination for anyone who loves a good view. Suspended 2,170 feet above sea level, the pedestrian bridge gives unrivaled views of Mount Mat Cinchang.
Completed in 2005, the 410-foot cable-stayed bridge isn't for the faint of heart. Since it's so far above sea level, on clear days, adventurers are able to see another country, specifically the Thai island of Ko Tarutao.
The Rialto Bridge Went From A Pontoon Bridge To Picturesque
While Venice, Italy, is no stranger to bridges, over 400, to be exact, there is one that is a must-see attraction spanning across the Grand Canal. The Rialto Bridge was finalized in 1591 and is now a staple along the canal.
With the precise stonework and picturesque arches, the Rialto Bridge has come a long way from its initial use as a pontoon bridge in 1173. Now, it's one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city.
Royal Gorge Bridge Is 955 Feet Above A River
The Royal Gorge Bridge, located near Cañon City, Colorado, is not for the faint of heart. Located 955 feet above to Arkansas River, it's hard to imagine that this bridge was built in only a short six months.
Upon its 1929 completion, the 1,260-foot-long design became the tallest bridge in the world. The title was only surpassed in 2003 with the completion of China's Beipan River Guanxing Highway Bridge. It remains one of the tallest in the United States.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Was Once Cedar Planks & Hemp
Before attracting around 1.2 million people per year, the Capilano Suspension Bridge was nothing more than cedar planks, hemp rope, and the word of builder George Grant Mackay that it wasn't going to fall. Well, it had a few upgrades since its original 1889 design.
Now, the bridge spans 460 feet long and is 200 feet above the river, bringing tourists through the beautiful, picturesque rainforests of North Vancouver, Canada.
Ponte Vecchio Is a Footbridge With A Lot Of History
Located in Florence, Italy, the Ponte Vecchio is a gorgeous medieval stone structure with a grand history. Dating back to Roman times, this particular bridge used to be the trading grounds for tanners, farmers, and butchers.
While butchers won't be seen trying to sell their goods along the footbridge anymore, the structure really hasn't changed all that much since its original construction in 996. In recent years, restaurants, jewelers, and art dealers have replaced the tradesman.
The Helix Bridge Resembles A Strand Of DNA
Yes, Singapore's Helix Bridge is a bit dizzying to look at, but that doesn't make it any less grand. Constructed in 2007 and completed in 2010, the bridge wasn't exactly an easy design. But, that's what happens when the plan is to have a footbridge resemble a strand of DNA!
Even so, the completed structure is an absolute marvel, standing 918 feet long, composed of special stainless steel and shinning LED bulbs to light the bridge at night; it is a world-class engineering design.
Kakum Canopy Walk Bridge Is Connected By Seven Treetops
The Kakum Canopy Walk located in Ghana might be a 1.7-mile loop, but that loop is solely on a 1,150-foot footbridge connected to seven treetops. Needless to say, it isn't for the faint of heart, but it is a worth-wile adventure for those brave enough to conquer the jungle.
Sitting a solid 490 feet above the jungle floor, the walkway gives visitors the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife while getting some of the most spectacular views.
Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge Is A Whopping 3,900 Feet Across
Upon its completion in 2002, the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge quickly became a landmark in its hometown of Brasília, Brazil. The beautiful asymmetrical arch bridge towers 200 feet above Lake Paranoá and 3,900 feet across.
The architectural marvel didn't go unnoticed. In 2003, designer Alexandre Chan was awarded the Gustav Lindenthal Medal "for a single, recent outstanding achievement showing harmony with the environment, aesthetic merit, and successful community participation." This award-winning bridge is pretty much a must-see while in Brazil.
Szechenyi Chain Bridge Connects Buda And Pest
Since 1849, the Szechenyi Chain Bridge has been a massive landmark in Hungary. Spanning the River Danube between the cities of Buda and Pest, the bridge offers some of the best views of each city, including the gorgeous Parliament building on the banks of Pest and the Castle Hill, which houses the Hungarian President, on the hills of Buda.
Used as a way for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to cross between cities, this is one of those structures people have to marvel at, at least once in their life.
Kapellbrücke Is The Oldest Wood-Covered Bridge In Europe
One of the most incredible bridges in the world is located over the river Reuss in Lucerne, Switzerland. While the Kapellbrücke, or Chaple Bridge, is a spectacular work of wooden art from the outside, inside is something even greater.
Sprawled throughout the interior of the Chaple Bridge is artwork that dates back to the 17th century. Fun fact: the Kapellbrücke is the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world and the oldest wood-covered bridge in Europe.
It Takes A 1.5 Hour Uphill Hike To Get To Trift Bridge
Spanning 330 feet over the Triftsee lake near Gadmen, Switzerland, the Trift Bridge is a simple suspension bridge that is anything but simple. Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Trift Bridge not only gives dream-like views of the mountains and glaciers but it takes one and half hours, uphill, to get to it!
The promised views are enough to persuade around 20,000 brave soles to do the long uphill climb each year, though.
Sidu River Bridge Is Located 1,627 Feet Above A Valley
Located 1,627 feet above the valley of the Sidu River, the Sidu River Bridge located near Yesanguan, China, is definitely not for those who are afraid of heights. Even so, they might want to make an exception for this structure.
With spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, the Sidu River Bridge is one of those marvels you have to see to believe. At one point in time, it was the highest bridge in the world, until it was surpassed in 2016 by the Duge Bridge.
