Are you afraid of bridges? I wouldn’t blame you if you were. While most bridges we see and travel across on a regular basis are soundly engineered and reasonably safe, not all bridges are alike.
Bridges go far beyond the sturdy structures you drive across each day. And some of the world’s most dangerous bridges (not to mention scariest-looking ones) were intended for foot traffic. That’s what we’re going to explore here. But more specifically, we’re going look at hanging foot bridges — you know, the kind that leave you dangling above a rushing river, gorge, or some other bit of nature you wouldn’t want to come face to face with on a fall.
Before we take a look at some of the most dangerous bridges in the world, let’s explore some of the basics about these rope-style hanging bridges.
A Bit of Background on Rope Hanging Bridges
When you think of rope hanging bridges, what do you picture? One or two ropes like the makeshift bridges a young scout might set up on a camping trip? Or something more elaborate? Neither is right nor wrong. Hanging bridges come in a vast array of sizes and styles. Some aren’t even made with ropes. They might be made from vines or even tree roots.
One thing these bridges have in common is that they’re primarily utilitarian. Rope bridges have been used throughout history to simplify travel. Herders would move their flocks from one plateau to another across them. Ancient peoples would connect their cliff-side villages with them. In the case of the old Incan handwoven bridges showcased below, even the Spanish conquistadors used them to transport things like canons, and they marveled at the engineering feat.
If rope hanging bridges could support a cannon, they surely must be safe for you to walk across, right? Well, not so fast. Keep in mind that safety is subjective. Different rope hanging bridges were made in different ways. Some, like the Incan bridge, have been very well maintained whereas others have been left to the elements. Never assume by the way a bridge looks. Do some research before exploring these or other dangerous bridges to see if they’re still safe and in working order.
And now let’s get to our list. In addition to our original list of the world’s most dangerous bridges which you can find below, we’ve added the following three new additions to excite your imagination (or perhaps strike a bit of fear). Enjoy.
Q’eswa Chaca (or Keshwa Chaca), Peru
This handwoven bridge is the last operational Incan rope bridge in existence. It has survived this long thanks to a group of families who meticulously maintain the bridge by making repairs every year (such as replacing support cables) as a way of honoring their ancestors.
Kotmale Footbridge, Sri Lanka
This footbridge crosses the Kotmale Oya, a river in Sri Lanka. There’s something hauntingly beautiful about it despite (or perhaps because of) its apparent disrepair.
Vine Bridges of Iya Valley, Japan
This addition to our list is thanks to a recommendation from our readers in the comments.
Iya Valley is famous for its gorgeous mountains and the old vine bridges that span some of their valleys and rivers. Here’s a beautiful example of the kind of vine bridges you might encounter on a visit.
Now let’s get to our original list of the world’s most dangerous bridges, featuring a collection of hanging rope bridges for your enjoyment.
Note: This post was originally published on May 11, 2009. It was updated with new content and additional photographs on its currently-listed publication date.
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In an earlier post, we have discussed some of the roads that are listed among the most dangerous in the world … for driving. Today, we’d like to acquaint you with some of the world’s most dangerous bridges that are meant only for walking. These are the so-called rope hanging bridges. You can find a wide variety of these bridges in countries like India, Malaysia, Philippines, New Zealand, Pakistan, Nepal, as well as in the interiors of some other countries.
A bridge can prove to be dangerous for a variety of reasons; either because it’s very old, narrow, too high up above the land, over a quick river or if the wooden “floor” goes missing. What makes them dangerous is the fact that in spite of the condition of the bridge, they have to be used; as many a time, these pathways are the main or even the only way for the local inhabitants of a small village to reach a bigger city. Among all the bridges, the most popular among tourists are the hanging bridges. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Before we start, I’d like to make a small note that this post is not meant to be scientific or a historical fact-sheet. The intention is to provide some entertainment in the form of a picturesque fun post that may even hold a surprise element. If you have ever seen or been on any such bridges, let us know and we’ll add it to the post. Enjoy the post!
Hussaini – Borit Lake, Pakistan
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
Aiguille du Midi at the Mont Blanc Mountain, France
Taman Negara National Park Bridge, Malaysia
That’s the world’s longest Canopy Walkway.
Hanging Bridge of Ghasa in Nepal
Siju Hanging Bridge, India
Some Hanging Bridge in India
Hanging Bridge at Thenmala, India
Just some bridge in Philippines
Repovesi nature park Valkeala, Finland
Arenal Hanging Bridges, Costa Rica
A three kilometer hike through the Costa Rican rain forest. There are six suspension bridges, with the largest one at just under 100 meters long and 45 meters off the ground.
Hanging Bridge in Drake Bay, Costa Rica
Hanging bridge in Bohol, Philippines
Kambadaga, a village near Pita
Hanging Bridge at Trift Glacier, Switzerland
Kakum National Park Canopy Walkway
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Check out the series of Most Dangerous Roads in the World. Part 2 and Part 1 of Most Dangerous Roads
awesome collection!!!!
fantastic…
i hope you would include some of the most ridiculous bridges constructed in the world. …goodluck.
i want to see
Me too!
popurls.com // popular today…
story has entered the popular today section on popurls.com…
Don’t forget the canopy walk in Kakum Nat’l Park, Ghana.
http://public.fotki.com/Jiglet/ghana-ii/img1517.html
You can see a video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAYnivamaJ4
Thanks Jon! I’ve just added the Kakum National Park Canopy Walkway as suggested
What an awesome collections beautifull collections as you are…..always
[…] post by dirjournal showing photos of the most dangerous rope hanging bridges in the […]
Great post!
These are fun! Suspension bridges are common in New Zealand, sometimes accessing a private farm or sheep station.
Those bridges in the jungle are the best. Image walking up to one of those bridges in the jungle? It would be like living with the Ewoks on Endor! I would ride a bmx all over that jungle!
The bridges are awesome. Now I want to see the pictures and stories of the bridges being built!
I want to see the photos or videos of ‘new technologies for bridge construction’.
likewise. im building a suspension bridge over an alligator pond and found your site while looking for ideas. good stuff! jeremy
Been on the hanging bridge Bohol, Phillipines… it’s not really that scary or ricketty. Solid steel cables, and they aren’t rusted or anything, and the wood looks to be well maintained and often replaced as it’s not rotting. Many of those bridges above look far more sketchy and I wouldn’t ever walk on them.
Cool photos! But most of these look quite sturdy and comfortable, not dangerous at all.
Fully agree, they don’t look “that dangerous” when you see them on computer, but in real life I would not risk to use some rope bridge over some deep river say somewhere in India
Neat! I’m heading to Costa Rica in a week for the summer and will be stopping by Arenal! I can’t wait to see the Arenal Hanging Bridges in person. 😀
Los puentes más peligrosos del mundo…
Fotografías espectaculares de los puentes colgantes más peligrosos y asombrosos del mundo. Da vértigo solo de mirar las imágenes y comprobar la gran altura o desnivel que salvan estas obras de ingeniería. Unos unen márgenes de ríos mientras que …
Muchas gracias por la coleccion de imagenes !
Estan ESTUPENDAS !
Abrazotes: el gato
I’ve been on a bridge in Nepal similar to the one pictured. What was scary was the people with the large bails of hay wider than the bridge strapped to their head! I’m already trying to get off this swinging death trap > 300 feet above a river and these women with are trying to cross with these wide loads. Worse yet, they really aren’t paying attention to the others on the bridge. I was cursing like a sailor!
Nice pics!
With the exception of the first, none of these bridges look particularly “dangerous”. Challenging, yes, but unlikely one would take a tumble unless they really meant to.
Additionally, you might consider including the “White River suspension bridge” near Marathon, Ontario Canada. It bears striking similarity to the “Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge”. Although it’s not a very widely used bridge, it’s quite large, high up and is necessary to traverse should one wish to complete the majority of a hiking trail in Pukaskwa National Park. Should one take a tumble, they would surely die amongst the jagged rocks and crashing rapids 40 feet below.
Anyway, just thought I’d mention another great bridge since none on your list are located in Canada 😉
White River Suspension Bridge is really a nice addition but I can’t find some big nice photos 🙁 Can please anyone share?
The Loboc bridge in the Philippines is awesome for the fact that it is weaved. nice one!
most of these bridges didnt seem dangerous at all
No os perdais este vídeo del caminito Rey en Alora (Málaga) Spain
This is a must see video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmDhRvvs5Xw
The one at Drake Bay is a blast in a 2 AM downpour while tanked on Guaro.
Pura Vida !
Check this at Cuenca, Spain
http://recursos.cnice.mec.es/bancoimagenes/ArchivosImagenes/DVD16/CD02/26551__156_a_1.jpg
hehe 🙂 the only bridge that can probably look dangerous for you would be the bridge over some volcano consisting of a single rope only. I travel much and seen some of the similar bridges…believe me, they only look like stable but most of them can be a real danger!
[…] Fotografías espectaculares de los puentes colgantes más peligrosos y asombrosos del mundo. […]
Most of those don’t look very dangerous….. The first one is a bit sketchy, but other than that, I’d cross any of those without thinking twice.
I’ve walked the suspension bridges in Arenal and there’s nothing dangerous about them. If you look at the pictures you’ll see that the bridge is metal and suspended with airline cable. This is the same “dangerous” technology used in other suspension bridges such as the “dangerous” Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate bridge.
Only the first one is dangerous.
Beautiful bit! I will now get into my great American V-8 car and travel safely across similar expanses of water and in wonderment try to imagine why I have been chosen to live in such great comfort while those who travel the bridges illustrated, have so little, and live so precariously. I now value my situation more than ever, and will try to keep my ecology alive, my environment clean, and my governments strong. We have collectively done something right, and must discover it and cherish it, lest we fall from our pinnacle and find a harsher reality awaiting us or our children. Planned obsolescence and unregulated vulture capitalism must be left behind, and a new age of social democracy and responsibilities must be born. Obama, save our souls, China, please lend him the money to do so. G d Bless the New America, a fair decent and peaceful country, purged of the neo-cons and George Bushian gangsters, and Banksters clean, and caring for its neighbors, and a positive force in the world – our next bridge to cross.
what are you talking about here??? we are talking about bridges right???
Uncle B, please be quit and let us enjoy the pictures..
Interesting 🙂
I passed the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and it doesn’t seem very dangerous. Many people do not want to walk over it, but, on my opinion, it’s not very scary.
There are some similar to those you are showing in Costa Rica, also in the rain forest on Penang Hill http://thejourney.blog.hr/2008/04/1624622291/penang-hill.html.
I like bridges :).
Wow, that is so risky. As soon as I look at this picture, so much sweat on hands. Great!!
Interesting. However, most of these look just fine. It would be a very exciting experience to walk on one of these. They swing quite violently when there are two or more people walk on them, or on a good windy day. I have been on a bridge of this type before, fun fun fun.
Also, you should take a look at the bamboo bridge in Vietnam, here is a link from google, http://www.favad.org/images/cay%20cau%20tre.jpg.
These bridges are the most simple of all and take some skills to walk through. Even though a native Vietnamese, I was never dare to walk on one of these.
let me know what you think about the bamboo bridge. i hope you add it to your list.
I cannot really agree that the Carrick A Rede rope bridge in Co Antrim N Ireland is a dangerous bridge I have crossed this bridge many times and when the kids were younger i used to carry them over on my shoulders, this bridge is well cared for and I cannot recall but I do not believe there has ever been an accident. It is taken down most winters and replaced new in the summer. Excellent list of rope bridges but not all dangerous
Check out el puente colgante de ojuela, in a little town of mexico, near mapimi coahuila its a bridge buidt for miners, same arquitect that built san fransico
Awesome collection!
sexy collection…..get more
What a collection,,,,,,,
Thanks such awesome collection of beautiful images!
Great photo collection, however most of these bridges, except the first all appear to be structurally stable. In Nepal there are a lot of those kind of hanging bridges. I have even heard of ones that are only a walkway with nothing to put your hands on or stop you falling.
I would feel quite safe crossing any of these bridges (except the first, but i’d still do it.)
I ripped my shirt on the rails of the one in Arenal, Costa Rica. The view of the canopy from that far up is stunning, though, and the mesh walkways really give you that much more greenery to view ^_^
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cool collection. there are few more kinds of hanging bridges seen in Nepal. due to the wear and tear, they too look and some are really dangerous. applause forthe collection.
I have been on the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. Although it was April, we experienced rain, sleet and snow in a span of 10 minutes, with winds gusting up into the low 30’s. It was a scary trip but we made it across and were rewarded with an absolutely stunning view of the green waves crashing into the sea caves below the bridge, on the mainland side.
The first rope bridge was built there over 350 years ago by local fishermen to get to the island during the annual salmon run but is now mainly a tourist attraction, due to the lack of salmon returning to the area. The bridge is put up every March and taken down in October or November, depending on the weather. While it is down, the rope bridge is either repaired or, if needed, replaced.
Increible!!! Yo pasé por un puente de esos y no veas!!!
I won’t cross these bridges when I get to them.
Great Picture collection! I walked across the hanging bridge in Bohol, Philippines. It was scary since I am 6’4 and could not reach the hand rails while I video taped. Here is a link to us walking across the bridge. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuj8dOaZalA Enjoy!
Those are amazing pictures! My favorite is the goats though. The thing is I’m pretty sure they’re probably more sure footed than most of us humans : )
Just a footnote for those who haven’t already been exposed to a certain nation’s bizarre quest for superlatives – take the “world’s longest blah blah blah” on the Malaysian bridge description with a grain of salt.
The canopy walk isn’t that long (and it’s certainly not dangerous), it’s just that Malaysians are obsessed with claiming world records.
I have been on many of these bridges and would not consider most of what you have pictured to be unsafe. It is still a great collection.
Nice post!
I’ve been on the first Costa Rica bridges. They weren’t that sketchy, though they were pretty high up.
The bridge in Pakistan is insane! Going to Nepal next year and I will definitely look for that bridge in Ghasa, I love it! Thanks for the photos. Deb and Dave
Fantastic. I would love to cross all of these bridges.
I totally love how the planks in the first one are just sort of wedged between the cables. XD Buuuut the rest of these look pretty damn safe, sorry. What about those half-log bridges with only one railing? Some of the ones I’ve been on are like 6 inches wide, and slippery. They’d have been slightly better candidates, IMO.
Very interesting but only the first one looked really dangerous. Most of the others looked too secure to be scary.
What comes to mind – the song we sing at church – “Be not Afraid”
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Very interesting… I checked out the youtube video that said it was a video of them crossing . But it was all from one side not even moving on the bridge…
I think it would be excellent having videos of :a person walking across each of the bridges. From the point of view of the person crossing. Maybe a few angles. One camera pointing ahead straight and one constantly pointing down. That might really take someone there. But you have a great collection here. Thanks for all the hard work!!
And I thought I was brave!!!!
Oh my Lord!!!!
just looking at them got me dizzzy!
owwwwwwwwww what pictures you have compiled. they must be taken with highly innovated camera.
awesome collection – can’t imagine bridges are so very needed.
My new goal in life is to now cross as many of them as possible. haha Much better than the 100 countries in your life or all 7 continents, be a daredevil cross as many bad bridges as possible. haha
ok we (pakistan) won wid the most dngrus brige 😉
@mahmood
is that bridge still there??
This list is incomplete without the highest of the Iya valley vine bridges in Tokushima, Japan.
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/10031639
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most of these look pretty safe
Excellent sellection. One I would add, though its not very long or high is the Steall Bridge in Glen Nevis As the last time I crossed it, it was a plain 3 strand wire bridge without a widened footway, just the steel rope.
loboc bridge and bohol bridge are one and the same.
for tourists who enjoy shopping there are clusters of little shops that showcase handmade local products found on either end/side of the bridge. it’s pretty stable and far from dangerous.
Only the first bridge looks at all dangerous (If you can’t swim). The rest just look like well-constructed rope-bridges. Not that this isn’t a cool post. It’s nice collection of bridges. 🙂
Imagine having sex on one or more of those bridges. Beats not wearing a condom.
(Yep some sicko was bound to suggest it. Might as well be me)
the only scary bridge in that collection was the first one… but maybe that’s because i. myself, live in the Philippines… *raises eyebrow*
None of those are really unsafe except the Pakistan and India ones. Hell, some of them are even made from metal. The dirty flip dog had a pretty nice rack going on.
i’ve seen way more dangerous bridges in central illinois.
I have been on the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge and what always amazes me when I look at pictures of it is how innocent it looks. A mere trifling, a nothing. However, when I was there and I have no particular great fear of heights, it took everything I had to go across. Coming back was no better even though I’d already crossed it once.
These bridges all look very safe and sturdy bar the first one… Seen alot more rickety and more dangerous bridges in Africa. Nice collection though, would love to walk along these bridges…
I have been over the bridge in Ireland. it wasn’t that bad till you got past the rocks, then it was extremely windy. Besides that it was cool, but a rainbow showed up shortly after we got on the island, so, if you’ve been to Ireland you know, we had to book it back to the bus before it poured.
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The large majority of these bridges aren’t even the least bit dangerous. Just because they’re hanging does not mean they’re likely to kill you. I mean, the one in Switzerland is made out of f*cking metal. The only ones that look dangerous are the one in Pakistan, the random one in India, and the Kambadaga one. The rest seem perfectly fine.
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Some of these bridges look very well maintained. I don’t understand what is dangerous about some of them. Just because they are hanging bridges or so high off the ground, doesn’t mean they are unsafe. Although that one with the goats looks a little steep.
I wouldn’t go over most of those, but the one that’s titled some hanging bridge in India and the one that’s titled some bridge in Philippines, I would have no problem crossing those. Seriously, if you fall, it’s a 4 foot fall into a freakin creek.
[…] puentes colgantes más peligrosos del […]
Looks to me like someone has a rope bridge phobia. The first one is the only one I really wouldn’t wanna cross.
I’ve been on the Kakum National Park Canopy walkways, and I can vouch for their being exciting! What we don’t see in these photos is that the flooring is aluminum ladders with planks on top of them. They are very bouncy, but don’t swing side-to-side much. It’s the closest most of us will ever get to the canopy of a rain forest. A must-do visit for anyone in Ghana!
Nice collection. I’d love to try some of those.
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I like how so many people decided to post comments without reading the ones that came before hand… I don’t think OP needs to hear “Only the first one looks scary” from a million different people, lol.
OP, only the first one looks scary… jk, jk, 😀
I’ve never been on a suspension bridge.
But I can imagine that it would be scary whether or not it’s “structurally sound,” especially those that are no wider than a plank or two of wood…
Either way, thanks for taking the time!
im gonna make a bridge that hangs over a pool of battery acid…any takers?
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These bridges are all safe…..They have not explored India…speacially the ropeways and yhe one built by indians in Sri lanka after the tsunami
the first one is the only one I’d hesitate to walk on. seriously, all the other ones look well built, i’d walk on that shit no problem.
I’m with Aidan in comment 34 – I’ve been over the Carrick-a-Rede bridge many times myself, and you’d have to try really hard to fall of it. And if you’re going to try that hard, nothing’s going to stop you, is it?
Gosh, are we breeding a race of litigious, over-insured scaredycats, or what? You may be scared of heights and/or ropes, but that doesn’t logically follow that the bridge is dangerous. Stupidity is the most dangerous thing of all. 🙂
i am want look yo most dangeruos foto
Most of those bridges do not seem so bad. Suspension bridges are not inherently bad unless poorly constructed.
I’ve been on plenty of 3 wire bridges – 1 wire to stand on and 1 wire either side for balance which are harder (especially with a pack because the top 2 wires are invariably too close together to easily walk through).
Here is are a couple of fairly tame ones
http://www.mountainz.co.nz/content/article/nz/picture/290504_aiguillesRouge_3.jpg
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/10173662.jpg
Another not quite so easy to walk across (now gone)
http://www.waitotaraforests.orconhosting.net.nz/trains3wirebridge.JPG
There are also many bridges around with 1 or 2 plank base and only 1 handrail.
Awesum….
Adventurous….
Cooolll……
Watery….
And the Most Thrilling collection
Keep it up 🙂
except for the one in pakistan, the rest don’t look dangerous at all. They might be scary if you have vertigo, but they’re not dangerous. What a sensationalistic title for this post. That’s the quality…
The Jungle-Bridge at Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia might be about 30 meters above the ground, but it is really, really sturdy and safe.
We actually sat down to have a picnic and drinks up there, because it has such nice views and feels so stable.
Nonetheless: nice picture collection!
Excellent post, a very stable blog.
Loboc Hanging Bridge, Philippines and Hanging bridge in Bohol, Philippines is the same bohol is the isalnd loboc the town. I know that, because i have been on the Bridge.
CORRECT! that is why they look the same…ahahahahaahahhaha!
The person who entiteled this “picturedump” with “the most dangerous bridges in the world” is a coward. Except the first one all of these bridges are in a good condition. No reason why they should be dangerous…?
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