1. Canopy Walk – Ghana

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When it comes to nature, Ghana has plenty of wild, unspoiled beauty to offer the thrill-seeking traveler. The West African nation offers a splendid array of wildlife, as well as the opportunity to take in a unique culture and experience the country’s breathtaking rainforests. However, a trek through the wilderness can occasionally land one in a position where they get more than they bargained for: one of the region’s most terrifying bridges.

A beautiful rainforest hike can take a wild turn when the notorious Canopy Walk comes into view. This long and narrow bridge can make even the bravest man’s stomach turn. Located in Kakum National Park, the bridge hangs 130 feet above the unforgiving forest landscape.

2. Langkawi Sky Bridge – Malaysia

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It goes without saying that Malaysia’s Langkawi Sky Bridge is a beauty to behold. It stands 400 feet above some of the country’s lushest natural landscapes. One literally feels like they are walking on the clouds when they are taking a stroll across this bridge.

However, this beauty does come with a possible risk. While no detailed information has been released, the bridge is constantly shutting down for maintenance. It was once closed off to the public for two years. Many people take this as a sign that the bridge is facing the possibility of someday collapsing. However, that doesn’t stop thousands of tourists from flocking to the bridge each year.

3. Titlis Cliff Walk – Switzerland

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While some bridges come with legitimate dangers to watch out for, others have a really loud bark and practically no bite. Unless a tourist decides to balance himself on the railing of one of Switzerland’s most terrifying bridges on Mount Titlis, there is little chance that something dangerous can actually happen.

That said, it looks pretty stomach-churning. Seeing as it’s 3,238 meters above sea level, anyone crossing will definitely want to avoid looking down. It doesn’t help that this bridge has a backdrop of the jagged Swiss alps. Folks crossing this bridge will definitely feel like they’ve embarked on some Lord of the Rings fantasy adventure.

4. Vitim River Bridge – Russia

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When it comes to old and shabby bridges, few can muster up what it takes to match the grim aesthetic of Russia’s Vitim River Bridge. The bridge was originally meant to carry trains back in the Soviet times, but today it’s being braved by cars. However, crossing it isn’t as easy as it seems.

First off, the Vitim river is long and the current can be extremely wild at times. Second, the wooden bridge has no guard rails and many of its wooden planks have gone missing over the years. However, the worst part of this bridge is that it’s only wide enough for one vehicle. Usually, cars cross it rather slowly and one can actually hear the bridge groan and creak the whole way across.

5. Puente de Ojuela – Mexico

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Mexico’s Puente de Ojuela bridge has a rich history in the mountain region of the country’s northern state of Durango. It was first built in 1898 and was used strictly by miners. Once the mines had been exploited for all they were worth, the site was abandoned and the old bridge went unnoticed for decades.

However, the particularly terrifying bridge began to garner the attention of tourists in the late 1980s. The bridge was deemed extremely unsafe by the government and it was immediately brought up to date. That said, though the bridge was once able to handle vehicles crossing it, now it’s only strong enough for people to cross on foot. That doesn’t mean that bridge doesn’t come with its fair amount of risk.

6. Iya Kazurabashi Bridge – Japan

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If there is any bridge that is in dire need of some modernization and renovations, it’s Japan’s nail-biting Iya Kazurabashi Bridge. The bridge has been helping people cross the Iya Gawa river since the 12th century, and it’s safe to say that not much has changed since, as far as its structural integrity is concerned.

In many photos of this terrifying bridge, you can see people hanging onto the bridge’s tangled ropes for dear life. Saying that this bridge is unstable is sort of an understatement. You’re definitely taking your life into your own hands when you decide to cross this shabby old relic. If you aren’t paying attention, you can easily get your foot caught between the planks.

7. Eshima Ohashi Bridge – Japan

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People who don’t love roller coasters definitely won’t like driving on Japan’s Eshima Ohashi Bridge. Construction on the bridge started way back in 1997 and went on through 2004. By the time it was constructed, it was the third largest rigid-frame bridge in the world and the largest in all of Asia.

The bridge definitely looks bigger than it actually is. It has a height of 144 feet and a gradient of 6.1 percent. YouTubers have compared driving down the bridge to going for a dip on a rollercoaster. You slow before you go down, and for a second, you see a very scenic Japanese sea view you ultimately begin to plummet. It’s advised that you try to avoid this bridge if you don’t have great control of your car.

8. The Bridge of Immortals – China

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If one happens to visit Huang Shang in Anhui province in Eastern China, they might seek out a local attraction known as the Bridge of Immortals. If you have a fear of heights, this is definitely a bridge that you’ll want to skip out on crossing.

The stone bridge connects two giant peaks made out of pure granite. It offers some gorgeous photo opportunities of the surrounding mountain range. That said, when it comes to getting to the bridge itself, it’s very likely that the journey there is way more scary than the bridge itself. However, this bridge should definitely be on any adventurer’s bucket list.

9. Montenegro Rainforest Bridge – Costa Rica

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One couldn’t possibly be any more at one with nature than when they are trekking through Costa Rica’s Montenegro Rainforest. However, one false step on the rainforest’s infamously terrifying bridge can see you being consumed by nature itself. Remember, of course, that the Costa Rican rainforest is home to a slew of dangerous animals, including venomous snakes and jaguars.

This bridge stands high above the rainforest floor, and while it’s often said not to look down when crossing a high bridge, it’d be a big mistake to not do so on this one, as many planks are missing. When hiking through this area, it’s highly advised to watch your step — or you might be in for a long free fall.

10. U Bein Bridge – Myanmar

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Upon first look at this bridge, most would assume that it was half-complete or going under some huge construction. However, that just isn’t the case; this is how the bridge has always looked, for a century and a half. The 1.2 km bridge was first constructed back in 1850 with the sole purpose of crossing the Taungthaman Lake.

Historians believe that the U Bein Bridge might very well be the world’s first teakwood bridge. Over the years, the bridge has become a major tourist attraction. Due to the recent tourist numbers, it has become a spot where locals sell souvenirs. The question is, given how old and rickety it is, would you feel comfortable crossing it?

11. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – Northern Ireland

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When it comes to the experience of crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland, most pedestrians feel one of two things. They are either blown away by the beauty surrounding the bridge, or utterly petrified by the possible fall. Some people probably feel both — and it isn’t hard to see why.

The bridge is 66 feet long and hangs above jagged rocks and an unforgiving sea current. No one who has fallen has lived to tell the tale. If bridges of this caliber are too much for you, you can always settle for a ferry to take you to the other side. Given the looks of the bridge, it’s likely people will understand your fear.

12. Sidu River Bridge – China

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If you’re afraid of heights, this is one bridge that you’re going to want to stay clear of. China’s Sidu River Bridge currently holds the world record of being the highest bridge in the entire world. It stands 5,000 feet above a lush canyon and a rushing river.

The steel bridge is relatively new, as it was constructed back in 2009. It wasn’t cheap to build either, as it cost the Chinese government $100 million dollars to erect. If anything, that should assure your sense of safety. The bridge was part of a major expansion plan by China. Before the bridge was built, the part of the countryside it leads to was impossible to get to by car.

13. Millau Viaduct Bridge – France

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Back in 2001, construction began on something that would cause drivers everywhere to take a deep gulp. In 2004, France was introduced to the Millau Viaduct bridge, and it wasn’t long after that the rest of the world would get an eyeful of this stunning structure.

Until the Sidu River Bridge was raised, the Millau Viaduct was recognized as the world’s tallest bridge. It stood an impressive 1,125 above the gorge of the Tarn River valley in southern France. It’s also 8,000 feet long and 105 feet wide, which means that the brave people who cross this bridge can feel like they’re driving in the clouds for quite some time.

14. Sunshine Skyway Bridge – Florida, United States

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While it’s actually called the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Florida locals usually just refer to it as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. There isn’t anything particularly dangerous about this bridge at first glance, though it can get dodgy pretty quickly depending on who’s on the bridge or captaining one of the many ships that sail under it.

Back in 1980, a ship crashed into the bridge and heavily damaged it. The accident cost 35 people their lives and the beloved bridge found itself out of commission. A new bridge was finished in 1987, but the tragedy didn’t end with that accident. On a sad note, this bridge is frequently used by people wanting to end their lives: over 200 people have used this bridge to do so.

15. Trift Bridge – Switzerland

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Hanging around the Swiss Alps and the lovely town of Gadmen is a terrifying bridge that is bound to turn stomachs. It’s called the Trift Bridge, and while it has a horrifying history to say the least, it’s safer these days. With that in mind, it nonetheless is far from a bridge to fool around on.

When the bridge was first constructed back in 2004, it was soon discovered that it had some issues handling the wind. Crossing it suddenly became a death-defying game of holding on. If the bridge couldn’t handle a gust of Swiss mountain wind, imagine how’d it handle parades of tourists. Thankfully, the bridge was re-fitted with stabilizing cables in 2009.

16. Keshwa Chaca Bridge – Peru

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The Keshwa Chaca Bridge might not only be the strongest bridge ever built, but also the most unique. It was created by the Incas over 500 years ago, and surprisingly enough, it hasn’t been tampered with or modernized by the Peruvian government since that time.

The bridge, which was completely woven from grass, required a great number of people to make it. It first started with the women who would braid small thin ropes. After that, the men braided thick support cables. This bridge is known today as the last standing Inca-engineered structure that is still used today. Maybe this method should be brought back for more bridges?

17. Longjiang Suspension Bridge – China

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If looking for a scary bridge, look no further then the Longjiang Suspension Bridge. The fairly new bridge connects the cites of Baoshan and Tengchong in the Yunnan province. It currently holds the record as being the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the entire continent of Asia.

This sinister bridge didn’t pop up overnight. It was first presented to the public in 2016 after five years of construction. This bridge saves a lot of locals a lot of time; if they wanted to travel from Baoshan to Tengchong in the days before the bridge was constructed, it’d take them an 8.4 mile detour. Talk about being a time saver.

18. Capilano Suspension Bridge – Canada

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When it comes to bridges with a beautiful view, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is definitely worth a mention. As it’s situated right above the Capilano river in northern Vancouver, British Columbia, the bridge is surrounded by lush nature. It’s no wonder that the bridge is a massive hit with tourists.

The bridge was first constructed in 1889 by a Scottish engineer named George Grab McKay. It was eventually sold in the 1950s and renovated. The old school bridge was strengthened with all the proper equipment to make it secure and current. Safety was a must, given that any given year, over 800,000 tourists find themselves standing on the bridge.

19. Hussaini Hanging Bridge – Pakistan

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While there are many sketchy rope bridges in Pakistan, it is the Hussaini Hanging Bridge in upper Hunza Valley that has the reputation of being the most dangerous bridge on the planet. What makes it all the more frightening is how essential it is. If one wants to cross Borith Lake, there’s no way to avoid taking this terrifying bridge.

The Hussaini Hanging Bridge is beyond rickety, and it’s filled with large gaps. To increase the fear factor, walking on the bridge, with or without the high winds that often whip up, can cause the bridge to move wildly about. One false move or stroke of bad luck will send you flying into the water below.

20. Daedunsan Mountain Suspension Bridge – South Korea

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Daedunsan Provincial Park is known for being one of South Korea’s gems. If one isn’t blown away by the picturesque peaks, they’ll love the colors that come with all the different plant life in the area. However, one aspect of the park injects a bit of fear into that beauty.

The Daedunsan Mountain Suspension Bridge is a work of wonder, but also very intimidating. While bridges usually stand at an even angle, this bridge is jaw-droppingly vertical. One false move can result in quite the disaster. Given how beautiful the scenery of the park is, it doesn’t seem like it’d be hard to get distracted.

21. Moses Bridge – Netherlands

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The name of the Moses Bridge is inspired from the Biblical figure who split the Red Sea and made a path between two walls of water. Much like an illustration of that famous religious event, the unique bridge is between two walls of water. That said, this bridge wasn’t always a bridge.

At one point, it was actually a moat that guarded a Dutch castle. With time, it lost its title of being a moat and is now known as a sunken bridge. While the bridge is considered relatively safe, it wouldn’t be advised to attempt crossing it on a windy or rainy day. Seems like the pleasant crossing can easily turn into a very wet and uncomfortable situation.

22. Suspension Glass Bridge – China

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China has no shortage of terrifying bridges to challenge the bravery of any adventurer. While some are outright dangerous and have some serious design flaws, others are completely safe, even though they were purposely made to still send shivers down spines. Their newest trend in bridges is see-through glass bridges.

There are no shortage of videos on YouTube of people freaking out while on these bridges. One notable bridge is known for its glass cracking effect. However, the most beloved and eerie of China’s glass bridges is the record-breaking one that’s suspended over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon in the Hunan Province. So many people flocked to this bridge when it first opened that the government had to shut it down for days on end.

23. Baliem River Bridge – Papua New Guinea

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Things just can’t get as adventurous as the island nation of Papua New Guinea. The country is probably one of the most unique and wild in the world. With that, one can only expect that they’d have some crazy bridges. Few of the world’s bridges can compare to the terror that will be found on the Baliem River Bridge.

The crumbling bridge is made of what looks to be rotted wood, and some of the planks are caved in or completely missing. To avoid falling into the Baliem River’s rushing current, one person is allowed to cross at a time. This bridge is definitely only for the brave at heart.

24. Plank Bridge – Indonesia

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When it comes to sketchy bridges, none can perhaps match Indonesia’s plank bridges. One wouldn’t wish a bridge like this upon their worst enemies (or perhaps they might?). Anyone who fears green murky water or any of the dangerous creatures that might be living in it will certainly want to avoid risking it all by crossing this sad bridge.

Whether it is long-broken or simply made to look dangerous and unstable, this is a bridge that definitely looks as though it’s in need of some serious renovations. What makes it all the more disturbing is that the picture shows children and babies being taken on the rickety bridge.

25. Monkey Bridges – Vietnam

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There isn’t just one terrifying monkey bridge in Vietnam, but many different ones scattered across the country. The greatest concentration of these notorious bridges can be found in the Mekong Delta. These bridges are far from your conventional structure, as they are made from only two pieces of bamboo.

Upon looking at them, most would get the idea that it’s something that’s only used by animals, as they don’t particularly look fit for human use. However, for hundreds of years, locals have been using them with little problems. They got the name ‘monkey bridge’ due to how a person looks when crossing them. If one isn’t accustomed to using them, they can be in for a very dangerous experience.

26. Taman Negara Canopy Walkway – Malaysia

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Nothing says “absolutely terrifying” like crossing the world’s longest canopy walkway. Sitting 130 feet over the hard ground below, and stretching 1,700 feet across the canopy of the Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia, the only thing making this site scarier is that it is connected by tree trunks, so everyone better hope those trees don’t fall.

The key to crossing this canopy walkway is not to look down. Instead, look east and west. If anyone is actually crazy enough to go across the long, narrow bridge, the views are said to be stunning. From this bridge, tourists can peek over the thick brush of the national park and see the vast jungle surrounding them.

27. Quepos Bridge – Costa Rica

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If the nickname “The Bridge of Death” or the “Oh My God Bridge” is not already a sign to maybe take another route on the way home, a quick look at Quepos Bridge would be enough to make anyone take a quick U-turn.

This narrow bridge only has enough space across to fit one car. The boards the stretch across the bottom of the bridge are uneven and, often, a bit too short. So any car crossing over this bridge makes enough noise to seem like the structure is about to break in half. Despite how rickety it looks and sounds, somehow trucks cross this bridge on a regular basis.

28. Royal Gorge Bridge – Colorado, United States

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If the Royal Gorge Bridge looks dangerous now, imagine it in 1929 during its construction, before stabilizing wind cables were added. Yet somehow, even with those cables, this bridge located 955 feet above the Arkansas River and a steep mountain gorge is still one of the scariest in the world. Somehow.

The Royal Gorge Bridge used to be the tallest bridge in the world until 2001, when China erected the Liuguanghe Bridge. Still, this Colorado bridge is the highest in the United States, and definitely one of the most terrifying. Anyone crazy enough to want to experience the bridge without a car can take a cable car across the gorge too, if they so please.

29. Mekong River Crossing – China

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The Mekong River is massive, stretching Southeast Asia and running through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. But beyond being the twelfth longest river in the entire world, the Mekong River is also difficult to navigate or predict, and can change from calm water to wild rapids in seconds.

Crossing the Mekong River can be a death defying move. Throughout the river, communities have built their own makeshift bridges that are a little bit less trustworthy than we would prefer. Some bridges are made simply of wooden sticks, while other “bridges” basically involve just a two cables tied to trees on opposite sides of the river banks.

30. Baduy Bridges – Indonesia

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Forget nails, screws, bolts, nuts, and anything else that would make someone feel even relatively safe crossing a bridge. Instead, the bridges of the Baduy Tribe in Indonesia are famous for involving none of those gadgets. No, they rely on roots to secure their bridges. That’s right, actual plant and tree roots do all the heavy lifting.

The Baduy Tribe is one of many tribes in the area that cut themselves off from civilization way before any modern technology was created. Instead, the tribe lives within nature, and uses only nature to construct their bridges, which can be be found throughout the area of Indonesia referred to as “Baduy country.”

31. Hanging Bridge of Ghasa – Nepal

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The Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, located in Nepal, is aptly named considering it just sort of hangs there high over a river valley. This narrow bridge is not only responsible for transporting humans, but tons of cattle and sheep also cross this bridge every single day. Now just imagine trying to pass a cow on this narrow bridge.

According to Alluring World’s take on the Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, “despite the look it has as a fragile, extremely unstable, ready to break and badly shaken piece of architecture, it is definitely very reliable as it is equipped with high railings making it very safe for everyone to cross.” Yeah, sure.

32. Aiguille du Midi Bridge – France

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Directly translated to “Needle of the South,” Aiguille du Midi can be found in the French Alps. It’s peak usually can be spotted  poking out above the clouds, which is no surprise considering that it rises to a height of 12,604 feet above ground.

Anyone visiting the French Alps can take a cable car up to the top of the mountain for some of the most spectacular views, including a bridge that connects two of the mountain peaks. While the bridge might seem fine from afar, crossing it is not for the faint of heart. Once someone is on the bridge, it is impossible to ignore just how high up it is.

33. Storseisundet Bridge – Norway

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The Storseisundet Bridge has been called the “Bridge to Nowhere.” That is partially because it took the equivalent of $13 million and six years to build, and construction was interrupted by no less than 12 hurricanes. The nickname also comes from the fact that at some angles, the bridge literally seems to lead to nowhere, and looks like it just ends abruptly.

The way the bridge curves means that at times, drivers might not be able to see who or what is coming from the other direction. It’s no wonder why this roller coaster-like bridge is considered to be one of the most dangerous in the world.

34. Deception Pass Bridge- Washington State, United States

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Deception Pass Bridge in Washington State is not considered to be a scary bridge because of its size. Sitting 180 feet above water, it is hardly one of the taller bridges on this list. But usually when crossing a bridge, it is best to look at the other side, like seeing a light at the end of a tunnel.

Instead, what makes Deception Pass Bridge so creepy is because it is usually pretty impossible to see the other side. The mist and general fogginess of the area means that sometimes it might feel like a car is crossing the bridge and disappearing into a cloud.

35. Seven Mile Bridge – Florida, United States

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The Seven Mile Bridge in Florida used to be a lot scarier. Before it was rebuilt to allow boats to pass under it, there were virtually no shoulders anywhere on the seven-mile-long bridge, and crossing it took a ton of concentration and wishful thinking that no heavy winds would be strong enough to knock a car off its course.

Now, Florida’s Seven Mile Bridge, which connects two of the Florida Keys (Knight’s Key and Little Duck Key), is said to be a lot safer. But that does not mean that we would want to be anywhere near it during one of Florida’s infamous hurricanes.

Sources: Lifestyle A2Z, Daily Choices, Metro