Best Pedestrian Suspension Bridges in the World Worth Crossing

I had this reoccurring nightmare growing up – I think really the only reoccurring nightmare I’ve ever had. It included my mom, my brother (who was still in a stroller), and myself. We grew up going to Niagara Falls several times and that’s the setting it felt closest to. Except, there was a suspension bridge. Pretty sure there would be a load of engineering problems if that was real. Regardless, in my dream – we were crossing the wooden suspension bridge over the falls – stroller in tow (really?!) – when the next thing you know, it was snapping. While someone is deciphering that one for me, I want to introduce you to 24 of the best pedestrian suspension bridges in the world.

I’ve always had a fascination with them and I love crossing them. Despite this reoccurring nightmare, they’ve brought nothing but excitement for me.

Suspension Bridges in Africa

Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge, South Africa by Sabine of The Travelling Chilli

Initially constructed in 1969, the picturesque Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge in South Africa was sadly destroyed by a massive fire in 2007. The bridge has since been re-built to even higher safety standards.

Visitors to the Tsitsikamma National Park can first enjoy a gentle 800-metre stroll on a raised boardwalk through the indigenous forest leading up to the bridge. Flanked by high cliffs at the end of a deep narrow gorge and only 11 meters above the churning ocean water, you are free to stop on the bridge in order to admire the breathtaking view of the Storms River mouth.

Less than 100 km east of the well-known town of Knysna, getting to the bridge is easy as the park is definitely ‘on the beaten track’. This means it is very often included in the itineraries of the myriad of organized tours on offer along the world renowned ‘Garden Route’. Another very popular way of touring South Africa is by renting your vehicle of choice, in which case it is a short pleasant scenic drive off the N2 highway.

Kakum National Park, Ghana by Erika of Erika’s Travels

Kakum National Park in Ghana is a biologically-rich rainforest famous for its canopy walk. Accessible as a day trip from either Cape Coast or Accra, the park contains seven suspension bridges that soar above the forest canopies. To reach the park, one can either join an organized tour or hop on a shared minivan from Cape Coast.

Kakum National Park’s suspension bridges are a highlight of visiting Ghana. The bridges and viewing platforms were constructed in 1995 in order to stimulate tourism in the area. Though they are built from wire, rope, and aluminum, the materials seamlessly blend into their environment as if part of the forest.

Swinging more than 35 meters above ground, the seven suspension bridges are ideal spots for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Nature walks across the bridges allow for up-close encounters with the 300 bird species and 500 types of butterflies that reside within the park.

Suspension Bridges in Asia

Passu Bridge, Pakistan by Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

The nearby Hussaini Suspension Bridge is better known among foreign tourists and is often dubbed the “most dangerous bridge in the world”, but anyone who believes that has obviously never seen the Passu Bridge. While the Hussaini Bridge is made of uniform wooden planks spaced evenly apart, the Passu bridge is made of roughly cut, bumpy pieces of wood, and the gaps between them are random and sometimes scarily wide. it’s like something straight out of an Indiana Jones movie.

A human should be able to make it across safely as long as they hold on tight and keep their wits about them, but for a smaller, four-legged animal it would be impossible. I witnessed this first hand when I saw a local man approach the bridge with a goat. If the man had tried to carry the goat across in his arms, he would not have been able to hold on to the ropes to steady himself, so that wasn’t an option. What he did instead was ingenious.

He used ropes to tie the goat’s front left leg and back left leg together, creating a loop. After doing the same with the goat’s two right legs, he put his arms through the two loops and wore the goat on his back like a backpack, with the legs serving as shoulder straps. The goat was not at all happy with this arrangement and screamed the whole way as they crossed the river. Looking back on this now as a vegan traveler, I feel very sorry for the goat. At the time, though, I was most impressed by the man’s ingenuity.

Passu is a small village about ninety minutes by minibus past Karimabad up the Karakoram Highway. The Passu Bridge is easily reached on foot from the village.

Mohare Danda Community Trek, Nepal by Jeanine of Traveling Honeybird

Random suspension bridge found on the Mohare Danda community trek. It may look like not a whole lot, certainly, it isn’t Instagram worthy but these suspension bridges allow communities to connect. These bridges offer safe passage as you wander throughout the Himalayas.

No matter how many you walk over, you’ll never grow tired of the magic of walking at height, across a suspension bridge in Nepal.

Punakha Suspension Bridge, Bhutan by Abbie of Speck on the Globe

You may end up crossing many suspension bridges throughout your trip in Bhutan. There are over 100 suspension bridges in the kingdom and are a staple of transportation throughout the country that dates back to the 1300s. The iron chain bridge is the longest in the country, spanning nearly 200 meters over the Pho Chhu River.

Getting to the bridge, you need to take a pedestrian pathway past the Punakha Dzong. On your way, you’ll have the chance to get a glimpse of one of the King’s Palaces. The bridge leads to a few villages on the other side of the river, but many visitors just come to walk across for a few photos. Take some time to explore the other side of the river, shopping in the traditional village stores and experiencing sincere rural life in Bhutan.

Ghandruk Suspension Bridge, Nepal by Inma of A World to Travel

It is not the longest nor the highest, Ghandruk suspension bridge holds no world records. However, and believe me I have seen a few, it is one of the ones I most enjoyed crossing after five intense days walking the trek to Mohare Hill and back, the Annapurna Eco-Lodge Community Trek.

The feeling of reaching the end of it after climbing to 3300 meters and lived all kinds of adventures, is priceless. For the rest, it is one of the many that were built in this area of Nepal a few years ago. Safe, without the tourist crowds others have, free to cross, stable, and long enough to be photogenic, if you are in the area, make sure to visit it. It will be worth it.

Hillary Bridge, Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal by Michelle of Full Time Explorer

The Hillary Bridge is located in the Khumbu Region of Nepal on the way to Everest Base Camp. This suspension bridge is over 100m high and crosses the Dudh Kosi River which is considered to be one of the highest rivers at altitude. The bridge itself is located at an altitude of around 3,400m and getting there is no easy feat. Most people who trek to Everest Base Camp end up flying into the most dangerous airport in the world. From there, it’s a two-day walk to the bridge.

For me, going over the bridge was terrifying. I have a fear of heights and the bridge swings back and forth in the wind. On top of all of that, the area is famous for its yak. They’re used as porters to carry supplies up the mountain so you may end up crossing the bridge with a few yaks who can weigh up to 1,000 lbs each! Although scary, it makes for one crazy adventure. And if your nerves get the best of you, you can do what I did; sing “Ain’t no mountain high. Ain’t no valley low. Ain’t no river wide enough baby!” Trust me, it helps.

Ganhyeong Rocking Bridge, South Korea by Marie of Be Marie Korea

The most popular activity in South Korea is hiking, which comes as no surprise if you know that 70% of the country exists out of mountains. All park and mountain trails are extremely well maintained and even have wooden walking platforms and staircases in areas which are difficult to access. With the many hiking trails and mountain ranges come suspension bridges. Korea has a lot of stunning suspension bridges with my favourite one being the Ganhyeong Rocking Bridge in Wonju. It is a stunning blue bridge which hangs 60 meters above the valley and connects the two mountain peaks. The view from the bridge is absolutely stunning and the hike up to the bridge is quite easy.

From Seoul, you can take the Seoul public transport to Wonju city and then transfer to bus nr. 52 and get off at the Wolun Bus Stop. The entrance to the park is 3000 krw.

TreeTop Walk, Singapore by Kenny of Knycx Journeying

Singapore is blessed with hot and humid weather all year round with relatively less natural disasters that created the lush and green environment within its urban development.

The country does not lack outdoor areas for active travelers. The Central Catchment Nature Reserve (MacRitchie) is located in the central part of Singapore and the star attraction is the suspension bridge called the TreeTop Walk in one of its walking trails.

It is easy to get to the reserve by public transportation. There are a number of bus stops nearby, get off on Lornie Road by bus No.157 and No.165, and the reserve’s entrance is only a short walk from the bus stop. The boardwalk was easy and flat and it’s suitable for everyone.

While you are on the bridge, look for a Malayan Colugo (flying lemur) that lives on the trees, spot the many well-hidden secrets of the forest, listen to the sounds of the forest and feel the different texture that nature has to offer.

Suspension Bridges in Europe

Titan RT Bridge, Germany by Roshni of The Wanderlust Within

Above the Rappbode Dam in the middle of the Harz mountains lies the Titan RT bridge. It is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, and stretches 458 meters across and is situated 100 meters above Germany’s highest reservoir.

Crossing the bridge (6 EUR for adults and 4 EUR for children) provides some beautiful aerial views of the surrounding forested areas, but if crossing isn’t enough you can also get your heart pumping by either ziplining 1000 meters alongside the bridge (39 EUR) or bungee jumping 75 meters off the bridge (79 EUR alone or 149 EUR for tandem).

Tickets for all of these can be purchased at the visitor centre. The bridge can be reached by car or by bus from Wernigerode station, I would suggest spending around 2 hours, so you can enjoy the surrounding trails.

The Millennium Bridge, London, England by Sharon of What The Saints Did Next

Walking the Millennium Bridge across the River Thames in London gives such amazing views it’s worth a jot on anyone’s itinerary when visiting the city. London is one of our favourite cities, full of life, zest and iconic tourist attractions that are easily accessible to explore on a walking tour. The Millennium Bridge is perfectly placed for this as it forms part of the Queen’s Walk route. Taking in shops, galleries and street artists along the South Bank up to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe where you’ll find the start of the steel suspension footbridge. From here the 325m long and 4m wide Millennium Bridge crosses the river to St Paul’s Cathedral.

This spot on the south bank is a favourite for photographers as the bridge is aligned to create a ‘terminating vista’ ie a clear view of St Paul’s across the river that is nicely framed by the bridge and its struts. The Millennium Bridge is also a favourite for Harry Potter fans as it was featured in the Half Blood Prince under attack from Death Eaters. The nearest underground station is Southwark on the south side and St Paul’s or Black Friars on the north.

Stubnerkogel Suspension Bridge, Austria by Priya Vin of Outside Suburbia

While visiting Austria don’t miss a chance to go Skywalking on the highest suspension bridge in Austria. It is only one and a half hours from Salzburg to Bad Gastein and you can easily spend the entire day in the area. Take the cable car up and hike the trails and then walk up to the summit of the Stubnerkogel to enjoy breath-taking views of the town of Bad Gastein below and the surrounding mountain peaks.

The viewing platform Glocknerblick is seven meters in diameter and mainly constructed out of steel and wood. The platform Glocknerblick is easily accessible by the 140 meters-long suspension bridge. If you don’t want to walk the suspension bridge, the platform is accessible by a walkway that gently climbs up through an alternate pathway. While the suspended bridge sways a little when you walk on it, there is nothing to worry about. There are wire-mesh fences around the platform that provide safety for all visitors, while still preserving the views of the surrounding mountain peaks.

If there is no cloud veil you can see the peak of Großglockner which is Austria’s highest mountain at a height of 3798 meters from here. You can also do a driving trip on the highest alpine road in Austria to see the mountain a little closer. See here for more details on how to get to Stubnerkogel.

Caminito Del Rey, Spain by Jorge of Travel Drafts

Caminito Del Ray, in Southern Spain, is one of the most breathtaking hikes in the world. It was once famous for being the “most dangerous trail in the world,” but today, after being rebuilt, it is perfectly safe.

The hike isn’t very hard. It is only 8km long on a linear route – 2.9km is on a pathway. It is a memorable hike with a lovely trail, footpaths, insane views, and an incredible suspension bridge at the end. One cool feature about this trail is the old pathway is still there and it is possible to see it and realize how dangerous it used to be.

Caminito del Rey crosses the beautiful Churro gorge on a wooden walkway about 100 meters above the ground. When you are reaching the end of the trail, you’ll find the suspension bridge connecting both sides of the gorge at more than 100 meters high. It’s quite an experience.

Note: You need to book the hike in advance on the official website and the cost is 10€.

Highline 179, Austria by Casey of Viraflare

Highline 179 is the longest Tibet style suspension bridge in the world, coming in at 403m (1,322ft) and quite an experience to cross. The bridge hangs over the Ehrenburg castle and connects two sets of ruins on top of the hill. So, in addition to the amazing views from the bridge, there’s also plenty of history to take in from your surroundings. If you’re also a thrill seeker and love heights then I strongly encourage you to experience it, as the floor for the bridge is grated and you can easily see straight through to the ground 114m (374ft) below.

Getting to the bridge is also very easy. Located near Reutte, Austria, and parking for the bridge is the same as for the Ehrenburg castle. Also, you don’t need to pay entry into the castle, the bridge can be accessed by simply hiking to it and purchasing a ticket to cross just before you reach the bridge.

Windsor Suspension Bridge, Gibraltar by Tracey of Pack the PJs

On a recent trip to Gibraltar, we visited the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. There were loads of things to do and see and it was a brilliant trip. We went up on the cable car and walked around the top, then down to the botanical gardens.

One of the attractions, where you can be sure of getting a great view across the city, was the Windsor suspension bridge. This is free to visit and is such a great achievement in engineering for Gibraltar. The bridge is 71 meters in length and spans a 50-meter-deep gorge providing magnificent views especially at sunset.

Constructed off-site in Spain by Bovis Koala and installed by Muntanya, it was officially opened on the 21st June 2016 by the Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. It sways a little bit but it is great fun and of course totally safe. When all is said and done, yes, it is still only a bridge but it is in such a fantastic setting and it has made an asset of a previously uninteresting area between two old batteries. Gibraltar is such an interesting place and really worth a visit.

Titlis Cliff Walk, Switzerland by Shivani of The Wandering Core

Titlis Cliff Walk is the pedestrian bridge on the 3400 meters above sea level Mount Titlis in Switzerland. The Titlis Cliff Walk is known to be the highest suspension bridge in Europe making it one of the major attractions near Zurich. The alp range is nearly 2 hours away from Zurich with a few train interchanges. A gondola ride from the Engelberg’s base station is there to take you on the top of the mountain. The gondola is as unique as the suspension bridge. The gondola is built in an oval shape with glass windows giving panoramic views of the snowy peaks.

The temperatures are freezing on the top especially in the winters, don’t forget to pack gloves and hat. I did, and I couldn’t have as much as fun in the snow as I expected. There are a few restaurants on the top, you could have a few drinks there or enjoy a warm cuppa of coffee with snacks. Spend a few hours on the Mount Titlis, walk around the suspension bridge or ski your way down from the top. You’ll have an experience of a lifetime.

Gustave Eiffel’s Suspension Bridge, Paris by Elisa of World in Paris

The Buttes-Chaumont’s suspended bridge is located in the heart of Park Buttes Chaumont, in the 19^th Arrondissement of Paris. This narrow and metallic bridge with a wooden floor is perched 8 meters high and connects the park to Belvedere Island in the center of the park’s big lake. Belvedere Island is a special and very picturesque corner of the park, dominated by a neo-classical temple with beautiful views.

The Buttes-Chaumont’s suspended bridge was designed and built in 1867 by Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer who built the Eiffel Tower. The total length of the bridge is 65 meters. Curious visitors walking along this pedestrian bridge may notice that the pylons which support it look like part of the Belvedere Island thanks to their “rocky” aspect. This makes the bridge melt into the surrounding landscape.

Park Buttes-Chaumont has other 3 bridges all built in different styles but the most spectacular is without any doubt Gustave Eiffel’s suspended bridge!

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland by Ashley of Wild Hearted

Definitely, one of the most well known Northern Ireland locations when traveling Belfast to Giants Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge is worth a visit. The rope bridge connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. The rope bridge was put in place so that salmon fishermen would have a way to the island for almost 400 years and over the years, the bridge has evolved. If you think crossing it now is daunting, imagine crossing it when there was only one handrail and large gaps in the steps.

On a good day (does that actually happen in Ireland?), you can actually see Scotland from the island as well as three large caves below. For fun, you can purchase a certificate after you complete for £1!

Suspension Bridges in North America

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, Tennessee, USA by Ashley of Oddities and Curiosities Travel

Are you ready for the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America? Head to Gatlinburg, Tennessee where it just opened in the summer of 2019. After the devastating wildfires that raged through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Gatlinburg Skylift needed to come back better than ever. Since the huge hillside lost most of its trees due to the fires, they added an amazing suspension bridge, beautiful park and, redid the skylift.

For $20, you can catch a ride on the skylift (the only way up), hang out at the Skypark, and cross the bridge as many times as you’d like. The bridge is longer than two football fields, 140 feet off the ground and has possibly the best view of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains.

Mile High Swinging Bridge, North Carolina, USA by Brooke and Buddy Baum of Trailing Away

At Grandfather Mountain in Linville, NC, a short hike takes you to a beautiful suspension bridge located one mile above sea level. Known as America’s highest suspension footbridge, the aptly named Mile High Swinging Bridge is an iconic area landmark that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. The 228-foot bridge was built in 1952 and sways a little as you walk over it – giving visitors a little adrenaline rush. Elevator access has also recently been installed, giving visitors with disabilities access to this unique experience.

Stopping at Grandfather Mountain to walk over the Mile High Swinging Bridge is a great addition to any trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway – since it is only one mile south of this scenic road. We got engaged on the bridge over a decade ago and it was quite the magical experience. (Although, a little nerve-wracking with the ring hand over. Ha!)

Hidden River Cave, Kentucky, USA by KB of Her Life in Ruins

Climb through the world’s longest underground suspension bridge in Hidden River Cave in Horse Cave, Kentucky. The suspension bridge sits above a deep cavern in the cave, stretching around 100 feet and offering stunning views of the subterranean hidden river below. If the timing is right, you’ll even hear a train passing above you! Keep a sharp eye out for cave critters like crickets, bats, and salamanders, as they might pop out to say hello during your visit. Still looking for more adventure? You can zip line across the sink that the cave sits in or even rappel into the mouth of the cave!

You’ll need to take a public cave tour to cross the bridge. The tour lasts around an hour, requires visitors to climb around 230 steps, is not handicap accessible, and costs $22 for adults and $12 for children (ziplining and rappelling is extra). Hidden River Cave is only a 5-minute drive off of I-65, making it a perfect stop on any road trip.

Swing-A-Long Bridge, Tennessee, USA by Nadeen of The Sophisticated Life

After years of living in Atlanta Georgia I finally took a road trip to Chattanooga Tennessee. Chattanooga is only a 2-hour drive from Atlanta. You pass Chattanooga on the way to Nashville, Tennessee.

Based on my research and pictures, I knew I had to visit Lookout Mountain and Rock City. Rock City is located in Lookout Mountain. Both are popular tourist destinations in Tennessee. However, the address for Lookout Mountain places it in Georgia. It is only 6 miles from Downtown Chattanooga and is very easy to get to by car.

Once there, you can explore Lookout Mountain and Rock City on a self-guided walking tour. Rock City is 1700 feet above sea level with a 100 ft waterfall. During your tour, you will come across a suspension bridge. Swing-A-Long Bridge is 200 feet long. It consists of wooden planks bound together with rope. It seemed sturdy to me but I would not jump across it. From the Swing-A-Long Bridge, you can take in the natural beauty of this area. The views from the bridge and Lookout Mountain are worth the drive and the mild hike.

Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado, USA by Natasha of Om Shanti Adventure

If you’re visiting Colorado, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park has a fantastic pedestrian suspension bridge located about an hour drive from Colorado Springs. Journey across the bridge situated 956 staggering feet above the rushing Arkansas River. Royal Gorge Bridge was built in 1929 and has been renovated periodically since. It’s the highest bridge in the entire United States and has breathtaking views of the gorge and the river below!

In addition to the amazing bridge are the gondolas that travel across the gorge. Trekking up to the gondola platform after crossing the bridge can be a bit strenuous, especially if you’re still adapting to the altitude of Colorado.

For an easier trip, start with the gondola, then walk down to cross the bridge. This works especially well on windy days as the gondolas get shut down if the wind picks up during the day.

The bridge isn’t the only activity to enjoy at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. From a thrilling Skycoaster, Ziplining, to literally climbing up the side of the gorge, they’ve got plenty of options to get your adrenaline pumping. Kids can enjoy the carousel and 3-story playland, then cool off on the splash pad. It’s definitely one of the must-see places in Colorado!

Canyon Sainte-Anne, Quebec, Canada by Tatiana of Family Roadtrip Guru

One of the hidden gems of the province of Quebec in Canada is Canyon Sainte-Anne. It is located just about 42 km from Quebec City (you will need to rent a car) and offers a breath-taking experience. The canyon is a gorge carved by Sainte-Anne-du-Nord river which is crossed by three pedestrian suspension bridges located at different heights. Right in the middle of the canyon, the river takes a 74 m plunge making a spectacular waterfall.

The views from each of the bridges are different but equally beautiful: you can go as high as the tops of the cliffs or get down to almost the river level. This scenic area is great for hiking and rock climbing on the walls of the canyon.

Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver, Canada by Jai of Savoir There

A visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular things to do for tourists visiting Vancouver. Dating back to 1889, the bridge spans 70 meters across the Capilano River making it the oldest paid attraction in the Canadian city. There’s also a free and regular shuttle bus to transport you there from downtown Waterfront Station.

It makes a fun and family-friendly day out, whether you cool off under the tree canopy on a warm summer’s day or see the park twinkling with Christmas lights on a December night. Capilano is home to more than just a bridge, with totem poles, tree walkways, and guided nature tours.

Insider tip: If you want to be a little different, prefer to avoid the crowds or simply fancy saving on the costly $53.95 entrance fee at Capilano, you can go to the shorter, slightly more rickety but totally free and locally-favored Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, also set in a rainforest on Vancouver’s North Shore.

Lynn Canyon, Vancouver, Canada by Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

When it comes to attractions in Vancouver, many visitors flock to Capilano Suspension Bridge because of how awesome it looks in photos. But, Capilano is not the only one – and remains #2 if you ask the locals which suspension bridge to make time for in Van city.

Lynn Canyon is that hidden gem. Nestled away above North Vancouver in the Lynn Valley, it is easy to see why. Lynn Canyon is easy to get to if you have a car, but it is also accessible by public transport through the daily bus services on offer in the city. If you take this option, you will have to change buses to route 227 which you can do at Phibbs Exchange depot.

Lynn Canyon is a small suspension bridge, but this just adds to its charm. Best of all, it is not full of tourists like Capilano can be, and there are a number of hikes you can make when visiting which get you right into the forest, close to waterfalls and surrounded by nature. A photo on the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is a must no matter what you do once you’re there though!

Visiting Vancouver without an afternoon here would be a real shame. Do not miss it.

Oceania

Paekakariki Escarpment Track, New Zealand by Jub of chur New Zealand

The Paekakariki Escarpment Track (aka Stairway to Heaven) is located a short drive (or train ride) away from Wellington and includes two 40-meter long pedestrian-only bridges. You’ll find them on the southern half of the end to end walk.

What makes them so great, is they eliminate the need to walk down through the two gullies between the mountains. In addition to that, you s get awesome views still and it’s a great spot to see tui’s and bellbirds as the swingbridges are next to a kohekohe forest. Both of these birds love the nectar from these trees and you’ll often see the tui’s flying in tandem, fighting, up and down the valley.

Note: the winds can really blow off the coast, so while the bridges aren’t too high, your nerves will get a real test on a windy day.

Best Pedestrian Suspension Bridges Overview

Which bridge captures your attention the most? Do you enjoy crossing suspension bridges or do they leave you paralyzed in fear? Which ones are not on the list that should be?

The Best Pedestrian Suspension Bridges in the World