Suspended between heaven and earth, Tibetan bridges are evocative and spectacular structures that offer unique experiences. From the one built by the Incas to the tallest, from the most dangerous to the longest, here are the unforgettable ones to cross in Europe and around the world. And Italy reserves surprises…
When the wind blows strongly, its strings vibrate frantically and its boards sway frighteningly in the void, like a toothless mouth that screams silently. Also for this reason, but not only, theHussaini Hanging Bridge is considered one of the most dangerous Tibetan bridges in the world. It is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region in the north of Pakistanand flies over Lake Borit in Upper Hunza.
Between missing boards and frayed ropes, it is the only connecting road between the villages of Hussaini and Zarabad. It is also the only way for the inhabitants and the numerous adventurous people who travel through it every year, to cross the gorge and the river that separates them.
Safer but no less thrilling, the wind also makes the steel cables and the semi-transparent metal mesh that make up the platform whistle. Bridge 516 Arouca. It’s the suspension bridge tallest in the world. It is located in geopark Unesco heritage of Arouca, in the north-western part of Portugal. With his 516 meters longsuspended a 175 meters high on the river, crossing it is like moving one foot in front of the other while floating in the air.
A record that was dethroned a few weeks ago by an all-Italian opera. 517.5 meters long (one and a half meters more than the Portuguese antagonist), 175 meters high is composed by 1023 steps, in Valnerinain Umbria, was inaugurated a new highest Tibetan bridge in Europe (and of the world): the Sellano bridge.
Made with a single span and in steel and wood, it flies over the Vigi river in total connecting the historic center of Village of Sellano (among the most beautiful villages in Italy) al Montesanto Castle. Travel time: between 30 and 45 minutes, one step after another with emptiness in between.
For those who love them strong emotions and is not afraid of heights, these suspension bridges represent some of the most compelling and evocative experiences you can try. Below are what they are and where they are located the most adventurous in the world.
Q’eswachaka, the last bridge of the Incas
Guarding the Apurímac River, in Peruthe bridge Q’eswachaka And the last existing example of an Inca bridge. AND 28 meters long built with traditional techniques and its structure is made with woven plant fibres.
In addition to representing a unique infrastructure, it is also a symbol of the ancient native civilizationhanded down thanks to annual rite of renewal celebrated in June by the four local communities of Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Qollana Quehue and Chocayha. The practice has preserved the bridge and Andean identity for centuries and, in 2013, was designated UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Canopy Walkway, the bridge in the rainforest
With his 530 meters longThe Canopy Walkway it is considered among the longest suspension bridges in the world. Is found in Malaysiaprecisely in the rainforest of Taman Negarabetween the three states of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu.
From 40 meters high, it offers spectacular views of the 130 million year old vegetation which extends between 80 and 2187 meters above sea level and the over 150 species of mammals that inhabit it, including tigers, leopards, Sunda muntjaks, binturongs, Malayan bears and elephants. A unique example of biodiversity and exciting.
Ghasa bridge, the thrilling bridge
The Ghasa suspension bridge in Nepal it’s more than a passage: it’s an adventurous gateway to the Annapurna Circuit that offers more than a thrill. Made of rope, despite its 137 meters long at 70 meters above the ground may seem fragile, they allow people and livestock to safely cross the Gandaki River Gorge every day.
Geierlay, 100 meters above the woods
It is not made of rope and has a solid and sturdy structure made of wood and steel cable. However, to cross it you still need to arm yourself with courage: the Geierlay Bridge crosses the sky at a height of 100 metres, stretching above the picturesque Mörsdorfer valley, in GermanyFor 360 meters. An unmissable glance.
Bridge in the sky, the second highest in Europe
In Val Tartano, in the province of Sondrio, there is the Bridge in the Sky. And the name is no coincidence: suspended at 140 meters high, is among the highest Tibetan bridges on the continent. Thanks to his 234 meters longflows among the clouds above the stream of the same name to join the two sides of the valley, Campo Tartano (1034 meters above sea level) and the Maggengo Frasnino (1038 meters above sea level).
Suitable for adults and children, the crossing requires a fee and offers a panoramic view up at the Valtellina valley floor which culminates in Lake Como.
Kakum’s long “catwalk”.
Suspended above the tops of the centuries-old trees of the rainforest of Kakum, in Ghanaa network of 7 Tibetan bridges they form a long walkway 333 meterswhich flies over African vegetation and fauna up to 27 meters high.
The park extends over an area of 375 square kilometers that they host buffaloes, civets, monkeys, pangolins And dwarf crocodiles.
Cesana Claviere, silver medal in length
It has no frayed ropes or threadbare handrails, but is still capable of providing strong emotions and great adventure: made with steel cables, with its 544 meters in length, the Cesana Claviere bridge and the second longest Tibetan bridge in the world. Surrounded by rocks, in the heart of the San Gervasio Gorge, the route winds for about two hours 30 meters high. The crossing requires a fee and is accessible from May.
Capilano Suspension Bridge, the “Maciste bridge”
In the 1889 The Capilano Suspension Bridge it was made of hemp ropes and cedar planks, then, in 1903, the vegetable fibers were replaced by steel cables. In 135 years of lifehowever, two things have remained unchanged: the spectacular nature of its view a 137 meters high on the magnificent rainforests of British Columbia and the Capilano River, in Canada, and the oscillations. Don’t worry though: despite the swaying, the Vancouver Tibetan Bridge is capable of supporting the weight of a 747 airliner at full load or 75 adult elephants!
Ivano Dibona, the bridge that crosses the Dolomites
Challenging to reach and impervious to travel: the Tibetan Bridge along the Ivano Dibona via ferrata it is a route suitable for the more experienced and trained. The itinerary develops on the sites of the Great Warprecisely on Monte Cristallo, and offers an excursion to 30 meters high on the Ampezzo basin, 27 meters long which connect to the Ospitale area. Difficult and evocative.
The Nepalese Bridge over the stream
Still for experts it is the Nepalese Bridge from the Lucanian Dolomites. Exceed the Caperrino torrent proceeding to 35 meters from the ground, 70 meters long that connect the Vie Ferrate Marcirosa (Pietrapertosa) and Salemm (Castelmezzano). It can be crossed by a maximum of 15 people at the same time, always safely attached to the lifeline.
Sky Bridge 721, the longest suspension bridge in the world
Between heaven and earth, at 95 meters high and over 1,100 meters above sea level, the Sky Bridge of Dolní Morava, in Czech Republicfor about a year it has been the longest suspension bridge in the world.
Its 120 cm wide walkway, in fact, joins two long peaks 721 meters of distance and over an hour of walking in mid-air.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the bridge over the sea
It was built in 1755 by salmon fishermen and after almost three centuries it continues to maintain its own rope structure. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to Ballintoy, in Northern Ireland, runs above the sea at 30 meters highbetween the sight of the waves, the rocks and the jagged coasts, uniting theCarrick Islet with the mainland. Suitable for everyone, it can be crossed for a fee.
Carasc, the bridge that flies between the Alps
Finally in Bellinzona, in Switzerlandarises the Tibetan bridge Carasc. The imposing structure, 270 meters long and weighing approx 50 tonsreaches a maximum height of 130 metres. The walkway, less than a meter narrow and made of larch wood, it connects Curzutt to S. Bernardo along the Via delle Vigne, tracing an aerial path that stretches between the Alpine peaks. Impervious and difficult the right!
Article Modified On:April 30, 2024
