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From sky-high suspension bridges to dilapidated rope bridges, these crossings aren’t for the meek.
20. Millau Viaduct, France
Looking down on clouds is to be expected from an airplane, but it’s a bit more unsettling in a car. Yet that’s often the sight when driving across this bridge, which is taller than the Eiffel Tower at its highest point. In fact, when it opened in 2004, it claimed the title of the world’s tallest vehicular bridge.
Where: Crossing the Tarn Valley, near Millau in southern France.
Stats: Less than 2 miles long; 1,125 feet from the valley floor to the peak of its tallest mast.
21. Musou Tsuribashi, Japan
Bring a balancing pole—the only railings you’ll find on this 50-year-old bridge are two thin barely-there ropes. That’s a bit disconcerting considering the dizzying heights reached by this bridge, especially when the winds begin to howl over the forest below.
Where: In the remote wilderness of the Southern Japanese Alps (also known as the Akaishi Mountains).
Stats: The bridge is so remote that not much is known about its length and height.
22. Vitim River Bridge, Russia
Surviving this bridge crossing is considered such an accomplishment that the 34 people who have done it created their own Facebook page. The old railway bridge is only 50 feet above the water, so what makes it scary? Well, it’s barely wide enough for one car, and it’s iced over for much of the year—oh, and did we mention that there are no railings to catch your fall?
Where: Crossing over the Vitim River, a tributary of the Lena River, in eastern Siberia.
Stats: 1,870 feet long and 50 feet above the water.
23. Road Between Tierradentro to La Plata, Colombia
This mountain road is littered with simple bamboo bridges that wobble violently as you cross, with water rushing mere inches below you. The slickness caused by frequent torrential rainfall increases the danger quotient even more. Daredevils brave this road to see the massive underground tombs in the National Archeological Park of Tierradentro. A better option, perhaps? Taking the bus.
Where: On the road between Tierradentro to La Plata in southern Colombia.
Stats: Because it’s so remote, there are no official stats.
24. Volgograd Bridge, Russia
This bridge is practically brand new, but it’s amazing it hasn’t been shut down. During a violent storm in May 2010, the roadway began to shake and oscillate, in a similar manner to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge before it collapsed in 1940. The rippling roadway caused cars to be thrown into the air and careen into the opposite lane. Authorities blamed it on an earthquake, but seismologists disagreed. The safety investigation is ongoing, even as cars still drive across.
Where: In the southern Russian city of Volgograd, crossing the Volga River.
Stats: 4.5 miles long
25. Quepos Bridge, Costa Rica
Known as the “Oh My God” bridge, this crossing is so narrow that cars can travel only in one direction. After waiting your turn, you pile onto the bridge with many other cars (including heavy trucks). The loose slats of the roadway clank loudly while the bridge shakes under the weight of all the vehicles.
Where: On the road from Jaco to Quepos on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast.
Stats: No official stats.
