Most bridges are built for a simple job: getting us from one point to another. They’re useful, sure, but not always exciting. However, some bridges go way beyond basic. They are amazing feats of engineering or wild works of art. These special bridges attract visitors from all over the globe. You’ve probably heard of famous ones like the Golden Gate Bridge or the Brooklyn Bridge. But there are many other bridges out there that are just as cool, even if they’re not as famous. Ready to see some truly out-of-the-ordinary crossings? Here are 10 unusual bridges from around the world that you absolutely need to add to your travel list.
10. The Moses Bridge, Netherlands
Imagine a bridge that doesn’t go over the water, but slices right through it! That’s exactly what the Moses Bridge in the Netherlands does. This clever bridge lets people reach Fort de Roovere, a historic fort that once used moats to keep enemies away. When the fort was restored, they needed a new bridge. But building a regular bridge over the moat would have spoiled the fort’s historic look.
So, architects came up with a brilliant idea: a bridge that sinks into the water, like a trench. This way, it blends in and still lets people cross. Built in 2010, it’s nicknamed the Moses Bridge because it looks like it’s parting the water, just like in the famous Bible story. Don’t worry about it flooding; dams control the water level, keeping this sunken path perfectly dry.
9. The Golden Bridge, Vietnam
In Vietnam, there’s a bridge that looks like it’s being held up by two giant stone hands. It’s called the Golden Bridge, and it’s quite a sight! The hands look ancient and weathered, as if they’ve been there for centuries. But surprise! They’re actually made of wire mesh and fiberglass and were only built in 2018. This bridge gives amazing views of the mountains all around.
You’ll find the Golden Bridge at the Bà Nà Hills resort near Da Nang City. It connects the resort’s beautiful gardens to a cable car station. Speaking of cable cars, this resort holds a Guinness World Record for the longest non-stop single-track cable car ride! While the Golden Bridge doesn’t hold any records, it’s a truly impressive and Instagram-worthy spot.
8. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
Did you know there’s a bridge that crosses the Atlantic Ocean? Well, sort of! The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland does just that. It was first built way back in 1755 so fishermen could get to a small island. The bridge stretches across a chasm that’s 98 feet deep and 65 feet wide. It might not cross a huge part of the ocean, but it technically does cross it!
Today, a more modern bridge stands in its place, letting tourists enjoy the thrill of walking over the Atlantic. Another bridge, the Clachan Bridge in Scotland, also claims to cross the Atlantic, but over a much shorter stretch. So, if you want some bragging rights, Carrick-a-Rede is the place to go!
7. The Euro Banknote Bridges, Netherlands
Have you ever looked at the bridges on Euro banknotes? They’re actually pictures of imaginary bridges. This was done so no single country would feel left out. But then, a designer named Robin Stam had a fun idea: what if these fictional bridges were real? He talked to his hometown council in Spijkenisse, Netherlands, and they loved it!
Between 2011 and 2013, all seven bridges from the Euro banknotes were built in Spijkenisse. Each note shows a different style of architecture, like Gothic for the €20 note and Renaissance for the €50. The real bridges are smaller than the pictures on the money, but they’re painted in bright colors to match the banknotes. It’s a unique way to see art come to life!
6. Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, South Korea
The Banpo Bridge in Seoul, South Korea, is part of a double-decker bridge crossing the Han River. But the top part, Banpo Bridge itself, has a spectacular secret. In 2008, hundreds of fountains were installed along both sides. In fact, it holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest bridge fountain! About 380 nozzles shoot out an amazing 60 tons of water every minute.
During the day, the water creates beautiful, graceful patterns. But the real magic happens at night. LED lights turn the water jets into a stunning rainbow of colors, all synchronized to music. You can even stand on the lower Jamsu Bridge to watch the 20-minute show from underneath the cascading water. It’s an unforgettable experience!
5. Kinzua Bridge, USA
Most bridges don’t show you what they’d look like if they were destroyed, but the Kinzua Bridge in Pennsylvania is different. It was once the longest and tallest railroad bridge in the world, measuring 2,053 feet long and 301 feet high. In 2003, while it was being repaired, a powerful tornado struck and knocked down a large part of it.
Rebuilding the whole bridge was too expensive. So, instead, the part that was still standing was turned into a pedestrian walkway in 2011. Six of the original support towers are still there. The walkway leads to a platform where you can look out over the gorge and see the twisted metal of the fallen towers below. It’s a chilling but fascinating view of nature’s power.
4. The Bastei Bridge, Germany
The Bastei is a stunning formation of jagged rocks, towering 636 feet above the Elbe River in Germany. Long ago, Neurathen Castle stood on these rocky peaks before it burned down in 1484. Even without the castle, people flock to see these incredible rocks. In the early 1800s, a wooden bridge was built to connect the rock pillars. Around 1850, it was replaced with the sandstone bridge that you can still walk on today.
Walking across this bridge gives you an up-close look at the rock pillars and breathtaking views of the mountains and valley. The bridge itself looks like something out of a medieval fantasy movie, making it just as much of an attraction as the rocks. The view of the bridge nestled among the pillars is truly like a scene from The Lord of the Rings.
3. Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia
In Colombia, there’s a breathtaking Gothic-style church called Las Lajas Sanctuary that’s built right across a gorge. The church building extends from one side of the canyon, 330 feet above the bottom. It’s connected to the other side by a 160-foot long bridge that spans the Guáitara River. The current church was built between 1916 and 1949. But there was a shrine here even before that, because the spot is said to be where a miracle happened.
According to local legend, in 1754, a woman and her deaf-mute daughter took shelter from a storm in a cave. There, they supposedly saw an image of the Virgin Mary, and afterward, the child could hear and speak. People started visiting the cave to pray for miracles. Later, an image of Mary is said to have appeared on a stone slab, which is now part of the altar inside this incredible church.
2. The Tianjin Eye on Yongle Bridge, China
The Tianjin Eye in China is a very unusual Ferris wheel. Why? Because it’s the only one in the world built on top of a bridge! It sits over the Hai River on the Yongle Bridge. Standing 394 feet tall, it’s not the tallest Ferris wheel – that title goes to the Ain Dubai at 820 feet. But no other observation wheel is attached to a bridge, making the Tianjin Eye truly one-of-a-kind.
Opened in 2008, the wheel has 48 compartments and can carry 384 people at once. A full rotation takes about 30 minutes, offering great views. It’s connected to the bridge with striking, three-pronged supports. At night, it lights up with colorful neon lights, creating a dazzling sight for anyone crossing the bridge below.
1. Living Root Bridges, India
In the Indian state of Meghalaya, you’ll find bridges that are literally alive! These are living root bridges, formed from the growing roots of trees, usually rubber trees. Meghalaya has a dense jungle, making it hard to build bridges with typical materials like concrete or steel. So, local tribal communities have developed this amazing way to cross the many rivers in the area. Over 100 of these living bridges exist.
How are they made? People guide the aerial roots of trees across a river, often using bamboo as a support structure. Over many years, as the trees grow, the roots intertwine and become incredibly strong. These bridges not only last a long time but also get stronger with age. They are so unique that they are being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status, showing a special connection between people and nature.
These are just a few examples of how creative and surprising bridges can be. Each one tells a story of human ingenuity, artistry, or a deep connection with the natural world. They remind us that even everyday structures can be extraordinary.
Which of these unusual bridges would you most like to visit? Have you seen any other amazing bridges on your travels? Leave your comment below and share your thoughts!
