Suspension bridges are architectural masterpieces that can take you to breathtaking heights. Discover the following ten breathtaking bridges over canyons, in mountains and across Europe. Experience the adrenaline rush of crossing these unique suspension bridges!
The Best European Suspension Bridges
Running over a steep canyon, gently swaying in the wind and impressive architecturally at first glance: this is how typical, spectacular suspension bridges for pedestrians look. The path over them? Not possible for people with a fear of heights! But the reward for those who dare? Adrenaline rushes and happiness on the other side – because that’s how you overcame the challenge!
There are many suspension bridges that are free to explore on foot, perhaps even guiding you through a hiking area and almost forcing you to take the shortcut across a deep gorge. There are others that require a fee for you to enter, but it will pay for itself in no time. Be it in the beautiful south in Portugal, straight out the front door in Germany, or high in the north in Norway: Here we show you ten different suspension bridges in Europe that are great for thrills and adventures!
WildLine Black Forest
Located in the Black Forest, the WildLine suspension bridge is definitely not to be hidden from other specimens, being 380 meters long. In addition, it has a special feature: it is built arching upwards, making it unique in its kind in Europe. The bridge can carry a total of up to 600 people and itself weighs 141 tons.
Its connection to the Bad Wildbad Fairy Tale Trail makes sure that many vacationers and especially families with children will inevitably come across the WildLine. However, it is questionable whether they will dare to cross it.
With heights of 60 meters in places, this suspension bridge is only suitable for those who don’t mind deep chasms. And the views? They reach much further into the depths, in good weather even about 300 meters down into the Enz valley. Since a visit to the bridge costs money, you should consider beforehand whether this challenge suits you.
WildLine Black Forest Facts at a glance
- Location: Black Forest (Germany)
- Entrance fee: yes
- Length: 380 meters
- Width: 1.20 meters
- Highest point: about 60 meters
Raiffeisen Skywalk
Opened in 2010, the Raiffeisen Skywalk is amongst the older suspension bridges for pedestrians and as such should not be missing from our list of top 10 best suspension bridges across Europe. Covering a length of around 374 meters, it passes through Lauitobel in the Swiss canton of Schwyz. The views extend deep into the valley, with the highest point of the bridge itself 58 meters from the ground. While the bridge is quite generous with a width of 1.80 meters on the sides and 90 centimeters on the crosswalk, nevertheless the partly transparent grating on the ground is not for people with a fear of heights.
If you want, you can combine a visit to the bridge, all of which is free except for the gondola ride to the top station, as well as a hike. The circular bridge trail takes you around 45 minutes through the magnificent mountain scenery. With the exception of the crossing of the Raiffeisen Skywalk, the experience is much quieter and more relaxed than on many other adventure trips in the wilderness.
Raiffeisen Skywalk Facts at a glance
- Location: Canton Schwyz (Switzerland)
- Entrance fee: yes (for gondola ride)
- Length: approx. 374 meters
- Width: 90 centimeters to 1.80 meters
- Highest point: 58 meters
Peak Walk
It is 107 meters long and only 80 centimeters wide: That is your path from one summit to the other. The panoramic view of the snow-covered Swiss Alps is always there. You can set off for the bridge flexibly, depending on the weather, since the crossing is free of charge. You only have to pay for the gondola ride up the mountain itself.
Peak Walk Facts at a glance
- Location: Swiss Alps, Canton Vaud (Switzerland)
- Entrance fee: yes (for gondola ride up the glacier)
- Length: 107 meters
- Width: 80 centimeters
- Highest point: about 2,956 meters
Gjølmunne
The true outdoorsmen love Norway and its fjords – and this is also where the special adventure awaits, perched high above the picturesque waterscapes of the Scandinavian country! Why not visit the Via Ferrata Loen via ferrata and walk across the Gjølmunne Bridge? Since 2013, this has been part of the scenery and has been one of the longest via ferrata bridges in all of Europe. With a length of 120 meters and a width of only 35 centimeters, it leads through dizzying heights.
Its maximum height is 160 meters. Thus high above a gorge, you will make your way from one side to the other to further explore the via ferrata. Altogether, you’ll find yourself at a height of 750 meters. In order to get there comfortably, an alternative to your own ascent is available. In that case, you’ll ride the Loen Skylift, which itself can claim a record: it is the steepest aerial tramway in the world. With the Loen Skylift you can also safely return to the valley if you wish. You have to pay a fee for the lift.
Gjølmunne Facts at a glance
- Location: Loen (Norway)
- Entrance fee: yes (for Loen Skylift)
- Length: 120 meters
- Width: 35 centimeters
- Highest point: 160 meters
Highline 179
The Highline 179 is a suspension bridge in Tyrol designed in Tibetan style. When it opened in 2014, it was one of the longest pedestrian bridges of this design in the world. Still today, visitors who were able to make it to the approximately 406-meter-long crossing claim that flying is probably the only thing more beautiful than walking across the bridge. Experience this for yourself and visit the breathtaking Highline 179 on your next vacation in Tyrol!
You have to pay an entrance fee for the bridge near Reutte, however, you will be rewarded for it in no time. You can test your courage and cross the bridge, which is about 1.20 meters wide, surrounded by the mountain panorama of the Tyrolean Alps and at a much higher point than the treetops. Looking down should perhaps be avoided – as there are grids below you that allow deep insights into the world below. You’ll certainly need an extra dose of courage here!
Highline 179 Facts at a glance
- Location: Reutte (Austria)
- Entrance fee: yes
- Length: 406 meters
- Width: 1.20 meters
- Highest point: 114 meters
516 Arouca
The 516 Arouca near Porto is a real newcomer to the world of suspension bridges. Yet right from its opening in May 2021, the bridge was able to call a record its own: Arouca is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world! It leads, as its name suggests, a whole 516 meters over a deep gorge and the Paiva River.
You will be accompanied by metal grids on the ground, which give you the opportunity to see directly what is happening below you. For this reason, this bridge is arguably one of those for which you should be as free from giddiness as possible. The bridge was completed after about three years of construction. Crossing the bridge can be ideally combined with a hike through the area. Nevertheless, not everyone who is brave enough can walk on 516 Arouca.
In fact, the crossing is completely forbidden for children under the age of six, and minors over the age of six are only allowed to cross together with their parents. Even the brave adults can’t just set off on their adventure, they will need a guide. Besides, you have to book a paid ticket. In exchange, however, you will be spoiled with pure thrills!
516 Arouca Facts at a glance
- Location: Arouca (Portugal)
- Entrance fee: yes
- Length: 516 meters
- Width: 1,2 meters
- Highest point: 175 meters
Titan RT
Located in Germany’s Harz Mountains, the Rappbode Dam is the perfect backdrop for a 483-meter suspension bridge that will treat you to 458 meters of free-hanging track. At a maximum height of 100 meters, the bridge is amongst the longest cable suspension bridges for pedestrians in the world. While crossing, you will enjoy views of the 415-meter-long dam, the largest of its kind in Germany.
At the center, you’ll have the chance to take a pendulum jump, which will take you a full 65 meters into the depths using a rope swing. But what about above you? There are more adrenaline junkies daring the adventure Ziplining, in which speeds of 85 km/h are possible!
You can see that the Rappbode Dam, which is so idyllic at an altitude of 106 meters, has a lot in store for the brave. The entrance fee for the bridge is certainly worth it! However, romantics will also love the ambience, especially at dusk, when a light illumination creates a mysterious character of the bridge.
Titan RT Facts at a glance
Location: Harz Mountains (Germany)
Entrance fee: yes
Length: 483 meters (458 meters free hanging)
Width: 1,20 meters
Highest point: 100 meters
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Carrick-a-Rede is a small island which belongs to Northern Ireland. If you want to visit it, we recommend you to cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The bridge is about 20 meters long and will take you across a strait of the Atlantic Ocean. This small island originally had a bridge to the mainland, because the strong swell sometimes made boat trips impossible. But today, vacationers in particular love the swaying path with views of the sea.
There are wooden planks which form the base of the track, secured only by nets on both sides. If you happen to be there on a windy day, then you will feel what a shaky affair the crossing is after all. However, keep in mind that the original bridge used to be much less safe and was even more of a challenge for locals and people visiting the island. You might be easily persuaded to cross by this thought. You should know, however, that there is a fee to pay.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Facts at a glance
- Location: Ballycastle (Northern Ireland)
- Entrance fee: yes
- Length: 20 meters
- Width: 1 meter
- Highest point: 30 meters
Charles Kuonen Bridge
At its opening, the 494-meter-long Charles Kuonen Bridge secured the title of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. While this title could not be defended in 2021, the structure, which only replaced a short-lived predecessor, is nevertheless imposing. The bridge, as part of the Europe Trail in Switzerland, considered one of the most popular hiking routes in the country, will take you through the Swiss Alps at a maximum of 85 meters above the ground. You can walk to the suspension bridge from Randa.
Although you don’t have to pay an entrance fee, you should be brave enough, because this bridge is also one of those with a partially transparent floor. At any time, the step grid will show the abyss below you. Because of its length, you should think twice before taking the first steps…
Charles Kuonen Bridge Facts at a glance
- Place: Randa (Switzerland)
- Entrance fee: no
- Length: approx. 494 meters
- Width: 65 centimeters
- Highest point: 85 meters
Geierlay Suspension Cable Bridge
The roughly 360-meter-long Geierlay Suspension Cable Bridge is situated in Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, and is thus suitable for tourists visiting the capital city Mainz. Standing at a maximum height of 100 meters, you can look down into the Mörnsdorfer Bachtal valley in the Hunsrück region and enjoy the views. For a complete excursion, the hike along the 5.5-kilometer “Geierlayschleife” trail is worthwhile, but it requires increased surefootedness on your part.
This suspension rope bridge can handle 200 km/h wind speed and a maximum of 50 tons of loads – which is why it is a champion of extremes, but it is only opened in suitable weather. Usually you can cross the bridge for free; only during Corona pandemic times an entrance fee is charged due to the higher hygienic guidelines and the related expenses.
Geierlay Suspension Cable Bridge Facts at a glance
- Location: Mörsdorf (Germany)
- Entrance fee: during Corona pandemic with hygiene guidelines yes, otherwise not
- Length: 360 meters
- Width: 85 centimeters to 1.25 meters
- Highest point: 100 meters
Travel Info for Suspension Bridge Visits
Now you want to embark on the adventure of a suspension bridge? Excellent – because bravery is usually rewarded! However, you should keep a few things in mind to ensure that you are on the safe side right from the start.
For example, strong shoes and weatherproof clothing are essential for a carefree crossing. In addition, you should also keep an eye on the weather: Sometimes, in certain weather situations, pedestrian suspension bridges are closed for safety reasons. In addition, some bridges have seasonal opening hours.
In addition, we do not recommend that you go beyond your personal fitness level. Do you expect a suspension bridge that can only be reached by a challenging hike? Then you should rather test before the vacation by longer distance walks whether you are up to such an effort! Generally, a guided hike is often worthwhile, which will not only provide you with an experienced guide, but also spoil you with interesting information about the respective area.
What do you think about our list of list of top 10 best suspension bridges across Europe? Let us know in the comments section below.
