Views: 222 Author: Astin Publish Time: 2025-04-17 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● The Horai Bridge: The Longest Wooden Pedestrian Bridge in the World
>> Historical Background and Construction
>> Unique Features and Tourist Appeal
● Arouca 516: Europe's Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge
>> Design and Engineering Marvel
>> Tourist Experience and Significance
● Sky Bridge 721: The Longest Suspension Footbridge in the World
>> Location and Specifications
>> Engineering and Visitor Experience
● Pickering Pedestrian Bridge: The Longest Enclosed Pedestrian Crossing
>> Architectural and Cultural Importance
● Comparison of Notable Longest Foot Bridges
● FAQ
>> 1. What makes the Horai Bridge unique compared to other long footbridges?
>> 2. How high above the ground is the Arouca 516 bridge suspended?
>> 3. Which footbridge currently holds the record for the longest suspension pedestrian bridge?
>> 4. What is special about the Pickering Pedestrian Bridge in Canada?
>> 5. Are these longest footbridges open to the public for tourism?
The world's longest foot bridges are remarkable feats of engineering, blending history, culture, and breathtaking natural settings. This article explores some of the most fascinating facts about the longest pedestrian bridges globally, focusing on their unique characteristics, historical significance, and the experiences they offer to visitors. We will cover iconic examples such as Japan's Horai Bridge, Portugal's Arouca 516, the Czech Republic's Sky Bridge 721, and Canada's Pickering Pedestrian Bridge.
The Horai Bridge, located in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, holds the Guinness World Record as the longest wooden pedestrian bridge globally, measuring approximately 897.4 meters (2,944 feet) in length and about 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide[1][4][7]. Constructed in 1879 during the Meiji era, it was originally built to facilitate farmers transporting their produce across the Ōi River to the nearby Makinohara Plateau[7].
During the Edo period (1603-1867), the Tokugawa shogunate forbade the construction of bridges or ferry services over the Ōi River for defensive reasons, making crossing the river a challenge. Travelers had to be carried across by porters or use palanquins, and toll booths were established on both sides of the river[1][4]. The bridge was rebuilt after flood damage in the 1960s, with concrete pilings replacing the original wooden supports, but the wooden deck was preserved[4].
The Horai Bridge is not only a historical landmark but also a popular tourist attraction. It offers a serene walking experience with unobstructed views of the flowing river beneath and the surrounding greenery. Visitors pay a small toll to cross the bridge, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the sense of standing in the middle of the river[1][7]. The bridge is also considered a "power spot" for good luck, as the Japanese word “yaku-nashi” means “no bad luck,” adding a cultural charm to the visit[1].
Located in the Arouca Geopark in northern Portugal, the Arouca 516 bridge is a modern engineering marvel and claims to be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, with a length of 516 meters (1,693 feet)[5][6][10]. Suspended 175 meters (574 feet) above the Paiva River, it connects two granite cliff faces, offering spectacular views of the Pavia Gorge and nearby waterfalls[5][6].
The bridge was designed by the Portuguese research institution Itecons and constructed by Conduril Engenharia, S.A., opening to the public in May 2021[6][10]. It features concrete towers shaped like inverted A's that support steel suspension cables holding the steel walkway. The walkway consists of 127 interlocking metal-gridded decks, each connected to the suspension cables at two points, ensuring stability and safety[5][6].
Arouca 516 was built to attract tourists to the region and is located near the Paiva Walkways, an eight-kilometer trail through the hills. Crossing the bridge is an exhilarating experience due to its height and length, offering panoramic views of the natural landscape. The bridge surpasses Switzerland's Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge by 16 meters and is considered a landmark of modernity and national engineering pride in Portugal[5][6][10].
The Sky Bridge 721, located in the Dolní Morava resort in the Czech Republic, is currently the longest suspension footbridge in the world, stretching 721 meters (2,365 feet) across a deep mountain valley[2][8]. Suspended 95 meters (312 feet) above the ground, it connects two mountain ridges in the Jeseníky Mountains, offering visitors a thrilling and scenic crossing experience[2][8].
The bridge is 1.2 meters wide and supported by six main ropes and 60 wind ropes, with a total tractive force of 360 tonnes per main rope[2]. It took two years to build and is part of a larger educational trail called “The Bridge of Time,” which includes augmented reality elements during the summer season[2]. The Sky Bridge 721 is known for its breathtaking views and the adrenaline rush it provides, making it a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers[8].
The Pickering Pedestrian Bridge in Ontario, Canada, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest enclosed pedestrian bridge, measuring 250 meters (820 feet) in length[3]. Completed in 2018, it spans 14 lanes of Highway 401, six live rail tracks, and a two-lane municipal road, connecting the Pickering GO Station to a large shopping mall, a local college, and regional bus services[3].
The bridge's design is notable for its organic shape and is illuminated at night by nearly 300 LED lights that cycle through various colors, creating a visually striking landmark[3]. It has received several awards, including the City of Pickering's Urban Design Award and the Engineering News Record Global Best Projects Award in the tunnel/bridge category[3]. The enclosed design provides shelter and safety for pedestrians, making it a vital infrastructure piece in the region.
Bridge Name | Location | Length (meters) | Type | Height Above Ground (meters) | Year Opened | Unique Feature |
Horai Bridge | Shimada, Japan | 897.4 | Wooden pedestrian | Low (over river) | 1879 | Longest wooden pedestrian bridge |
Sky Bridge 721 | Dolní Morava, Czech Rep. | 721 | Suspension pedestrian | 95 | 2022 | Longest suspension footbridge |
Arouca 516 | Arouca, Portugal | 516 | Suspension pedestrian | 175 | 2021 | Europe's longest pedestrian suspension bridge |
Pickering Bridge | Ontario, Canada | 250 | Enclosed pedestrian | Low (over highway/rail) | 2018 | Longest enclosed pedestrian bridge |
The longest foot bridges in the world are not only engineering wonders but also cultural and historical landmarks that offer unique experiences to visitors. From the ancient wooden Horai Bridge in Japan to the modern suspension marvels like Arouca 516 in Portugal and Sky Bridge 721 in the Czech Republic, these bridges symbolize human ingenuity and the desire to connect people across challenging landscapes. Whether for practical use, tourism, or adventure, these bridges continue to captivate and inspire.
The Horai Bridge is unique because it is the longest wooden pedestrian bridge in the world, built originally in 1879 with a rich historical background tied to the Edo period's travel restrictions and defensive strategies[1][4][7].
The Arouca 516 bridge is suspended 175 meters (574 feet) above the Paiva River, making it one of the highest pedestrian suspension bridges in Europe[5][6][10].
The Sky Bridge 721 in the Czech Republic currently holds the record for the longest suspension pedestrian bridge at 721 meters in length[2][8].
The Pickering Pedestrian Bridge is the longest enclosed pedestrian bridge in the world, spanning multiple lanes of highway and rail tracks, and is notable for its illuminated, organic architectural design[3].
Yes, all these bridges are open to the public and serve as popular tourist attractions, offering unique walking experiences and spectacular views of their natural surroundings[1][2][3][5][7].
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