Views: 222 Author: Astin Publish Time: 2025-05-25 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● 1. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Footbridge (China)
● 2. Sky Bridge 721 (Czech Republic)
● 3. 516 Arouca Footbridge (Portugal)
● 4. Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir (France)
● 6. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (United States)
● 7. Nizhuhe Yunduan Glass Footbridge (China)
● 9. Kokonoe "Yume" Otsurihashi Footbridge (Japan)
● 10. Big River Crossing (United States)
● 11. Tibetan Footbridge of Canillo (Andorra)
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
>> 1. What is the highest footbridge in the world?
>> 2. Which footbridge is the longest in the world?
>> 3. Are glass footbridges safe to walk on?
>> 4. Why do some bridges have glass floors?
>> 5. Can I visit these footbridges year-round?
Foot bridges, also known as pedestrian bridges or footbridges, are more than just functional crossings—they are architectural marvels, tourist attractions, and sometimes, breathtaking feats of engineering. From glass-bottomed walkways suspended over dizzying heights to elegant structures spanning iconic rivers, the world's best foot bridges offer unique experiences and stunning views. In this article, we'll explore the best 11 foot bridges around the globe, delving into their design, history, and what makes each one extraordinary.
Selecting the best foot bridges involves considering several factors:
- Architectural innovation and design
- Height, length, and engineering significance
- Cultural and historical importance
- Visitor experience and scenic value
- Global recognition and uniqueness
Let's embark on a journey across continents to discover these remarkable structures.
Suspended high above the dramatic Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon in Hunan Province, the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Footbridge is a marvel of modern engineering and one of the most famous glass bridges in the world. Opened in 2016, this bridge stretches 430 meters (1,411 feet) across the canyon and stands 260 meters (853 feet) above the ground.
What sets this bridge apart is its transparent glass floor, offering visitors a thrilling and vertigo-inducing view straight down into the canyon below. Designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan, the bridge has become a symbol of China's rapid advances in architectural innovation. It can accommodate up to 800 people at a time and is a popular destination for both tourists and adrenaline seekers.
Highlights:
- Length: 430 meters
- Height: 260 meters
- Glass-bottomed walkway
- Record-breaking design at the time of completion
Sky Bridge 721, located in the Dolní Morava mountain resort, is currently the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. Opened in 2022, it spans an astonishing 721 meters (2,366 feet) and hangs 95 meters (312 feet) above the valley floor.
The bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding Jeseníky Mountains and provides an exhilarating experience for those brave enough to cross its length. Sky Bridge 721 connects two mountain ridges and is part of a larger adventure park, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
Highlights:
- World's longest pedestrian suspension bridge
- Length: 721 meters
- Height: 95 meters
- Immersive mountain scenery
Nestled in the Arouca Geopark, the 516 Arouca Footbridge is another record-breaking structure, stretching 516 meters (1,693 feet) across the Paiva River gorge. Opened in 2020, it is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Europe and stands 175 meters (575 feet) above the river.
The bridge's design features a see-through metal grid deck, allowing visitors to gaze directly into the gorge below. The surrounding landscape, with its dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation, adds to the bridge's allure. The 516 Arouca has quickly become a top destination for adventure tourism in Portugal.
Highlights:
- Length: 516 meters
- Height: 175 meters
- Metal grid deck for unobstructed views
- Located in a UNESCO Global Geopark
Paris is renowned for its historic and picturesque bridges, but the Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir stands out as a modern masterpiece. Inaugurated in 2006, this lens-shaped footbridge spans the Seine River, connecting the 12th and 13th arrondissements.
The bridge's innovative design features a unique, undulating form without supporting piers in the water, giving it a floating appearance. It serves as both a practical crossing and a symbol of contemporary Parisian architecture, seamlessly blending into the city's landscape.
Highlights:
- Modern, lens-shaped design
- No supporting piers in the water
- Connects key cultural areas in Paris
- Popular with locals and tourists
The Sochi Skybridge, located in the Krasnodar Krai region, is one of the highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world. Opened in 2014, it stretches 439 meters (1,440 feet) across the Krasnaya Polyana valley and hangs 207 meters (679 feet) above the ground.
This bridge is part of the Skypark AJ Hackett Sochi, an adventure park that offers bungee jumping, zip lining, and other adrenaline-pumping activities. The Skybridge provides breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains and the Mzymta River below.
Highlights:
- Length: 439 meters
- Height: 207 meters
- Adventure park location
- Stunning mountain views
Spanning the Missouri River between Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is an iconic American footbridge. Opened in 2008, this 914-meter (3,000-foot) cable-stayed bridge is celebrated for its graceful curves and innovative design.
The bridge has become a local landmark, offering spectacular river views and serving as a vital link for pedestrians and cyclists between two states. Its striking nighttime illumination makes it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
Highlights:
- Length: 914 meters
- Cable-stayed design
- Connects two states
- Popular for walking, cycling, and events
China is home to many high and dramatic glass footbridges, but the Nizhuhe Yunduan Glass Footbridge in Yunnan Province is the highest of them all. Completed in 2023, this bridge soars 317 meters (1,040 feet) above the canyon floor and stretches 365 meters (1,198 feet) in length.
The bridge's glass panels provide a dizzying perspective of the gorge below, making it one of the most thrilling pedestrian experiences in the world. Its remote location adds to the sense of adventure for those who make the journey.
Highlights:
- Highest glass footbridge in the world
- Height: 317 meters
- Length: 365 meters
- Spectacular canyon views
The Pont des Arts is one of Paris's most beloved footbridges, connecting the Institut de France and the Louvre Palace across the Seine. Originally built in the early 19th century and later reconstructed, the bridge is renowned for its elegant design and cultural significance.
The Pont des Arts became famous as the "Love Lock Bridge," where couples attached padlocks as symbols of their affection. Although the locks have since been removed to preserve the structure, the bridge remains a romantic and artistic gathering place.
Highlights:
- Historic Parisian footbridge
- Cultural and artistic significance
- Former "Love Lock Bridge"
- Picturesque views of the Seine
Located in Oita Prefecture, the Kokonoe "Yume" Otsurihashi is Japan's highest pedestrian suspension bridge. Opened in 2006, it spans 390 meters (1,280 feet) and stands 173 meters (568 feet) above the Naruko River gorge.
The bridge offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, lush forests, and dramatic cliffs, especially stunning during the autumn foliage season. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking natural beauty and a touch of adventure.
Highlights:
- Highest pedestrian bridge in Japan
- Length: 390 meters
- Height: 173 meters
- Panoramic views of waterfalls and forests
Big River Crossing, formerly known as the Harahan Bridge, is the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, and West Memphis, Arkansas, this 1,516-meter (4,973-foot) bridge opened to pedestrians and cyclists in 2016.
The bridge is a vital link between two states and serves as a trailhead for the 70-mile Big River Trail. Its transformation from a historic rail bridge to a modern pedestrian crossing has made it a symbol of regional revitalization and connectivity.
Highlights:
- Longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River
- Length: 1,516 meters
- Integral part of regional trail network
- Historic and modern significance
The Tibetan Footbridge of Canillo, opened in 2022, is one of Europe's longest and most spectacular pedestrian suspension bridges. Spanning 603 meters (1,978 feet) and hanging 158 meters (518 feet) above the valley floor, the bridge offers sweeping views of the Pyrenees.
Its minimalist design and high-altitude location make it an exhilarating experience for visitors. The bridge has quickly become a major tourist attraction in Andorra, drawing adventurers from around the world.
Highlights:
- Length: 603 meters
- Height: 158 meters
- Located in the Pyrenees
- Minimalist, elegant design
While the above bridges represent the pinnacle of footbridge design and experience, several others deserve recognition for their beauty, history, or engineering prowess:
- Sigriswil Footbridge (Switzerland): A panoramic bridge with stunning Alpine views.
- Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor (France): A modern Parisian footbridge with elegant curves.
- Nanjiang Gorge Glass Footbridge (China): Another high glass bridge with dramatic scenery.
- Trift Bridge (Switzerland): A high-altitude suspension bridge in the Alps.
- Capilano Suspension Bridge (Canada): A famous forest suspension bridge in Vancouver.
Foot bridges are more than mere crossings—they are testaments to human ingenuity, creativity, and the desire to connect people and places. From the dizzying heights of China's glass bridges to the romantic spans over Paris's Seine, each of these 11 foot bridges offers a unique story and an unforgettable experience. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or a traveler in search of breathtaking views, these bridges are destinations in their own right, waiting to be explored.
The Nizhuhe Yunduan Glass Footbridge in Yunnan, China, holds the record as the highest footbridge, standing 317 meters above the canyon floor.
Sky Bridge 721 in the Czech Republic is currently the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, spanning 721 meters.
Yes, glass footbridges are designed with multiple layers of reinforced glass and undergo rigorous safety testing to ensure they can support large numbers of visitors safely.
Glass floors provide a thrilling experience by allowing visitors to look directly below their feet, enhancing the sense of height and adventure.
Most of these footbridges are open year-round, but access may be limited during severe weather conditions or for maintenance. It's advisable to check local information before planning your visit.
