The scariest viewing platforms in the world. photo. The scariest viewing platforms in the world

February 5th, 2014

“I need to be frightened by these turbulent streams, dead forests, mountains, narrow paths leading up and down, and gaping abysses behind me,” Jean Jacques Rousseau wrote about his love of traveling in the French Alps. “The sight of steep cliffs makes my head spin, and this feeling gives me great pleasure, provided that I myself am safe” ...

Rousseau wasn't the only one who enjoyed looking down steep cliffs and feeling dizzy. The men and women of 18th-century Europe happily traveled to “ big Adventure” - climbed the mountains to look into the abyss, and stood on the edge of the cliffs, admiring the views that opened before them - majestic and frightening at the same time.

Thirst for thrills does not leave us today. Three centuries later, we are still pulled up by the desire to feel fear and delight at the sight of the abyss. Only now, thanks to new technologies and specially equipped viewing platforms, it is much easier to do this than in the time of Rousseau.

Grand Canyon Skywalk Observation Deck

The Grand Canyon is one of the most unusual natural objects and one of the deepest canyons in the world, located in Arizona, USA. The canyon is 446 km long, 6-29 km wide and up to 1.8 km deep. In 1979, the Grand Canyon was listed world heritage UNESCO.

For a long time, visitors, about 4 million a year, could observe this miracle of nature only from the tops of the canyon. But this situation lasted until 2007, when the Skywalk observation deck was opened.

Grand opening took place in March 2007 amazing building skywalk. This is a glass-bottomed observation deck that is located above the Grand Canyon. The height at which the structure is built is 1,219 km from the ground. More than 2 million people have visited the Skywalk since its opening. The opening ceremony was attended by two astronauts, Buzz Aldrin and John Herrington.

The Skywalk is mounted on top of a canyon cliff. The length of the platform ledge from the edge of the cliff is 21 meters. Overall Width platforms - 20 meters. The weight of the structure itself without counterweights, vibration dampers, glass and other equipment is 450,000 kg.

At the time when Skywalk was mounted, its total weight was 726 thousand kg. The process of mounting into the rock took 2 days. The observation deck can secure 822 people, but, unfortunately, maximum amount that can fit 122 people on it.

The basis of the Skywalk structure consists of eight pillars fixed in pairs on four concrete supports, which, in turn, are fastened with high-strength steel rods embedded 14 meters into the rock. This design allows you to withstand a pressure load of 4.9 tons per square meter.

Skydeck's Ledge glass balconies offer views of Chicago from great heights

Four glass balconies were built at the height of the 103rd floor (412 meters) of one of the most tall skyscrapers Chicago. They are made of 3-layer heavy-duty glass. Each balcony can accommodate up to five people and support up to five tons.

Five-year-old Anna Kane of Alton, Illinois looks down through the glass floor of the Ledge. (Frank Polich/Reuters)

Children stand on the Ledge and look down through the glass floor at a height of 412 meters. (Frank Polich/Reuters)

On a clear day, from such a platform you can see as many as four states - Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. But the most beautiful view opens at dusk, when the lights of the city are just beginning to light up and - as if under your feet a boundless starry sky.

Visitors step out onto a new glass balcony jutting out from the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower in Chicago. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

If desired, you can order a private breakfast or lunch on one of these balconies. Some even celebrate weddings here.

Titlis Cliff Walk Footbridge

in swiss ski resort Engelberg is located the highest suspension bridge in the world. Hanging over the abyss, Titlis Cliff Walk is an engineering marvel built at an altitude of 3020 meters above sea level.

This suspension bridge is called the highest and most terrible in Europe. The depth of the abyss through which it is laid is 457 meters.

The bridge got its name in honor of mountain top Titlis, which became one of the first places in the world where it was discovered chairlift. It happened in 1913. By the centenary of the funicular, a steel crossing was built. The opening took place in December 2012.

A walk along the Titlis Cliff Walk swinging bridge is one and a half hundred steps above the glaciers, when under your feet - if you dare to look down - there is a 500-meter abyss snow-capped peaks and sharp spikes.

The crossing is 100 meters long and only 91 cm wide. It offers one of the best panoramas of the Swiss Alps.

Hanging observation deck at the Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

As for the stormy water streams so beloved by Rousseau, then the most breathtaking sight opens from the observation deck installed at the Iguazu Falls, on the border of Argentina and Brazil.

Iguazu is a series of 270 rapid and formidable streams into which the Iguazu River turns. The observation deck is suspended from dizzy height 250 meters and the view from it will not disappoint any thrill-seeker.

Millions of travelers come to this place every year to see such an amazing natural phenomenon. The waterfalls seem to be hidden from prying eyes in the middle of dense greenery, and outwardly resemble a seething cauldron into which powerful jets of water flow.

Of particular interest is the cliff "Devil's Throat", filled with water vapor, and its height exceeds seven hundred meters.

Skywalk Observation Deck in Auckland

Skywalk is located at the top of the local TV tower. The safety of such an awe-inspiring walk is ensured with the help of special overalls with carabiners, with which visitors are fastened to the safety mechanism.

Aurland Lookout

The dizzying view from this site is enhanced by its very design: it is made in the form of a bridge that leads down into the abyss.

wooden bridge starts at the edge mountain road, protrudes forward 30 meters and, whimsically rounding, goes down. But this, of course, is only an appearance.

Just before the “cliff”, the site ends, and you can enjoy a stunning view from a height of 610 meters to the fjord, framed by wooded slopes.

Bridge on the Dachstein Glacier, Austria

The open suspension bridge ends with a glass platform from which a breathtaking view of the mountain landscape opens up.

Observation deck “Step into the void”, French Alps

Recently in french alps, on the upper terrace of the top of the Aiguille du Midi, an observation deck was opened, which was called "Step into the Void" ("Step Into the Void"). This attraction is really not for the faint of heart - it is a giant glass cube, literally "hanging" over the abyss.

The glass room has five transparent facets, each of which consists of three heavy-duty glass layers. And under your feet - 1035 meters of alpine air and glaciers, in front - a magnificent view of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.

Visitors can reach the observation deck in 20 minutes by cable car, where they are waiting for the most thrills and guarantee complete security. Russo would love it.

Before entering the cabin, special soft slippers are issued - so that the floor in the cabin is not scratched and remains as clean and transparent.

Observation deck “Step into the void”, French Alps

Rousseau wasn't the only one who enjoyed looking down steep cliffs and feeling dizzy. The men and women of 18th-century Europe happily embarked on the “Great Journey”—climbing mountains to look into the abyss, and standing on the edge of cliffs, admiring the views that opened up before them, majestic and frightening at the same time.

Recently, in the French Alps, on the upper terrace of the top of the Aiguille du Midi, an observation deck was opened, which was called "Step into the Void" ("Step Into the Void"). This attraction is really not for the faint of heart - it is a giant glass cube, literally "hanging" over the abyss.

Visitors can reach the observation deck in 20 minutes by cable car, where they will experience the most thrills and guarantee complete safety. Russo would love it.

Before entering the cabin, special soft slippers are issued - so that the floor in the cabin is not scratched and remains as clean and transparent.

Here are seven more observation decks in the world, which offer the most breathtaking views that can only be seen on this planet:

1. Grand Canyon Skywalk

In the Grand Canyon, you can take a walk on a bridge with a glass floor that protrudes over the abyss.

2. Ledge glass balconies on the Skydeck provide views of Chicago from great heights.

Four glass balconies were built at the height of the 103rd floor (412 meters) of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Chicago. They are made of 3-layer heavy-duty glass. Each balcony can accommodate up to five people and support up to five tons. On a clear day, from such a platform you can see as many as four states - Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. But the most beautiful view opens at dusk, when the lights of the city are just starting to light up and - as if under your feet the boundless starry sky is opening up. If desired, you can order a private breakfast or lunch on one of these balconies. Some even celebrate weddings here.

3. Titlis Cliff Walk Pedestrian Bridge

This suspension bridge is called the highest and most terrible in Europe. Its width is only 91 cm, while the depth of the abyss through which it is laid is 457 meters.

4. Hanging observation deck at the Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

As for the stormy water streams so beloved by Rousseau, then the most breathtaking sight opens from the observation deck installed at the Iguazu Falls, on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Iguazu is a series of 270 rapid and formidable streams into which the Iguazu River turns. The observation deck is suspended at a dizzying height of 250 meters and the view from it will not disappoint any thrill-seeker.

5. Observation deck Skywalk in Auckland

This observation deck is unique in that it gives you the opportunity to walk along an open, unfenced path only 1.2 meters wide at a height of 193 meters above the streets of the New Zealand city of Auckland. Skywalk is located at the top of the local TV tower. The safety of such an awe-inspiring walk is ensured with the help of special overalls with carabiners, with which visitors are fastened to the safety mechanism.

6. Aurland Lookout

The dizzying view from this site is enhanced by its very design: it is made in the form of a bridge that leads down into the abyss. The wooden bridge begins at the edge of the mountain road, protrudes forward 30 meters and, whimsically rounding, goes down. But this, of course, is only an appearance. Just before the “cliff”, the site ends, and you can enjoy a stunning view from a height of 610 meters to the fjord, framed by wooded slopes.

7. Bridge on the Dachstein Glacier, Austria

This observation deck opened only in July last year and is also known as the Stairway to Nowhere. It hangs at an altitude of 2743 meters above the Austrian Alps near the city of Schladming, and also gives visitors a great opportunity to tickle their nerves. The open suspension bridge ends with a glass platform from which a breathtaking view of the mountain landscape opens up.

Despite the fact that many people are afraid of heights, there are daredevils who dream of tickling their nerves and climbing as high as possible. Some go to the mountains, others skydive, and there are those who go to different corners light to walk across the most terrible bridges, from the mere sight of which you already want to close your eyes.

If you are just one of those who are not afraid of such places, then we tell you where you can go in search of unforgettable experiences at the height.

The Glass Sky Walk

Many tourists are aware that thrills you can safely go to China. Here are, and located above the giant cliffs. One of the most popular destinations for extreme people is the "Glass Sky Path" or "Wriggling Dragon". This 100 meters glass bridge one and a half meters wide located at an altitude of 1.5 kilometers on Mount Tianmen, in Chinese province Hunan.

Skywalk over the Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon Skywalk)

There is a glass observation deck that can impress anyone in the USA. This is Skypath over the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It is located at an altitude of 1219.2 meters and is extended from the edge of the canyon by 20 meters, which allows not only to enjoy great view to the park, but also to raise the level of adrenaline in the blood thanks to its transparent floor.

"Sky Bridge" on the island of Langkawi (Langkawi Sky Bridge)

One of the scariest and incredible beautiful bridges is among the high rainforest on the island of Langkawi, off the northwest coast of Malaysia. " sky bridge» was built at an altitude of 700 meters above the gorge between the Ganung mountains. By the way, this dizzying (in literally) the bridge is the tallest single-bearing bridge in the world. It rests on only one high metal support, to which it is attached with 8 cables. The bridge is actually suspended over the abyss and even sways on windy days.

Bridge at Engelberg (Titlis Cliff Walk)

Europe's highest suspension bridge is located along a section of Mount Titlis in the ski resort of Engelberg in Switzerland. The bridge was built at an altitude of 3 thousand meters above sea level, and its length is 100 meters. If you manage to overcome trembling in the knees, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Alps.

Observation deck in Alpspitze (AlpspiX)

Another extreme observation deck is located in the Bavarian Alps at an altitude of 2628 meters on the Alpspitze peak. It consists of two crossed arched balconies-bridges that protrude 13 meters above the abyss. Each platform is 24 meters long and 3 meters wide.

Rousseau wasn't the only one who enjoyed looking down steep cliffs and feeling dizzy. The men and women of 18th-century Europe happily embarked on the “Great Journey”—climbing mountains to look into the abyss and standing on the edge of cliffs, admiring the sights before them—majestic and frightening at the same time.

Grand Canyon Skywalk Observation Deck

In the Grand Canyon, you can take a walk on a bridge with a glass floor that protrudes over the abyss.

Skydeck's Ledge glass balconies offer views of Chicago from great heights

Four glass balconies were built at the height of the 103rd floor (412 meters) of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Chicago. They are made of 3-layer heavy-duty glass. Each balcony can accommodate up to five people and support up to five tons. On a clear day, from such a platform you can see as many as four states - Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. But the most beautiful view opens at dusk, when the lights of the city are just starting to light up and - as if under your feet the boundless starry sky opens up. If desired, you can order a private breakfast or lunch on one of these balconies. Some even celebrate weddings here.

Titlis Cliff Walk Footbridge

This suspension bridge is called the highest and most terrible in Europe. Its width is only 91 cm, while the depth of the abyss through which it is laid is 457 meters.

Hanging observation deck at the Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

As for the turbulent water streams so beloved by Rousseau, then the most breathtaking sight opens from the observation deck installed at the Iguazu Falls, on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Iguazu is a series of 270 rapid and formidable streams into which the Iguazu River turns. The observation deck is suspended at a dizzying height of 250 meters and the view from it will not disappoint any thrill-seeker.

5. Observation deck Skywalk in Auckland

6. Aurland Lookout

7. Bridge on the Dachstein Glacier, Austria

Observation deck “Step into the void”, French Alps

Visitors can reach the observation deck in 20 minutes by cable car, where they will experience the most thrills and guarantee complete safety. Russo would love it.

Before entering the booth, special soft slippers are given out - so that the floor in the booth is not scratched and remains as clean and transparent.

Despite the fact that many people are afraid of heights, there are daredevils who dream of tickling their nerves and climbing as high as possible. Some go to the mountains, others jump with a parachute, and there are those who go to different parts of the world to walk along the most terrible bridges, from the mere sight of which you already want to close your eyes.

If you are just one of those who are not afraid of such places, then we tell you where you can go in search of unforgettable experiences at the height.

The Glass Sky Walk

Many tourists are aware that you can safely go to China for thrills. Here are the most scary trails, bridges and glass viewing platforms located above giant cliffs. One of the most popular destinations for thrill-seekers is the "Glass Sky Path" or "Wriggling Dragon". This 100-meter glass bridge with a width of one and a half meters is located at a height of 1.5 kilometers on Tianmen Mountain, in the Chinese province of Hunan.

Skypath over the Grand Canyon grand canyon skywalk)

There is a glass observation deck that can impress anyone in the USA. This is Skypath over the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It is located at an altitude of 1219.2 meters and is extended from the edge of the canyon by 20 meters, which allows not only to enjoy the magnificent view of the park, but also to raise the level of adrenaline in the blood thanks to the transparent floor.

"Sky Bridge" on the island of Langkawi (Langkawi Sky Bridge)

One of the most terrible and incredibly beautiful bridges is located among the high rainforests on the island of Langkawi, off the northwestern coast of Malaysia. The Sky Bridge was built at an altitude of 700 meters above the gorge between the Ganung Mountains. By the way, this dizzying (literally) bridge is the tallest single-bearing bridge in the world. It rests on only one high metal support, to which it is attached with 8 cables. The bridge is actually suspended over the abyss and even sways on windy days.

Bridge at Engelberg (Titlis Cliff Walk)

Observation deck in Alpspitze (AlpspiX)