Any of these skywalks found across the world might easily hit a home run for travelers who like amazing vistas. As much as the eye can see, there are breathtaking views of mountains, oceans, and jungles. A summary of the most amazing and dangerous skywalks in the world:
1: Chamonix Skywalk
View this post on Instagram
When it comes to venturing into the Void, walking into a glass chamber may not be as limiting as it seems. This “Step into the Void” skywalk claims to be Europe’s highest, located on the Aiguille du Midi peak in the French Alps. In any event, it’s not for the faint of heart, as it’s 1,000 meters (3,400 feet) straight down to land once a person enters this glass-bottomed area. From April to November, the Void is open; entrance is included in the Chamoinix – Anguille du Midi cable car ride.
2: Grand Canyon Skywalk
View this post on Instagram
This is one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. The fact that you can see this natural wonder from a glass skywalk 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) above the canyon bottom adds to the awe. The skywalk, which has only been open for a few years, is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The Hualapai Tribe owns and operates the skywalk, and they determine the restrictions for visitors, one of which prohibits visitors from bringing personal items onto the skywalk, including cameras. Also, read Most Famous Mausoleums in the World.
3: SWFC Skywalk
Shanghai has some of the most inventive architecture in the world, and what better spot to see it than from the Shanghai World Financial Center’s skywalk? There are three observation decks on the building. The highest point is 474 meters (1,555 feet) on the 100th floor. Skywalk 100 is the world’s highest observatory, measuring 55 meters (180 feet) in length. At night, when Shanghai lights up like a million Christmas trees, the breathtaking vistas from the transparent glass and floors are even more spectacular.
4: Tiefenbachkogl Viewing Platform
The Tiefenbachkogl Viewing Platform in Austria provides spectacular views of the Tyrolean Alps. Tiefenbachkogl Mountain, near the Solden ski resort, provides a viewing platform with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys. Tiefenbach is reached via a gondola ride that leads to other mountains and glaciers via a long tunnel. Intermediate-level skiers flock to the mountain, where they can zip down after taking in the scenery.
5: Langkawi Sky Bridge
View this post on Instagram
The Langkawi Sky Bridge is unique in that it does not jut out from a cliff overlooking a canyon like other skywalks. Instead, it’s perched atop Malaysia’s Machinchang Mountain, roughly 90 meters (300 feet) above the jungle floor. People can enjoy amazing views of the ocean and the archipelago’s neighboring islands. The 125-meter (410-foot) skywalk is supported by a single pylon. The sky bridge is currently closed for refurbishment, but it will reopen in 2015. Also, read 10 Most Famous Towers in the World.
6: The Ledge
View this post on Instagram
The Ledge offers something that few other skywalks can: a vista of four states from a single vantage point. The Ledge of Chicago’s Willis Tower, the highest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere, is 412 meters (1,353 ft) above the earth. Not only that, but the Skydeck also has glass observation boxes. Visitors peering down from such great heights see cars and pedestrians as little as ants. The Skydeck is on the 103rd story of the Sears Tower, which was originally known as the Sears Tower.
7: Glacier Skywalk
View this post on Instagram
The Glacier Skywalk near Jasper, Alberta, Canada, is surrounded by nature’s magnificence. The glass-bottomed skywalk extends 280 meters (918 feet) over the Sunwapta Valley and is only a few minutes’ ride from Columbia Ice fields. The skywalk juts out from a cliff, allowing visitors to see one of the world’s most unusual ecosystems. Visitors can witness ancient rock formations if they look down, and breathtaking views of the majestic Canadian Rockies strewn with glaciers if they look out or up.
8: 5 Fingers
View this post on Instagram
The 5 Fingers at Krippenstein offer another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see nature at its most beautiful, in this case the Austrian Alps. The platforms that extend out from the viewing deck resemble a hand with five fingers, hence the name. Each platform serves a distinct purpose. One features a metal picture frame in which visitors can pose for photos, while another has a hole in the bottom to allow people to see what’s underneath. Unlike other skywalks, this one is open to the public for free. Also, read 8 Most Beautiful Fjords of the World.
9: Oryukdo Skywalk
At the Oryukdo Skywalk, walking on water takes on a whole new meaning. This South Korean skywalk, which has only been open since 2013, attracts thousands of people each day who come to explore Oryukdo Island. The glass floor of this U-shaped skywalk extends over 10 meters (30 feet) into the ocean, giving impression that they are walking on water. This seashore skywalk in Busan’s Nam-gu neighborhood is built on a 30-meter (100-foot) high cliff. At Igidae Park, the skywalk is part of a seaside walking path.
10: Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
View this post on Instagram
The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is located in Australia, however, it has some of the best views of a rainforest. This 1.5-kilometer (0.9-mile) rainforest walk on Mt. Tamborine in Queensland, Australia, comprises forest floor trails, a skywalk above the forest canopy, and a cantilevered bridge over Cedar Creek. The stroll lasts around 45 minutes and includes stops to see birds and colorful insects; it is wheelchair accessible in parts.