Published on
Pedestrian suspension bridges not only connect valleys and mountains, but also provide thrills with dizzying heights and impressive views. Some may think that the longest of these bridges were built in Asia – but that’s not the case. They are located in Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
Europe has set new records in the construction of these bridges in recent years.
Skywalk Willingen: View over the low mountain range
The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Germany is the Skywalk Willingen in Hesse. The bridge was opened in 2023 and is around 665 metres long. It crosses the Stryck Valley at a height of around 100 metres and, as you can see in the cover photo above, is designed as a narrow structure with a lattice floor. A particular challenge for people who are not free from giddiness: When crossing, you enjoy a slightly swaying walking sensation.
The Skywalk is the third longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world.
With a length of 617 metres, the Highwalk suspension bridge spans the Kottenbach valley near Rotenburg an der Fulda and is the second longest suspension bridge in Germany. The bridge is built around 58-60 metres above the valley floor and offers a sweeping view of the low mountain range landscape of northern Hesse. It was built in 2024.
The third longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Germany is the Titan RT in the Harz Mountains. It is 483 metres long and spans the Rappbode Valley. With its free-floating span of 458.5 metres, it was even considered the longest suspension bridge of its kind in the world when it opened in 2017.
Europe’s record holder is in the Czech Republic
The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Europe (and the second longest in the world) is located in the Czech Republic: Sky Bridge 721 in the Dolní Morava holiday region. As its name suggests, the bridge is 721 metres long and crosses a valley near the Polish border at a height of up to 95 metres, connecting the Slamník and Chlum ridges in the Glatzer Schneegebirge.
When it opened in May 2022, it was still considered the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world.
The structure consists of a solid steel construction with several suspension cables and wind cables for stabilisation. The bridge weighs around 400 tonnes in total. Visitors are only allowed to cross the bridge in one direction, while the way back is via a natural path around two kilometres long.
Sky Bridge 721 is a special attraction for adventure and nature tourists, primarily due to its height and slightly swaying construction. As you cross, you can enjoy an unobstructed view deep into the valley and of the surrounding mountain landscape.
The longest in the world hangs in Hungary
The Zemplén723 – Bridge of National Unity in Hungary is currently the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. It is located in the town of Sátoraljaújhely in north-eastern Hungary near the Slovakian border and was opened on 4 June 2024. The bridge spans the Májuskút Valley in the Zemplén Mountains and connects two hills of the adventure park there.
With a length of 723 metres, it surpasses the Czech Sky Bridge 721 by two metres and was officially awarded a Guinness World Record in 2025 as the longest traditional pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. The structure hangs up to 82 metres above the valley floor and has a section with a glass floor in the middle, allowing visitors a clear view into the depths.
The bridge consists of a large steel structure with six main suspension cables. In total, more than 24 kilometres of steel cables and around 12,000 bolts were used. The structure weighs almost 500 tonnes. Despite its enormous length, the walkway is only around 1.2 metres wide, making the crossing particularly spectacular.
The “Bridge of National Unity” has a symbolic character in addition to its tourist significance. The name is intended to symbolise the unity of Hungarians inside and outside the country. The bridge was deliberately opened on the Hungarian Day of National Unity.
Pedestrian suspension bridges in Asia
Asia is known for its spectacular pedestrian suspension bridges, with countries such as Nepal, China and Japan particularly famous for their record-breaking structures. One example is the Baglung Parbat Footbridge in Nepal, which is around 567 metres long and is one of the most famous suspension bridges in the Himalayas, connecting remote mountain regions.
Probably the most impressive structure in China is the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in Hunan Province, which has become internationally recognised for its glass floor and enormous height.
Nevertheless, you don’t necessarily need to travel to Asia to get your knees shaking.
Read the full article here
