The world’s most beautiful bridges – here technology, culture and nature meet

Although their main function is to allow passage to the other side, they can be a tourist attraction in themselves. The world’s most beautiful bridges attract with their unusual appearance, unusual technical solutions and the promise of unforgettable views. They can be marvels of modern technology, historical testimonies of their era, but also remarkable examples of cooperation between man and nature.

Bridges with unusual mechanics

Rolling Bridge is one of the attractions of Paddington Basin in the London Borough of Paddington. At first glance, it may seem inconspicuous, especially compared to the large bridges on the nearby Thames. What sets it apart, however, is its unique design. Designed by London-based architect Thomas Heatherwick, it is an example of architectural maximalism that blurs the line between function and form.

The Rolling Bridge consists of eight triangular segments. A system of hydraulic cylinders was used to move the mechanism, causing successive sections of the bridge to lift and roll up in the likeness of organic structures. It resembles a coiling caterpillar or some kind of exotic plant. Thanks to the unusual design, the mechanism works extremely quietly, and when rolled up it takes the shape of an octagon. This is an unusual case in which the opposite ends of the bridge touch each other or, as Heatherwick himself describes it, kiss each other.

The spectacle takes place only on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon. Interestingly, this complicated raised bridge does not let any boats through – the channel at this point is shortened and closed with a steel railing. So it’s not a particularly practical solution, but that’s not the point. What matters is the spectacle that has become part of the London landscape.

In a way, the opposite of the Rolling Bridge is the Dutch Slauerhoffbrug in Leeuwarden. It’s an extremely efficient and practical design for everyday use. Although the way it opens is equally ingenious.

The Slauerhoffbrug is classified as a drawbridge, but the structure does not, as one might assume, open on two sides. Instead, the entire street section tilts 90 degrees to one side. Slauerhoffbrug owes the term flying bridge to this unusual solution. Once the bridge returns to a horizontal position, the boundary between it and the street is almost imperceptible. Two hydraulic cylinders are responsible for the mechanism, which is housed in a single pylon. It activates 10 times a day and is fully automated. This solution allows the structure to open and close quickly. In addition, it does not limit the height of passing ships and allows smooth ground movement.

The world’s most beautiful bridges with amazing views

The Sky Bridge on Pulau Langkawi, in Malaysia’s Langkawi archipelago, ranks among the world’s most beautiful bridges, but not for its fancy architecture. At first glance, this pedestrian bridge may seem simple, especially surrounded by rich nature, but it was quite a challenge for the designers.

The arched bridge is suspended 686 meters above sea level and extends 125 meters. Its line runs over the ridge of Pulau Langkawi’s second highest peak, Gunung Mat Chinchang. The main attraction here is the views of the rainforest growing on the slopes of the mountains and the neighboring islands of the archipelago. The skyward structure consists of prefabricated elements that were transported to the island by helicopters and assembled on site. It is a unique structure in the world: the platform, shaped like a crescent moon, is suspended from 8 cables, emerging from a single pylon measuring more than 80 meters.

The lightweight structure has its downside – the bridge can only carry 200 people at a time. It’s worth risking the vertigo for the unforgettable views.

The area around Henderson Waves in Singapore is equally beautiful. This pedestrian bridge is much more robust, as befits a public place in one of the world’s most densely populated countries. Henderson Waves is the largest pedestrian bridge in the country: 274 meters long and 8 meters wide. Rising 36 meters above the expressway, it connects the green areas of Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Hill parks in the Southern Ridges.

There are views to admire, as well as the original design itself by architect George L. Legendre. A wooden enclosure with a distinctive wavy shape was built over a steel structure. The line blends well with the mountainous parks surrounding the bridge. It also creates secluded niches to shelter from the sun and enjoy the views from comfortable benches. In addition to Singapore’s three parks, spanning 10 square ^kilometers, the bridge also offers views of the city’s distinctive skyline.

Bridges rooted in nature

The world’s most beautiful bridges do not have to be the work of an architect or a prestigious studio. In Southeast Asia and South America, there are structures that are part of the local ecosystem. They connect not only places, but the people who restore them every year, using methods passed down from generation to generation.

The bamboo bridge in Kampong Cham, Cambodia, leads from the city to Koch Paen Island, located in the middle of the Mekong River. It consists of about 50,000 bamboo stalks and is less than a kilometer long. However, it will not be seen during the rainy season. The structure is dismantled at the end of the dry season, before the waters of the Mekong rise. Materials are used in other ways or saved for the next year. When the water level drops, residents begin construction anew.

This is one of the few seasonal bridges in the world. Although its structure seems fragile, it can bear not only the weight of pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles, but even small cars. During the day it’s practical and doesn’t cause much excitement, but at night it takes on a mysterious, ethereal appearance when the road between Kampong Cham and Koch Paen is lit by specially installed lanterns.

On the other side of the Pacific, in the province of Canas, Peru, you can admire another structure that is an important part of local heritage. Q’eswachaka means rope bridge in the Kechua language. This unique structure stretches 28 meters long, at a height of 30 meters above the Apurimac River, flowing through the bottom of the canyon. It is the last rope bridge built using traditional Inca methods. Once such structures were an important communication network in the empire of the Cuzco rulers.

Every year the bridge is restored by local residents. Custom and skill are passed down from generation to generation here. Speaking the Ketchua language, local villagers treat the annual custom as a ceremony and a chance to have fun. It begins with mowing the grasses and braiding the ropes that will connect the two banks of the Apurimac. Then the communities meet on the two sides of the canyon, tie the ropes to the rocks and create a new bridge. When it’s ready, it’s time to celebrate together, dance and feast. The bridge and the rituals involved in its annual restoration have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.