From connecting people and places to serving an aesthetic purpose, bridges are there for a reason. While most bridges feature a practical design, some have a unique appeal, making them the world’s most distinctive bridges. These bridges are unusual, scary, impressive and some even function as boat lifts. Here is a list of unique bridges in the world that will make you look at them twice.
At 36 meters above ground, Henderson Waves bridge is hailed as Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge. Unveiled in 2008, the bridge mimics the shape of a wave that curves and twists along its 274-meter length, making it unique in design. The fantastical design features slats of balau wood, a hardwood found only in Southeast Asia. The Henderson Waves bridge has plenty of room to relax. As dusk falls, the bridge is illuminated with lighting effects that add more to its beauty. (Source)
2 Penang Island Bridge, Malaysia
Penang Island Bridge. Image credit: Shutterstock
The Penang Bridge is a crossing over the Penang Strait in Malaysia that connects mainland Malaysia to the island of Penang. The 13.5-kilometer dual carriageway toll bridge is the first longest bridge in Southeast Asia. The bridge was inaugurated in 1985 and was the first-ever, and until 2014, the only road connection between the island and peninsula. (Source)
Running 13 meters over the Moskva River in Moscow, the Floating Bridge is one of the most unusual bridges in Russia. The bridge was inaugurated in 2017 in the new Zaryadye Park and has since then become one of the most popular tourist attractions. This V-shaped, glass-fenced bridge is a great place to view the city while standing over the river. Its length is about 70 meters and it can accommodate nearly 2,400 visitors at once. (Source)
4 Moon Bridge, Taiwan
Moon Bridge. Image credit: Shutterstock
Known for its high-round arch structure and reflection, the Moon Bridge located at Taipei’s Dahu Park in Taiwan is one of the most “mystical” bridges worldwide. This pedestrian bridge was constructed in 1979 atop the thirteen-hectare lake. The bridge exudes a fascinating charm and offers great views of the surrounding hills. (Source)
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5 The Golden Bridge, Vietnam
The Golden Bridge. Image credit: Shutterstock
The Golden Bridge is a footbridge at Ba Na Hills Resort in Vietnam that opened in 2018. Built at over 1,400 meters above sea level and with a length of 490 feet, the bridge stretches across the Truong Son Mountains. Its amazing design looks like it is supported by two giant hands, making it one of the most unique bridges in the world. The special name has been derived from its guardrails that are painted in shimmering gold. (Source)
Ruyi Bridge located in the high-tech zone of Chengdu in China crosses Tianfu 2nd Street. It connects the urban space on the north to Dayuan Park in the south. Completed in 2018 and designed by ZZHK Architects, the bridge serves cyclists and pedestrians. It has been named “Ruyi” after a traditional Chinese “S-shaped” musical instrument which is considered a symbol of good luck. (Source)
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge stretches over the River Tyne in northeast England. The world’s one of the most unique bridges has a tilted design that is a great example of innovation. The award-winning steel structure was designed by architectural practice WilkinsonEyre and opened in 2001. The 126 meter-long pedestrian and cyclist bridge is also called the “Winking Eye Bridge” due to its unique tilted shape. (Source)
8 Sart Canal Bridge, Belgium
Sart Canal Bridge. Image credit: Shutterstock
Belgium’s Sart Canal Bridge is a canal bridge located 50 kilometers south of Brussels. This U-shaped girder bridge is an upgrade of a 100-year-old canal waterway that connects the Meuse and Scheldt rivers. The construction of the bridge commenced in 1998 and ended in 2002. The total length of the canal bridge including its older section is 20.9 kilometers. (Source)
The Banpo Bridge is one of the most iconic and unique bridges in South Korea. The double-decker bridge was constructed right on top of Jamsu Bridge in 1982. Located on the Han River, it connects the Seocho and Yongsan districts. The main highlight of the bridge is its moonlight, rainbow-fountain show. It holds the Guinness World Record of being the world’s longest bridge fountain, with about 10,000 LED nozzles on both sides that shoot out 190 tons of water every single minute. (Source)
10 Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailoo, Netherlands
Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailoo. Image credit: Rijkswaterstaat / Joop van Houdt via Goodnet.org
A wildlife bridge named “Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailoo” in the Netherlands built across the N524 roadway is a crossing that allows wildlife to safely cross highways. Also known as an “ecoduct”, the crossing is the longest wildlife bridge that runs 800 meters and spans a highway and golf course. The animal bridge was completed in 2006 and is 50 meters wide. (1, 2)
The Moses Bridge is located in what was once a protective fortress called Fort de Roovere as part of the Dutch Water Line of the 1600s. The bridge was realized and completed in just three months in 2010. It is built from Accoya wood waterproofed with foil. The bridge lies like a trench in the fortress and seamlessly blends in with the surrounding landscape. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and has several routes for pedestrians and hikers. (1, 2)
The Chengyang Bridge located in Sanjiang County in China is a stunning example of the world’s most unique bridge. The wooden bridge has two platforms and a roof covered with tiles. It also consists of a corridor and veranda. The 64.4 meter-long bridge was built in 1912 and has since then served as the link between two populous villages. (Source)
Malaysia’s Langkawi Sky Bridge is one of the world’s longest curved suspension bridges. Constructed in 2005, the 125-meter long steel pedestrian bridge allows visitors to take a stroll 2,170 feet above sea level and enjoy views of the Gunung Mat Chinchang mountain. (Source)
Resembling the design of a DNA, the Helix Bridge in Singapore is a popular architectural splendor. The double helix structure connects the Marina Bay area to the City Hall, offering quick access for pedestrians. The world’s first curved bridge opened in 2010 is 280 meters long and has a walkway. Each night, the steel pedestrian bridge lights up offering more spectacular views. (1, 2)
João Gomes Bridge is wedged between two tunnels in Funchal, the capital city of the Portuguese island of Madeira. The bridge is located in a deep canyon and offers a picturesque setting for a high bridge. Designed by engineer António José Luís dos Reis and completed in 1994, it is 274.5 meters long and stands at a height of 140 meters. (Source)
