Just The Photos Of These 15 Bridges Are Enough To Give Anyone Vertigo

For people who suffer from vertigo, even the tamest of bridges can seem like impenetrable obstacles. The thought of crossing a bridge that is not 100% safe is enough to stir up that feeling of weak knees, a churning stomach, and sweaty palms. But these 15 bridges take that feeling to the extreme.

From swinging rope bridges suspended across mountain crevasses to road bridges that will make you question if you've just stepped off the set of Inception, the following photos of steep drops, fast-flowing rivers, and rocky ravines are not for the faint of heart. But if you can't go round them, and can't go under them, sometimes your only (terrifying) option is to go over them.

15 Yep, That's Right - There's A Broken Slat Hanging From This Bridge

You have to commend this explorer for having the self-awareness to put on a helmet while crossing this bridge, but it still wouldn't do much to protect him against that ominous mountain drop beneath him. Those planks are already far enough apart without any others falling to their shattered end hundreds of feet below.

14 You Better Hope Your Driver Has Incredibly Steady Hands

Everyone has seen the TV commercials for new cars that can automatically keep you within the correct lane, but even those cars probably wouldn't want to risk a trip out on this icy, unguarded bridge in Russia. In summer, maybe you could contemplate cycling across, but in these winter conditions in an SUV? Forget it.

13 At What Point Did They Think This Was A Good Idea?

Anyone who can see this picture without internally screaming, "No, don't do it!" must have nerves of steel. Jimmy rigging a low bridge for your car across a gentle, narrow stream is perhaps permissible, but putting together a makeshift bridge 50 feet in the air across a ravine is definitely not.

12 There Must Be Another Way That Doesn't Involve A Death-Defying Drop

Even if there are hand railings, this bridge is far too steep not to give everyone who looks at it a stomach-churning sense of vertigo. To make matters worse, the rocks look like they give way to thin air at the top. Perhaps it's best not to know what greets these travelers at the top of this bridge.

11 This Bridge Is 100% Real - We Couldn't Believe It Either

Eshima Ohashi Bridge is located in Japan, and yes, it really is as intense as it looks. It took seven years to build and although it looks like it would be more at home in an amusement park, it's open to regular traffic every day.

10 Theme Park Thrill Or "Just-Vomited-In-My-Mouth" Vertigo?

These images are enough to make anyone's knees wobble. The high-altitude attractions at Wansheng Ordovician Theme Park in China are a hit for thrill-seekers across the world, but this bridge was the center of some controversy when one guest barely escaped with his life after his rope snapped.

9 Does The Fog Hiding The Terrifying Drop Make It Better Or Worse?

The fact you can't see the end of this fragile rope bridge is concerning enough in itself. The fact you can't see the ground is just downright terrifying. With nothing but some thin ropes and worn planks of wood for support, the trip across this bridge is bound to be full of wobbles, swings, and final prayers.

8 Those With Serious Vertigo Should Look Away Now

Someone make her stop! Whoever this lady is, she must have something blocking her "this is a terrible idea" detector. Her reckless behavior makes the guy behind her hanging on with just one arm look almost reasonable in comparison. If this photo doesn't give you sweaty palms, maybe nothing will.

7 Nope, I Think I'll Take The Long Way Round

Would you be brave enough to venture across this rusty old bridge? And the rust isn't the only concern - the top of the bridge isn't even level. The thought of a train hurtling across this bridge hundreds of feet above a torrent of white water is about as vertigo-inducing as you can get.

6 The Lady's Face Speaks For Us All

The small child about to cross this thin rope bridge may be fearless, but most people are definitely more in tune with the lady on the right, who clearly wishes she were anywhere other than this unstable bridge overlooking a rocky outcrop and choppy sea. We hear you, lady.

5 Don't Look Down - Especially Not At The Bit With The Shattered Glass

It's all fun and games until someone drops a mug on the bridge and causes the only thing between you and certain death to shatter. While it may give you awesome views of the valley floor beneath you, are those views really worth risking your life for?

4 Only Strong Swimmers Allowed, And Even They Should Think Twice

There are just so many questions that come to mind with this bridge, the most obvious being "Why?" Why would anyone want to cross this accident waiting to happen, only to arrive at a sheer wall of rock? Why is it hanging so close to the river? Why can't I stop staring at it?

3 Not Even That Gorgeous Turquoise Water Can Distract Us From The Sense Of Impending Doom

Sure, it's a nice-looking river you've got there. Too bad that to get this view, travelers have to stand suspended 30 feet in the air on two planks of wood supported by loose netting held together with rusty screws and fraying rope. On second thoughts, the river's not that great.

2 Those Ropes Look Like They're Wearing A Little Too Thin

If any bridge should have a "one-at-a-time" policy, it is surely this one - the one that looks like something you would find in a kids' play fort. But despite the frayed ropes and planks of woodturning green with age, it is still crowded with intrepid, albeit slightly foolhardy, tourists.

1 Nobody Thought To Make The Protective Barrier Just A Tiny Bit Taller?

While these barriers do a good job of blending into the environment and allowing tourists to get sweeping views of the valley below, they certainly do not look sufficient to protect selfie-seeking tourists from, well, themselves. Maybe they should add a couple of extra feet, just to be sure.

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