Skywalk adventures are becoming increasingly popular and even more accessible. Unless you’re a serious acrophobic, there’s a certain thrill of being on top of the world, seemingly walking on air. If you are looking to do something a little daring on your next vacation, why not tackle one of these hair-raising skywalks? From suspension bridges to glass boxes to walking around the ledge of an extremely tall tower, the choices are plentiful. The views they offer are spectacular, plus you get bragging rights for having braved the experience.
1. Dachstein Stairway to Nothingness, Austria
Visitors will need nerves of steel to walk this 328 ft (100 m) long suspension bridge. The glass platform floats 1,300 ft above the treacherous Austrian Alps and is reached by first crossing the suspension bridge and then descending 14 steps from the cliff face surrounded by glass walls. The view that visitors are treated to is magnificent, featuring Austria’s Dachstein glacier and surrounding mountains. It took six months to build this structure and it is currently the highest in Austria. Time to swallow that fear and conquer the Alps in a whole new way.
2. Skywalk X, Macau, China
One of China’s tallest towers offers visitors the chance to hang out at the top. Did we mention there are no handrails to hold on to? Daring visitors are strapped in by harness and encouraged to walk around the tower, lean over the edge and even dangle their feet over. For the true daredevil, there is an extra climb up the mast’s vertical ladders to reach the summit. And if that wasn’t enough for you, try hurling yourself off the side on the world’s highest bungee jump. Up the ante even more by doing this at night, which offers gorgeous skyline views and an extra touch of adrenalin.
3. Skypoint Climb, Queensland, Australia
Hailed as Australia’s highest external building climb, this skywalk involves climbing 298 stairs to the top of the Q1 tower. If you have ever wanted to experience panoramic views of the Gold Coast, here is where you will find it. The thrill comes from the 885 ft (270 m) sheer vertical drop that visitors look down on as they climb. Participants will be rewarded by reaching the platform that provides uninterrupted birds eye views of the Queensland Coast.
4. The Ledge, Chicago, USA
Go up 110 stories above downtown Chicago to experience one of the most hair-raising skywalks in the world. Four glass boxes make up ‘The Ledge’ located in the Willis Tower. Over a million people visit these jutting boxes annually, which protrude 4.3 feet out into the air. The Ledge has been home to many proposals, and people can even get married in one for a unique wedding experience. On a clear day, it is possible to see four different states over a 50 mile radius. Not for the weak of heart, these glass boxes truly make it feel as you are standing in thin air.
5. OCBC Skyway, Supertree Grove, Singapore
Singapore offers a one-of-a-kind vertical garden that stand up to 16 stories high and is shaped like giant trees. The skyway itself is a 420ft (128m) long walkway with a height of 72ft (22m) that connects several supertrees. It is best to go at night when the trees are lit up, creating a futuristic feel. Along the skywalk, visitors will be privy to views of the Marina Bay area along with panoramic views of the garden. Not just a tourist attraction, these gardens were designed to provide the breathing space that is needed amongst the many city skyscrapers.
6. Edgewalk at the CN Tower, Toronto, Canada
Toronto’s most extreme attraction lets visitors travel to the top of the iconic CN Tower and head out onto the ledge. It sits 116 stories above ground and visitors are safety-strapped in via a harness to actually lean backwards over the edge. There are no handrails here and guides encourage you to lean as far back as you can, going against all survival instincts. Take in 360 degree views of the city and Lake Ontario and feel the thrill as you precariously hover atop the Western Hemisphere’s tallest free-standing structure.
7. Skywalk, Auckland, New Zealand
The Sky Tower in Auckland gives adrenaline-seeking visitors the chance to walk around its narrow ledge without handrails and only a small rope to cling to. Located 630ft (192m) above the city, this skywalk encourages visitors to tap into their inner daredevil. Guides will encourage you to lean back into thin air, let go of your rope and feel the rush surge through you. Spectacular views of the harbor and the city await you below. If that’s not enough excitement, visitors can also choose to throw themselves off the side via a base jump with a wire.
8. Grand Canyon’s Skywalk, Arizona, USA
Grand Canyon West on Hualapai tribal lands is a popular tourist spot within easy reach of Las Vegas, known for its striking landscape, interesting history and picturesque photo opportunities. Note, this is at the far western region of the canyon system, not Grand Canyon National Park itself. That doesn’t make it any less spectacular, though, especially considering you can walk out over the ledge. The Skywalk was established in 2007 to allow visitors to walk out above the canyon floor and give them the walking-on-air experience of a lifetime. The transparent horseshoe shaped platform extends 69ft (21m) out and gives views into the gap of the canyon itself and the Colorado River below. The experience is meant to make you understand how vast this canyon actually is, and it does not disappoint.
9. The Sky Walk at Tianmen Mountain, China
This is part cliffhanging walkway and part glass skywalk. Visitors have the opportunity to cling to the mountainside as they brace the mile long walkway. Beautiful mountain views reward the brave walkers throughout the entire bridge. The highest section is the glass skywalk which runs 196 ft (60 m) long. On a clear day, visitors can see the sheer drop thousands of feet below them. This truly gives the feeling of walking on air and those without nerves of steel can often be found hugging the cliffside as they navigate the glass part. Dubbed as one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, there is no more adrenalin-pumping way to explore Tianmen Mountain.
10. Glacier Skywalk, Alberta, Canada
Located on the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park, this stunning skywalk is home to the best mountain views in the Rockies. This metal walkway and glass viewing platform is juts over the Sunwapta Valley overlooking the ancient ice of the Athabasca Glacier. Visitors will gain an understanding of the glaciology, wildlife, flora and fauna that is below. An interactive story-telling experience paves the way for a new kind of skywalk that combines thrills, exceptional views and environmental education. Operating from May until October this relatively new attraction is a must if you’re in Western Canada.
Have you experienced any of these hair-raising skywalks?
