Heights always attract tourists: these are rare panoramic photos, and successful selfies, and the opportunity to explore cities and natural landscapes from the most unexpected angles, and, of course, indescribable sensations. The ATOR newsletter has selected 10 high-altitude observation platforms in the world, which offer the most breathtaking views.
10. GLASS BRIDGE OF PETRONAS TOWERS, 170 METERS
Where: Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, high-rise complex of Petronas towers.
The iconic 452-metre tall Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia are famous not only for their double-deck high-speed elevators, but also for their stunning glass bridge that hangs at the 41st and 42nd floors. The unique two-story Sky Bridge, connecting two skyscrapers, is located at an altitude of 170 meters. Interestingly, the bridge was originally designed and built in South Korea, after which it was dismantled into 493 parts and transported to Kuala Lumpur, where it was assembled on site and raised to a height.
The Sky Bridge was also used in the filming of the film “Apocalypse Code” with Anastasia Zavorotnyuk. However, during a dangerous stunt, a stunt double who was jumping from a bridge caught a power line and left an entire block of Kuala Lumpur without power.
To get to the bridge, tourists line up for hours because the Twin Towers can only accommodate only 300 people per day. Having paid for a ticket 24 dollars, visitors get the opportunity to walk along the bridge, listen to a 10-minute tour about the construction of the Sky Bridge and go up to the 86th floor, where there is another observation deck and a small museum on the history of the Petronas Towers.
9. SKYBRIDGE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE, 207 METERS
Where:Russia, Sochi, Krasnaya Polyana.
In the mountain amusement park SkyPark in Krasnaya Polyana there is longest suspended pedestrian bridge in the world- 439 meters long and 207 meters high. The SkyBridge was opened quite recently - in 2014, but has already become almost a must-see for tourists. The bridge offers a stunning view of the Akhtyrskoye Gorge, mountains and the Mzymta River. According to the creator of the bridge (Australian AJ Hackett), the bridge can withstand a magnitude 9 earthquake and gusty hurricane winds.
Here, on the territory of the amusement park, you can visit the Mowgli rope adventure park and ride on the highest swing in the world (107 m). And for gourmets, the creators of the park soon promise to open a gourmet restaurant - right on the edge of a cliff on one of the slopes of the Akhtyrsky Gorge.
How to get there and how much it costs: by Lastochka or by road to Krasnaya Polyana. Prices for visiting the “sky bridge” are as follows: adult ticket 1250 rubles, for children under 12 years old you will have to pay 600 rubles, children under 5 years of age and people over 75 years of age pass for free. This price includes a walk along the bridge with the opportunity to go out to one of the observation platforms and admire how absolutely desperate extreme sports enthusiasts perform bungee jumping (the cheapest jump costs 6000 rubles).
8. Millau Viaduct, 341 meters
Where:Southern France, Aveyron department, Millau.
The cable-stayed Millau viaduct is considered highest road bridge in the world, which is why motor tourists from all over the world consider it their duty to take a ride through this attraction. From here you can enjoy the most picturesque views of the Tarn River valley.
The nearly 2.5 km long bridge is part of the expressway from Paris to the small town of Beziers, where many elite private schools are located. Despite the fact that the bridge was built only with the “auxiliary” purpose of relieving traffic jams on the national highway, it has become one of the main attractions of France. About 400 million euros were spent on the construction of the bridge, which is why travel on the Millau Viaduct was made toll. According to experts, the bridge will pay for itself in about 78 years.
How to get there and how much it costs: From Paris along the highway to Beziers. Traveling by car along the road will cost 6 euros, and if you are on a motorcycle or scooter, then 3.90 euros.
7. SKYDECK CHICAGO, 443 METERS
Where: Chicago, USA, skyscraperWillisTower.
"Willis Tower" is tallest skyscraper in the USA. The height of the building is 443 meters or 110 floors. The Skydeck Chicago observation deck (now the second tallest in the world) is located here on the 103rd floor and consists of 4 glass balconies extended from the building, each of which can accommodate up to 5 people at a time. It’s worth going here to bring back photographs with unique panoramic views of Chicago and the surrounding area. IN good weather visibility is about 80 km and allows you to see the territory of 4 states at once: Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
The feelings that overwhelm tourists taking a step into the void cannot be described in words - it is a rush of adrenaline, fear, delight and... hope that the glass retractable cabin will not turn into a high-speed elevator falling down. Moreover, there was already a reason for this: May 28, 2014 in one of the observation booths glass floor cracked, which caused terrible panic among tourists. It turned out that only the upper protective covering of the floor was damaged, so the visitors at that moment were in complete safety. Despite this unpleasant incident, the Skydeck Chicago observation deck at Willis Tower continues to be visited by about 1.3 million tourists annually.
How to get there and how much it costs: In Chicago, any taxi driver will take you here. However, be prepared to wait in long lines for a long time. The ticket here is worth it 16 dollars. The site is currently open to the public around the clock.
6. SEOULSKY, 500 METERS
Where: South Korea, Seoul, skyscraperLotteWorldTower.
At the moment this is the highest permanent (located in a building) closed (glass) observation deck in the world with glass floor. The Lotte World Tower skyscraper opened only this year, so it is also the newest. Of course, a visit to Seoul without stopping by here would be incomplete. The SeoulSky observation deck is located on four floors at once - from the 117th to the 122nd. In clear weather, the view from here opens up to 80 km.
Lotte World Tower itself is where you'll stay for a long time - it houses the highest swimming pool in the world, the cinema with the largest screen in the world, the largest marine aquarium in the world (all these records are recorded in the Guinness Book of Records), and many other places for entertainment. In the skyscraper itself there is a huge shopping mall, and nearby there is a large amusement park.
How to get there and how much it costs: In Seoul, Lotte World Tower can be reached by taxi or by subway to Jamsil Station. A high-speed double-deck elevator will take tourists to the observation deck, which has a glass floor, in a minute. Get ready for the queues! The ticket here is worth it US$27, children's ticket - 24 dollars, and a ticket with the right to skip the line is the so-called. Fast Pass- 50 dollars.
5. LANGKAWI SKY BRIDGE,700 METERS
Where: Malaysia, Langkawi archipelago, Pulau Langkawi island
The picturesque tropical island of Langkawi impresses not only with its snow-white beaches and azure sea, but also panoramic views with the highest single support bridge in the world. “Sky Bridge” - this is the name of this structure - was built in 2004 at an altitude of 700 meters above the gorge between the Ganun Mountains. In fact, the bridge is suspended over an abyss: it stands on just one metal support, to which 8 cables are attached.
According to tourists who have been here, the bridge “sways a little” in windy weather, but this does not affect safety in any way. The bridge, which can accommodate no more than 200 people at a time, has two triangular-shaped platforms for viewing and photographing. Architects and engineers thought through everything, right down to emergency exits in case of thunderstorms and lightning.
How to get there and how much it costs: To get to the bridge, you need to cover a distance of 2.2 km by cable car from the “Eastern Village” and then walk a little further or take a glass elevator. The entrance fee for foreign tourists here costs 55 Malayan Ringgit ( about 13 dollars). The price includes not only climbing the bridge, but also visiting the planetarium, 3-D museum and 6-D cinema.
4. "SKY PATH". 1219 METERS
Where: USA Arizona, Grand Canyon.
IN national park USA "Grand Canyon" at an altitude of 1219 meters there is an observation deck Skywalk ("Sky Path"). The site received this name due to unusual arc-shaped design. Permission to build this bridge worth 30 million dollars had to be asked from Indian tribe Hualapai, who owns this land.
The Skywalk bridge hangs 20 meters over the cliff and can simultaneously support up to 70,000 kg - or 120 tourists. The floor is made of highly transparent glass, so the most daring tourists can admire the monumental views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River flowing below, as if floating above the abyss.
How to get there and how much it costs: Drive to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, admission ticket to the Grand Canyon Skywalk territory will cost $30 per person. In addition to the observation deck, tourists have a museum, a restaurant and even a cinema at their disposal.
3. GLASS “PATH OF FAITH”. 1400 METERS
Where: China, Hunan Province, national park Zhangjiajie.
In this Chinese national park, on Mount Tianmen, sacred to local Taoists, there is an observation deck that even cleaners refuse to climb, and that is why, as the guides say, all visitors are given shoe covers and are strictly forbidden to litter.
The “Path of Faith” or “Path of Fear” is a walking trail for desperate tourists who are not afraid to climb an almost sheer cliff and then walk some more along a transparent path at an altitude of 1400 meters! Bonus - views from the movie "Avatar" - at a glance. Currently, China's "glass trail" is recognized the scariest tourist attraction in the world.
The floor and walls of the “path of fear” are made of high-strength glass 6.4 cm thick, but this does not reassure tourists, and many of them try to stay closer to the rock, and some end up exploring the terrible abyss and ancient Chinese mountains, moving towards the exit on all fours. After a walk over the abyss, the most persistent tourists can visit the temple on the top of the mountain and a vegetarian restaurant.
How to get there and how much it costs: visit a national park Zhangjiajie and ride to the trail on the longest cable car in the world, 7.5 km long. A ticket to Tianmen Mountain with a visit to the Path of Faith and Heaven's Gate Temple will cost about $37 per person.
2. ALPSPIX, 2628 METERS
Where: Germany, Garmisch-Patenkirchen, Bavarian Alps, Alpspitz peak
The AlpspiX observation deck is located on the Alpspitz mountain peak and is designed in the form of two crossed platforms, each of which is 24 meters long and 3 meters wide. One of the platforms is “extended” above the abyss by 13 meters, and the other by 11 meters. From a height of 2628 meters, tourists can see stunning panoramic views“Hell Valley” and the Alpine Mountains, and in good cloudless weather you can see the most high point Germany - Zugspitze peak (2962 m). The floor of the observation platforms is a mesh lattice on beams, the fencing on the sides is simple but strong iron rods. The creators of AlpspiX say that this design (without a continuous fence) will allow wheelchair users or small children to admire the views of the Alps.
How to get there and how much it costs: To get to the observation deck by cable car, you will need to pay 27 euros for an adult ticket and 15 euros for children's It is curious that it even provides possibility to bring your pet with you(!) - you only have to pay for a ticket 4 euros.
1. “STEP INTO THE EMPTIN”, 3842 METERS
Where: Chamonix, French Alps, Mont Blanc
Near the town of Chamonix on top of the Aiguille du Midi mountain ( mountain range Mont Blanc) There is, perhaps, the most interesting of the high-altitude observation platforms in the world - a transparent glass cube hanging over the abyss. From a height of almost 4 km, tourists have the most breathtaking view of the French Alps. A better photo than here can probably only be taken from a copter - but that’s not a fact. The cabin hovering above the abyss was named "Step into the Void". The creators of this unique observation deck claim that the cube can withstand temperatures down to -60 C and wind gusts of up to 220 km per hour.
How to get there and how much it costs: To get to the top of the mountain, you must first take the cable car up to the rock ( cost 57 euros per person for round trip). Then walk along the bridge connecting the two rocks, and only after that take the elevator to the “Step into the Void” itself. It is worth noting that before visiting the observation deck, all visitors put on soft white slippers... Don't be alarmed: this is only to avoid scratching the glass floor of the cabin.
Happy high altitude excursions! You can view the list of tour operators operating in countries where the high-altitude attractions described above are located by selecting the desired direction using the “Country” filter.
In May 2016, the world's largest glass observation deck was opened 70 km from Beijing. The total area of the Pingu platform is 415 m2, and it is located at an altitude of 400 m. Moreover, all parts, including the floor and side rails, are made of glass. However, you should not be afraid of such an engineering solution. The platform is built of high strength glass with the addition of titanium alloy. The developers are completely confident in the absolute safety of this attraction.
Kinds
The glass platform is located on a 400-meter mountain peak and retreats 33 meters from the edge of the cliff. Right under the feet of tourists there is a breathtaking view of the famous Shilin Stone Forest and the Jidong Gorge. The place is truly picturesque: majestic mountains, rapid river, waterfalls. The many steep limestone cliffs resemble a real stone forest. Shilin is even called a wonder of the world. It's hard to believe that this was done by nature.
Thanks to its glass structure and incredible views, Pingu has even been compared to the Skywalk over the Grand Canyon in the United States. The “Heavenly Path” is located at an altitude of 1.2 km, but is extended from the edge by only 20 m and has a smaller area.
Impression
The Pingu observation deck is shaped like a closed circle and resembles a UFO. Everyone can walk along the platform and take a close look at the local beauty. However, for tourists, the glass floor becomes a test of courage and, in a sense, a cure:
- At first, guests experience an adrenaline rush. It’s not easy to see the abyss under your feet. The brain refuses to believe that it is possible to hold on and not fall down. The sensations are compared to a parachute jump.
- Then absolute relaxation sets in. A person begins to feel as if he is floating in the air or in zero gravity. The effect relieves stress and nervous tension, which is especially useful for residents of big cities. Even yogis come to the site in search of nirvana. And some visitors simply lie down on the transparent floor for maximum relaxation.
The glass observation deck is never empty. Crowds of tourists walk along it in search of beautiful views, enlightenment or a good angle for a photo. After all, what could be more original than a shot over an abyss.
In the south of China, another creepy glass bridge has opened over a cliff, along which only the bravest and bravest tourists walk along the cliff to the mountainside rugged with caves.
The bridge, called "Writhing Dragon", which leads to Tianmen Mountain, opened to the public on August 1. Length glass path- 100 meters, width - just over one and a half meters. Tourists can see a truly dizzying view of the valley on the other side of the mountain range. The bridge hangs at an altitude of 1500 meters above the ground. This is the third such bridge on the same mountain. More recently, it was an ordinary wooden path.
This mountainous area is very popular among tourists due to its incredible natural scenery, as well as a relatively new attraction - glass bridges.
The photographs show how the first visitors to the opened bridge carefully walk along the mountain, holding on to the wall, some trying not to look down through the transparent floor and over the railings.
The first glass bridge in the national mountains forest park Zhangjiajie opened in November 2011 and has since attracted tourists eager to experience what it's like to walk on the very edge of an abyss. The glass floor was then only 2.5 inches (6 cm) thick, and visitors were visibly nervous when they stepped on it.
The second glass bridge across the canyon in the national park opened in May of this year. It reportedly cost approximately $3.5 million to construct.
For those who want a more intense sensation, here you can bungee jump into the abyss.
Glass bridges are now a popular trend in China. Usually local authorities perceive them as an opportunity to increase the influx of tourists. These ambitious projects typically involve bridges, bluff paths, or observation decks.
Below are the five most popular glass bottom designs in China.
The observation deck with a glass floor is located on the territory of the famous Shilin stone forest, 70 kilometers from Beijing. Its height is 400 meters above the ground, and its area is 415 square meters. It opened in May 2016.
The glass bridge, 300 meters above Zhangjiajie Canyon in Hunan Province, was scheduled to open in July 2016. Its length is 430 meters, height is about 300 meters.
"Hero's Bridge" lies 180 meters above the ground and is located in Shinyuzhai National Park in Hunan Province. It opened last fall.
The 260-meter-long Yuntai Mountain Trail passes at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters above the ground. It was also opened in September 2015.
The Yunduan Glass Observation Deck is located more than 700 meters above the ground. It opened in the summer of 2015.
Here is a short video about how tourists manage to walk across such bridges. Spoiler alert: they're a little worried.
Hello. Observation platforms around the world always attract many tourists who want to get some unusual and unforgettable sensations while on their journey. Do you know where the highest observation decks are, where travelers strive to get to get their share of adrenaline?
In French Alps at an altitude of 3842 meters there is a glass cube that hangs over the abyss. Photos from such a height they will be better than from a copter, and you will definitely never forget your sensations. All visitors to this observation deck are given white slippers, but this is without any ulterior motive, simply so as not to scratch the transparent floor.
Price
The cable car in both directions costs 57 euros per person, and after the cable car, you need to walk along the bridge between the rocks and then take the elevator to the cube itself.
The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world
Where do you think he is? That's right, pride in our country is simply bursting, it is located in Russia, in Krasnaya Polyana. To visit it, you need to visit the SkyPark mountain park and there you will find this unique structure. Length suspension bridge is 439 m, and it is located at an altitude of 207 meters from the ground.
Only from this point can you see and admire all the beauty of the Akhtyn Gorge and the surrounding mountains. But, you should not be afraid of such a height, being on the bridge, as its creator assures, the bridge is able to withstand hurricane winds and an earthquake of up to 9 points.
In the same amusement park, for extreme sports enthusiasts, there is the Mowgli rope park, where the most challenging adventures await you at an altitude of 107 meters. high swing in the world. And in the near future, you will be able to dine at a restaurant that will be located on the edge of a cliff.
How much does the ticket cost?
Today, to visit the bridge, the prices are as follows: a ticket for an adult costs 1,250 rubles, for children under five years of age and adults over 75 years of age, admission is free, and for children from 5 to 12 years old, a ticket will cost 600 rubles.
Viaduct in the city of Millau in the south of France
This is the highest cable-stayed road bridge in the world. So, when traveling around France, do not forget to take a ride through this attraction. The bridge is 2.5 km long and is part of the road from Paris to the town of Beziers. Almost 400 million euros were spent on its construction, so there is a toll to travel across it, and in about 80 years the bridge should pay for itself.
What's the fare
To drive across the bridge in a passenger car, you need to pay six euros, and lovers of two-wheelers Vehicle(scooter, motorcycle) almost 4 euros.
Petronas Towers Glass Bridge
It is located in Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, where the Petronas towers are located (their height is 452 m), and a glass bridge is located between these skyscrapers at an altitude of 170 meters. It’s not easy to get here (only 300 people a day), first you need to stand in a queue for many hours, and if luck smiles on you, then for $24 you can safely walk around this glass structure, and also go up to another observation deck on the 86th floor.
Willis Tower of America in Chicago
Most tall skyscraper in the USA, its height is 443 meters, and the observation deck consists of four glass balconies that extend from the building at the 103rd floor level, which can accommodate no more than five people.
In good cloudless weather (visibility up to 80 km), in addition to views of Chicago and its environs, you can still see the territory of four states, such as Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
What is the price?
As always when visiting such unique places, you need to stand in a long line and get a ticket, paying only $16. But the wait is worth the experience.
Skyscraper Lotte World Tower in South Korea
This building is located in Seoul and houses (from the 117th to 122nd floor) the highest stationary, glass observation deck in the world, SeoulSky. From there, in clear weather, you can see the surrounding area for several tens of kilometers.
In addition, in the building itself there are:
- The largest aquarium in the world.
- The highest altitude swimming pool in the world.
- Cinema with the world's largest screen.
How much does the ticket cost?
For a ticket you will have to pay $27 for an adult, $24 for a child. There is also a ticket that allows you to skip the line and costs $50.
The tallest single-support bridge in the world
It is located in Malaysia on the island of Pulau Langkawi, above the gorge at an altitude of 700m. This bridge is supported by just one metal support with the help of eight cables. It has 2 observation decks from which you can take stunning pictures, the main thing is camera do not forget.
Visit price
The ticket costs about $13, and you need to get here by cable car (2.2 km), then another glass elevator, in general, an excellent excursion. By the way, the price also includes a visit:
- 6D - cinema.
- 3D - museum.
- Planetarium.
Sky Trail in Arizona in the USA
This observation deck is located in the national park of America " Grand Canyon"at an altitude of 1219 meters and still hangs 20 meters above the cliff.
What is the price
Tickets for one person will cost $30.
The scariest attraction in the world
You can “tickle” your nerves in China in the Hunan province, where the Zhangjiajie National Park is located. There is the famous “Trail of Fear” at an altitude of 1400 meters. To get to the observation deck, you must first overcome this “path” (or yourself) in the shoe covers that will be given to you. If you still decide to take a walk over the abyss, you can visit the Heaven’s Gate restaurant and temple at the top of the mountain.
Price
To visit the “Trail of Fear” and the temple you will have to pay $37 per person, and they will help you get to the trail cable car, 7.5 kilometers long.
Observation deck in the Bavarian Alps in Germany
It is located on the Alpspitz mountain peak at an altitude of 2628 meters and consists of two crossed platforms. One of them is extended 13 meters above the abyss, and the second 11 meters.
Ticket price
For the funicular, with which you will get to the observation deck, you will need to pay 27 euros for an adult and 15 euros for a child. And if suddenly your dog also wants to admire the views of the Alpine mountains, then a ticket for your pet will cost 4 euros.
Good to know
And on earth, it is no less interesting to visit the longest tourist one, which is located in China, or spend the night on a floating one, which is located in the Japanese park “Huis Ten Bosch”.
I wish you to visit as many interesting places as possible.
