When the elevator in your building breaks down, what do you think about? Walk up to the Nth floor... And even if you have bags! Or after work, lying around from fatigue. Or after a walk with your child. We at TravelAsk decided to boost your morale and show that going up to the ninth floor is not so scary. After all, there are stairs with several thousand steps! And what’s more, they organize races on them. Voluntarily!
Race to the Alps
The longest staircase leads to the top of Mount Niesen in Swiss Alps. Just imagine, its length is 3.5 kilometers, and there are 11,674 steps!
The staircase starts on the mountainside at an altitude of 700 meters from sea level and ends at the top of the mountain, which is 2363 meters high. With all this, the slope of the mountain here is quite large, on average 60%.
Despite this height, the staircase attracts many tourists, but you can climb it on foot only once a year. The fact is that in June they organize a competitive race along it. And there are so many people here that you need to sign up several months in advance. These competitions are called Niesen Treppenlauf, and usually no more than 500 people participate.
But in reality, you don't have to put in that much effort to get to the top of the mountain. The fact is that there is a funicular here. The carriage operates from April to November; it travels slowly, covering the route in approximately 28 minutes. Therefore, it is quite possible to enjoy alpine forests and pastures with cows grazing on them.
Well, if you still want to climb the mountain on foot, that is walking routes for tourists who fully compensate for the longest staircase. Those who want to take part in the race must hurry up and register. By the way, today Niesen Treppenlauf has its own records. In 2011, a man from Evion, Switzerland, climbed 11,674 steps in 55 minutes and 55 seconds. Among women, the record was set in 2005: climbing the stairs took 1 hour, 7 minutes and 7 seconds.
So there is someone to look up to)
The charm of the mountains
It doesn't really matter how you climb Nizen. The views from the top of the mountain are stunning, especially at sunset. From here you can see Lake Thun, one of the largest in Switzerland.
But it’s not just the beautiful scenery that attracts guests. There is a restaurant and even a hotel Niesen-Kulm here, so you can easily stay here for the night)
Climbing stairs is never a pleasant experience, especially if its length is no less than 3.5 km! The longest staircase in the world is located in the Swiss Alps in the canton of Bern. It is shaded along the entire route of the Niesenbahn Switzerland funicular, which takes tourists to the top of the Swiss mountain Niesen.
Mount Niesen, which has an almost regular pyramid shape, is located next to the picturesque Alpine Lake Thun. Its height is 2362 meters. , which in German "nisen" means "sneezing". Due to its rather clear pyramidal shape, Mount Niesen is often called the “Swiss pyramid”.
To the Guinness Book of Records beautiful mountain got into the Swiss Alps not thanks to its name, appearance or location, but because it is here that the longest staircase in the world is located, which has 11,674 steps.
In 1910, after four years of construction, the Niesenbahn funicular opened on Mount Niesen. To this day, it regularly takes tourists who come here to the top of the mountain to admire the beautiful alpine landscapes and, of course, Lake Thun. A staircase was also built parallel to the entire line of the funicular. It was intended for technical work and allowed workers, if necessary, to climb any section of the Niesenbahn track.
Mount Niesen and the Niesenbahn funicular are popular in Switzerland. And although the longest staircase in the world located here is usually closed to tourists, once a year it hosts the Niesen Staircase Race competition for speed climbing Mount Niesen. The original competition has been held here since 1990. The record time for climbing the 11,674 steps of the world's longest staircase is only an hour.
People often avoid stairs to avoid stress and try to use elevators more. But this does not always happen, especially when the staircase is a real work of art.
Mount Buren in Belgium
Buren's Mountain is not a real mountain, but the name of a staircase. It consists of 374 steps and is located in Liege. The staircase was built in 1881 to allow soldiers to descend into the city center from higher ground while avoiding dangerous routes. The staircase is named after the 15th century aristocrat Vincent de Buren, who defended the city of Liege from an attack by the Duke of Burgundy. The almost destroyed citadel near Mount Buren was formerly a stronghold of the city's defense. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the city and the Meuse River.
Staircase over the sea, Spain
This beautiful staircase is located on the island of Gaztelugatxe in Spain. This tiny island on the coast of the Bay of Biscay belongs to the municipality of Bermeo in the Basque Country. The stairs lead to the hermitage, which was built in the 10th century. In total, the staircase has 237 steps. It is best to visit these places in autumn or spring to enjoy the silence and beauty environment. In summer it is usually crowded.
Tiai Han Spiral Staircase
The 91.5 meter high staircase is installed along the slope of Tiaihan Mountain in Lingzhou, China. It offers the thrill of mountaineering without any of the danger. An excursion up the stairs does not require preparation or additional equipment. Here you will feel the full force of the wind, birds will fly by, and the steps will creak. It's much more interesting than taking the elevator. However, due to safety and health issues, you must agree to a number of conditions. Climbers must be under 60 years of age and must fill out a form certifying that they do not have heart or lung problems.
Awaji Stairs in Japan
"Awaji Yumebutai" (or "Staircase of Dreams") is a complex complex of buildings and other structures located on the island of Awaji in Japan. One of the Awaji complexes is a 100-level garden consisting of 100 flower beds and stairs. The complex was built as a memorial to the Hanshin earthquake (1995). Construction took place on the side of the mountain, which was half demolished in the early 90s. Its stones were used during construction artificial islands in Osaka Bay (one of them is Kansai International Airport).
Moses Bridge
At the beginning of the 17th century, Fort de Rouvieres was surrounded by a moat and was originally built without a bridge. But a recent restoration program required the construction of a bridge. Out of respect for the fort's original island status, the Dutch company RO&AD Architecten built the Moses Staircase Bridge. The result was an original “sunken” bridge, literally merging with the water line. The result is an almost invisible bridge that partially submerges pedestrians in a moat of water. The initial defensive zone was flooded with water deep enough to hamper enemy advance, yet shallow enough to preclude the effective use of boats.
Steps to the Canyon
This famous Canyon Staircase is located next to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall in Ecuador. Pailon del Diablo - pretty big waterfall just 30 minutes away from the city of Banos in Ecuador. This is one of the most popular attractions in the area. When visiting Ecuador, be sure to conquer this unique descent
Well Chand Baori
Chand Baori is a structure located in the village of Abaneri near Jaipur. The well was built in 800, its narrow 3,500 steps of 13 floors extend 30 meters underground. The state of Rajasthan is extremely dry, so the Shand Baori structure was designed to retain as much water as possible. At the base of the well, the air remains 5-6 degrees lower than at the surface. The site was used as a resting place for local residents during heat waves.
Stairs of Santorini in Greece
In 1715, the islanders built a steep staircase into the steep mountainside so they could travel from the sea to the summit and back. Donkeys were used to help carry cargo and passengers from ships to the city. In 1930 the staircase was improved and more donkeys were used. Finally, in 1979 it was installed cable car, to automate the process - but the most interesting ride is still the donkey ride. The zigzag staircase from the sea to the city is paved with stone, and due to the many windings, the distance from one end to the other is 1300 meters. There are 657 10cm steps in total and the climb provides a very good workout on a sunny day. Santorini occupies a special place among the attractions of Greece; everyone who visits these places dreams of visiting it.
Schlossberg staircase in Austria
The main attraction of Graz is the Schlossberg (Clock Tower). It stands proudly and is visible from all points in the city. Tourists and local residents climb to the top to enjoy incredible views of Graz and the surrounding area. The Schlossberg Staircase is located at the far end of Schlossbergplatz. An impressive staircase is carved into the rock and leads to the top of the hill to the clock tower. The 260 steps of the staircase are not very difficult to climb, but those who wish can also use the elevator.
Potemkin Stairs in Odessa
The Potemkin Stairs is a giant staircase in Odessa, Ukraine. The staircase is considered the formal entrance to the city from the sea; it is the most famous symbol of Odessa. It was originally known as the Richelieu staircase. The top step is 12.5 meters wide, and the lowest is 21.7 meters. The height of the staircase is 27 meters and the length is 142 meters, but due to the different widths at the top and bottom, the illusion of greater length is created.
Haiku staircase in Hawaii
The Haiku Staircase, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, is a steep hike on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The trail begins as a wooden staircase leading up to a cliff on the south side of Haiku Valley. The ladder was installed in 1942 to carry the cable from one side of the cliffs to the other. This was necessary in order to provide a continuous communication link to the naval radio station at an altitude of approximately 850 meters. The staircase was restored in 2003 at a cost to the city of $875,000. But because of unresolved land use issues, the City and County of Honolulu said there is currently no plan to open the stairs for public use.
Bridge over the Traversinertobel
The staircase bridge over the Traversinertobel, one of the slopes of the Via Mala, is the latest structure of this type, designed by the engineer Jürg Conzette and his partner Rolf Bachofner. They solved the problem of connecting two different heights of the gorge by creating a staircase. The staircase replaces a rope bridge for travelers that was destroyed by a landslide. New footbridge covers a distance of 56 meters with a height difference of 22 meters between the two slopes.
Staircase as art
This 21 meter tall sculpture is called the Tiger and Turtle and is located on a slope in Duisburg, Germany. The steps meander along the steel frame in a spiral pattern, culminating in a loop. Visitors can climb the Duisburg Staircase, but the loop in the center does not allow a full circle.
Cascade of the Universe
The Universe Cascade is located on a slope along Dumfries Gardens in Scotland and consists of a steep series of steps. Large venues with viewing benches were installed on each span. Here you can simply admire the beauty of nature, or relax while climbing. The staircase starts at the pond and leads to a beautiful pavilion at the top. Although the gardens are private, they are open to the public once a year.
You can stand with calm calm on the edge of some ancient mountain settlement or on the roof majestic building and enjoy the view. But that is until you remember the completely insane staircase along which you will then have to go back.
Stairs, like any road, can leave in your memory memories no less vivid than the places to which they lead. Some of them look so breathtaking, as if they came straight out of surrealist paintings, while others simply evoke fear. Walking down ancient stairs is risky simply because of their age, while many of their modern counterparts are specifically designed to be intimidating. These 10 staircases below will literally make you weak in the knees.
1. Temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia - iconic place for Buddhists from all over the world. There is nothing shameful in climbing the steps leading to the highest temple on all fours or with the help of special ropes, because the slope of the stairs is approximately 70 degrees. Local guides explain that the stairs were made so steep to remind people that getting to heaven is not an easy task. However, being at the top, you can think the same about coming down from heaven.
2. Pailon del Diablo Waterfall, Ecuador
It's nice to know that the staircase right next to the waterfall was built specifically to enjoy the tropical scenery. But still, its name, translated as “the devil’s cauldron,” was chosen for a reason, given that overcoming these steep steps can hardly be called a pleasure. Due to the proximity to the waterfall, you will hardly be able to find dry and non-slip steps, as well as metal railings and fences.
3. Rope staircase to the top of Half House, USA
Know what lies between you and the most famous mountain peak National Park Yosemite in California? A 10-kilometer trek through the wilderness with an ever-increasing gradient, capped by a climb of more than 100 meters straight up the mountain's surface via a rope ladder. No more than 300 people can walk along it per day, each of whom is given special permission.
4. Incas Steps, Peru
At Machu Picchu, there is a stone staircase paved by the Incas about 500 years ago that leads straight up Huayna Picchu Mountain to the Temple of the Moon, from which there is a beautiful view of the ruins ancient city. The local park administration set a limit on visitors - 400 people every morning - and also reinforced the most dilapidated sections of the stairs with metal structures. But you still need to be extremely careful, because on one side of the stairs there is a wet vertical wall, and on the other there is an abyss leading to the Urubamba River.
5. Statue of Liberty, USA
If you want to enjoy the view from the crown of the Statue of Liberty in New York and are claustrophobic, you'll have a hard time. The only way there is through a cramped spiral staircase in the shape of a double helix, where the distance from the steps to the ceiling is only 180 centimeters. And the whole place is jam-packed with tourists. The most persistent can walk the full path of 377 steps, which is equivalent to climbing the 20th floor. But these climbs are just a pleasant pleasure after passing the most severe test - getting your ticket to the crown.
6. Florli Stairs, Norway
Norway's Flørli hydroelectric dam is the starting point for an extremely exciting hike around Lysefjord, and the local stairs will make you nervous for two reasons. Firstly, it has 4444 steps that go up more than 800 meters, and secondly, it is the longest staircase in the world made entirely of wood. So you should pay special attention to every crunch and crack.
7. Heavenly Stairway to Mount Huashan, China
The exact number of steps carved directly into the surface of Mount Huashan, one of the five sacred mountains Taoism in China, no one knows. Probably because everyone who has ever tried to keep score has lost it due to the dizzying conditions and the fear of death. Once the vertical climb is over, an equally hellish horizontal walk awaits you - a path only three boards wide, nailed directly to the vertical side of the mountain, and only one chain to hold on to. After this there is again a series of winding steps. When you finally reach the top of Huashan, you will find out that "heaven" is a hard-to-reach tea house with an amazing view.
8. Observatory on top of Mont Blanc, France
The steps of this staircase are comfortable, durable, have guardrails and are not crowded. The only thing that can make your heart skip a beat while climbing this staircase is its location at the highest mountain peak in the Alps. Strong winds and low temperatures come with it.
9. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
The spiral staircases of this Catholic cathedral look more like Slinky spring toys. Moreover, there are not even railings here that will protect you from falling to the base of this creation of the famous Antonio Gaudi.
10. Haiku Stairs, Hawaii, USA
Could a staircase be so scary that it would simply be closed? Yes, the 3,922 rickety steps leading to the top of Koolau on the Hawaiian island of Oahu are so dangerous that it's literally illegal to climb them. To the point where there are guards below who will not let you rise. This staircase, called the "Stairway to Heaven", was built by US Navy soldiers in 1942 to build communications during World War II. In the post-war period, this route was chosen by hikers, but by 1987 it had to be closed for safety reasons.
Stairs are simple structures that are created to make it easier to overcome large vertical distances, dividing this distance into tens, hundreds of smaller ones. Today, people use them less and less, preferring elevators, but elevators are not available everywhere, and some climbs are simply unimaginable. There are a huge number of different staircases in the world with unique designs and locations, and these are the ones we want to show you today.
Mount Bueren, Belgium
Mount Bueren is not a real mountain, it is 374 steps in the city of Liege. They were built in 1881 to allow soldiers to march down the main street to the top of the hill without having to navigate through alleys. The staircase is named after the aristocrat Vincent de Buerin, who defended the city of Liege from the Duke of Burgundy.
Staircase over the sea, Spain
This beautiful staircase is located on the island of Gaztelugatx in Spain. This is a tiny island on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. There are only 237 steps. The most favorable time to visit this place is spring-autumn.
Spiral staircase in Taihang Mountains, China
Vertical staircase 91.5 meters high. Due to the fact that it sways very strongly in the wind and birds fly past, climbing it requires climbing equipment, and people who climb must sign a paper stating that they have no problems with the lungs and heart.
Awaji Garden, Japan
Translated into English as “Dream Stage,” this complex complex of stairs and flower beds is located on Awaji Island. The garden has 100 levels, each of which consists of 100 squares. It was built as a memorial to those killed during the Hanshin earthquake in 1995 on the side of a mountain, half of which was simply taken away for the construction of artificial islands in Osaka Bay and international airport Kansai.
Moses Staircase Bridge, Netherlands
At the beginning of the 17th century, Fort de Roover was built with a moat but no bridge. But the latest restoration program required the construction of a bridge. Out of respect for the site's past, a "sunken bridge" was built. The water level in the ditch is controlled by 2 dams, so you can be sure that the water will not rise above normal.
Steps Canyon, Ecuador
This famous canyon staircase is located near the Railon del Diablo waterfall in Ecuador. It is located just 30 minutes from the city of Banos and is considered one of the most popular and most visited places in the area.
Chand Baori, India
There are about 3500 narrow steps in this temple. There are 13 floors in total, which go 30 meters underground.
Stairs of Santorini, Greece
In 1715, local residents built a staircase to the top of the mountain so they could climb to the top. In the 20th century, the staircase was improved several times; now there is an automatic lift, but the staircase is still popular.
Staircase Chelsberg, Austria
These steps are the main attraction of the city of Graz. An impressive staircase carved into the rock will take you up to the chapel, from where you can see unique look to the city.
Potemkin Stairs, Ukraine
A huge staircase in the city of Odessa. It is generally accepted that this is the official entrance to the city from the sea. The width of the upper level is 12.5 meters, and the lower one is 21.7 meters. It is 142 meters long, but since it gradually tapers towards the top, the illusion of a huge distance is created.
Haiku Stairs, Hawaii, USA
Better known as the Stairway to Heaven, it was built in 1942 to serve communications between the islands. The radio station itself was built at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level. Renovating the staircase in 2003 cost $875,000.
Staircase-Bridge, Switzerland
The bridge over the Traversinertobel solved the problem of moving along the gorge, connecting 2 peaks with each other. This is a unique project: a bridge 56 meters long, but with a height difference of 22 meters.
