Portugal Builds the World’s Longest Pedestrian Bridge

Portugal bags the “world’s longest pedestrian bridge” title as the structure got completed in July 2020.

Designed by Itecons, a Portuguese studio, the bridge took around three years to get completed. In July 2020, the structure was finally finished. The beautiful edifice is located at Geopark’s eastern part. It is close to the villages of Canelas, Espiunga, and Alvarenga. It is also near the Paiva Walkways and the Vau and Areinho river beaches.

According to the Arouca Municipality local council’s statement, “This bridge aims at targeting the interest of different types of people: engineering lovers, nature connoisseurs, people who are fond of extreme experiences.”

Arouca Bridge Spans 1700 Feet

To date, the Arouca 516 stole the “longest pedestrian bridge” title, spanning far longer than the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge located in Switzerland that measures 1,621 feet. The Switzerland bridge offers breathtaking views of the famous Weishorn, Matterhorn, and Bernese Alps.

In contrast, the Arouca bridge measures 1700 feet. It provides visitors with an enthralling view of green, verdant mountains below. The bridge’s floor allows people to look through, as well. Because it’s a hanging bridge, however, people who are afraid of heights may find the experience scary and dangerous as the bridge sways depending on the movements made by the pedestrians and the wind.

In the United States, SkyBridge of Gatlinburg, Tennessee is considered the longest pedestrian bridge in the country. Stretching 680 feet, it spans across a valley in the Great Smoky Mountains. This bridge was opened to the public in May 2019. However, it was briefly closed in June 2020 when a visitor accidentally cracked the floor as he attempted to do a baseball-style slide that damaged part of the bridge’s glass panels.

No Opening Date Yet

The Portugal bridge’s opening date has not been announced yet. Tickets have not been provided yet either. However, expectant visitors are waiting for the local council’s opening announcement as the new Portuguese bridge offers tourists, travelers, and adventurers with another destination to look forward to.

Lengthy Pedestrian Bridges in the World

Various hanging, pedestrian bridges are found all around the world. These bridges are typically used to connect different land masses, specifically in places disconnected by huge bodies of water or areas where no nearby roads are found. They provide people with the convenient means to travel from one place to another.

These lengthy pedestrian bridges, however, are normally used to enjoy the breathtaking experience, especially for thrill-seekers, of remaining suspended in the air while taking in the gorgeous views bestowed by such heights.

Aside from the lengthy footbridges found in Portugal, Switzerland, and the United States, other long pedestrian bridges are Russia’s Sochi SkyBridge, France’s Aiguille du Midi Bridge, the Philippines’ Tigbao Hanging Bridge, Malaysia’s Taman Negara National Park Bridge, Canada’s Capilano Suspension Bridge, Nepal’s Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, Spain’s El Caminito Del Rey, Germany’s Marienbrucke, Northern Ireland’s Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Japan’s Kokonoe ‘Yume’ Grand Suspension Bridge. Like the Arouca 516, these bridges are popular tourist attractions, as well.