14 magical bridges across the world you definitely need to see

There’s something special about bridges; the fact they connect different places makes them mysterious and symbolic by itself, but if they’re also scenically located or uniquely designed, it makes their magic even stronger. Here’s a list of 14 fantastic bridges situated in different spots around the world. They all look like a part of a fairy-tale setting, and once you step on them, it feels as if you were just heading to some wonderland.

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   Bridge To Nowhere, Whanganui National Park, New Zealand

The name “Bridge to Nowhere” is not only poetic but also very accurate. This impressive concrete construction is set amongst the trees in the forest of Whanganui National Park. No roads are leading to it, so it’s truly a bridge to nowhere. It was built in 1936 when the government was planning to open the land for farmers. The roads were supposed to be added later, but after all, it turned out the area wasn’t suitable for farming. The bridge’s accessible only by foot, boat, kayak or bike, but it’s become a popular tourist attraction in New Zealand.

2. Tower Bridge, London, United Kingdom

An iconic symbol of London and an architectonic gem, Tower Bridge stands over the Thames River. It consists of two beautiful towers, and it’s mainly them that make it look so unique. It’s a suspension bridge, so in case large vessels must pass through; its middle section might be raised. It used to be raised 40 or 50 times a day, but nowadays several times a week is enough.

3. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

One of the most famous sights in the capital of the Czech Republic, the Charles Bridge deserves all the recognition it gets. It crosses the Vltava river, and in the past, its primary function was connecting the Old Town with the Prague Castle. It’s built in Gothic style, but it’s decorated with 30 statues, out of which most are Baroque-style. Beautifully lit at nights, it’s as romantic as one can imagine.

4. Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary

The center of Budapest is lovely in general, but it wouldn’t be equally charming without the Chain Bridge. Spanning the river of Danube, it connects the eastern and western part of the city (called Buda and Pest). It’s one of the best places to stroll about in Budapest, especially in the evenings. You can start in Pest and walk until reach the Buda Castle.

5. Kintai Bridge, Iwakuni, Japan

Kintai is a unique construction made of five wooden arches. Not only the bridge itself is beautiful, but its location is scenic. It stands at the foot of Mount Yokoyama on which top there’s the Iwakuni Castle. The sight’s worth visiting all year long, but during the Cherry Blossom Festival, surrounded by the Japanese Maples, it becomes even more picturesque.

6. Ponte Della Maddalena, Borgo A Mozzano, Italy

Ponte Della Maddalena (the Bridge of Mary Magdalene) was built in the 11th century, and during the medieval age, thousands of pilgrims crossed it on their way to Rome. It has also inspired some artists and writers, including Giovanni Sercambi of Lucca who described it in his novella. Its rich history and fantastic design make it one of the most valuable in Italy.

7. Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An, Vietnam

The Japanese Covered Bridge is little, but it makes a big impression. It was built by Japanese community in the 16th century, and since then its ornamentation remained nearly untouched. Because it was used as a shelter from rain and sun, it also has a roof. There’s also a small temple attached to one of its sides and several statues guarding the entrances.

8. Rakotzbrücke, Kromlau, Germany

Even though it looks as if it was built in the medieval times, the Rakotzbrücke Bridge dates back to 1860. It’s a detail, though because it’s not the age that makes it so unique. It’s designed the way so that it makes one-half of a circle, while the second one is added by the bridge’s reflection in the water. When the light is right, and the water’s clear, you can see it as one perfect stone circle. The illusion’s enchanting. Besides, the Rakotzbrücke is surrounded by stunning greenery of the Kromlauer Park.

9. Chengyang Bridge, Sanjiang County, China

Chengyang’s not only a bridge; it’s also a veranda, a corridor, and a pavilion. Quite multifunctional, it’s used as a connection between two villages, a shelter from rain and the main subject of a Guo Moruo’s poem. It’s hard to believe, but it was built without rivets or nails, it’s only made of cleverly dovetailed pieces of wood.

11. Stari Most, Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Stari Most (the Old Bridge) is one of the most popular sites in Bosnia & Herzegovina. No wonder, it dates back to 16th century, has a fascinating history and looks fabulous. The bridge crosses the river Neretva, connecting two sides of Mostar. Sometimes during the summer, you can see adventurous cliff divers jumping out of it straight into the cold waters if Neretva. There’s even a competition held annually in August, so if you feel like to spread your wings above the river or watch other people doing it, that’s the time to visit Mostar.

12. Ponte Dei Sospiri, Venice, Italy

Ponte Dei Sospiri translates as the Bridge of Sighs and the name, besides of being wonderfully poetic, is also accurate – the bridge can make you sigh indeed. Now the Sighs are just a result of the construction’s beauty, but in the past, the sound was caused by something more dramatic. Convicts in the nearby prison saw the bridge through the windows before being taken to their cells. It was the last time for them to witness the charm of Venice before being locked up in the dark prison, so it was said they’d sigh on their way. It’s more of a legend than a fact but still, adds some drama to the Ponte Dei Sospiri’s history.

13. Moon Bridge, Dahu Park, Taipei, Taiwan

The Moon Bridge in Taipei’s Dahu Park looks enchanting all the time, but at night it’s turning into an incredible phenomenon. Surrounded by misty hills, spanning over the tranquil lake, when the moon shines the bridge connects with its reflection on the water and forms a circle. It looks like a fairy-tale, breathtaking and mystical.

14. Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, Cornish, New Hampshire – Windsor, Vermont, United States

This interesting structure is long enough to connect the towns of Cornish and Windsor. It’s covered and reminds a huge barn was floating above the Connecticut River. The lovely surroundings add to its rustic appearance and make it truly magical.

Do you know of some other magical bridges across the world? Let us know! And share this article with your friends.