TripAdvisor , the world's most popular and largest travel community, today announced the top five jaw-dropping and top five scariest bridges in the world, according to TripAdvisor editors. From some of the most picturesque and historically significant to some of the most intimidating and fear-inducing, all of these bridges are awe-inspiring.
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(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090819/NY63361 ) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080902/TRIPADVISORLOGO ) Top 5 World's Most Jaw-Dropping Bridges 1. Miles of Millau: Millau Viaduct, Millau, France
Soaring high above the valley of the river Tarn in the South of France, the Millau Viaduct affords incredible views over the lush landscape below. Completed in 2004, it is part of the highway that runs from Paris to the southern city of Beziers. The bridge can sometimes poke through the clouds, and is actually taller than the Eiffel Tower, giving travelers the impression of flying high above the valley. There are 15 hotels in Millau listed on TripAdvisor and their average nightly rate is $102. The jaw-dropping hotel deal in Millau is the #1 hotel there on TripAdvisor's Popularity Index, the Emma Calve hotel at $74 per night.
2. Towering Over the Thames: Tower Bridge, London, England
Named for the nearby Tower of London fortress, the Tower Bridge stands majestically over the river Thames, and consists of two large towers connected by both a motorway and two upper pedestrian walkways, from which travelers can discover stunning views of the city. Completed in 1894, the Tower Bridge is today recognized internationally as a symbol of London. There are 1,152 hotels in London listed on TripAdvisor and their average nightly rate is $224. The jaw-dropping hotel deal in London is the easyHotel at $33 per night.
3. Pride of Prague: Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
Arresting beauty and magnificent history make the Charles Bridge, which dates back to the 1300s, stand out. Thirty elegant baroque statues line its stone length, depicting saints and patron saints of importance, while three impressive towers protect the ends of the bridge, which crosses the Vltava River. Dazzlingly lit and majestic at night, it becomes a bustling tourist spot during the day. There are 653 hotels in Prague listed on TripAdvisor and their average nightly rate is $139. The jaw-dropping hotel deal in Prague is the Juno Hotel at $42 per night.
4. Bay Beauty: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
An elegant giant recognized around the world as a Californian and American symbol, the Golden Gate Bridge connects the city of San Francisco with Marin County. Distinctive for its breathtaking suspension design and its bright orange color, it stretches almost 750 feet in the air, and dates from 1937 when it was the world's longest bridge of its kind. There are 247 hotels in San Francisco listed on TripAdvisor and their average nightly rate is $191. The jaw-dropping hotel deal in San Francisco is the Hotel North Beach at $46 per night.
5. Water Over the Bridge: Magdeburg Water Bridge, Magdeburg, Germany
The impressive Magdeburg Water Bridge flips the ordinary concept of "bridge" on its head: water passes atop this bridge as well as under it, carrying boats between two important German shipping canals. To each side are bicycle and pedestrian paths, so travelers can walk alongside the boats as they pass by. There are 25 hotels in Magdeburg listed on TripAdvisor and their average nightly rate is $100. The jaw-dropping hotel deal in Magdeburg is the #1 hotel there on TripAdvisor's Popularity Index, the Hotel Sachsen Anhalt at $74 per night.
Top 5 World's Scariest Bridges 1. Crazy Curves: Langkawi Sky Bridge, Kedah, Malaysia
This incredibly unique curved pedestrian cable bridge off of Pulau Langkawi island's Gunung Mat Chinchang peak stretches about 400 feet and stunningly sits more than 2,200 feet above sea level. With breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and nearby islands, this engineering marvel is an acrophobe's nightmare.
2. Forest Gulp: Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver, British Columbia
Beautifully set across a canyon spanning a lush forest of fir trees, this suspension bridge is also a spine-chilling 450-feet long and 230-feet high over North Vancouver's Capilano River. The bridge is crossed by nearly one million travelers every year, and countless who just wish they decided not to look down.
3. Cope-on-a-Rope: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Antrim, North Ireland
Once used by local fisherman to check their salmon nets by hanging them off the side of the bridge, this gorgeous yet intimidating 60-foot long and nearly 100-foot high rope bridge connects picturesque Carrick Island to the mainland. Not for the faint of heart, the challenge of crossing the bridge, as well as amazing views of Scotland and Rathlin Island, draws hundreds of thousands of intrepid visitors a year.
4. Terrifying Trift: Trift Bridge, Gadmen, Switzerland
Originally built by a power company to allow access to the Trift Glacier below and set in the mountains of the Bernese Oberland, the Trift Bridge is reported to be among the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world, at approximately 550 feet in length. As the bridge also stands more than 300 feet above the Triftsee Lake, don't mistake those yelps for yodels.
5. Royal Flushed: Royal Gorge Bridge, Canon City, Colorado
Proclaimed as the highest suspension bridge in the world, this attraction looms more than 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River, and is suspended from towers 150 feet high above it in the Grand Canyon. The more than 1,200 foot long wood-planked walkway provides a uniquely gorgeous view of the canyon, but chills come with the package.
"These striking bridges serve more than just practical purposes and are actually tourist attractions in their own right," said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "But beware to those with a fear of heights, as these staggering man-made monoliths can literally leave travelers breathless."
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