The Most Spectacular Skywalks in the World

While some simply enjoy the incredible views, others must overcome their fear of heights - we're talking about the most spectacular skywalks in the world. And have you heard about the absolute new attraction in New York City?

We all know sightseeing tours that introduce us to the history and culture of a place, right? But how about a change of pace with some unique sightseeing? However, for the attractions I'll be introducing you to today, you should be free of acrophobia, as we're discussing the most spectacular skywalks in the world. These aren't just ordinary observation decks; they offer thrilling experiences where a fear of heights is definitely a downside. But for those seeking excitement on their vacation, these skywalks are perfect!

Have you heard about the latest attraction that opened in March of this year in the Big Apple? We're talking about the 335-meter-high observation deck "The Edge" in the upscale Hudson Yards area in west Manhattan. This observation deck, which provides an extraordinary view over the rooftops of New York City, juts a full 20 meters out into the sky and is located on the 100th and 101st floors of the skyscraper 30 Hudson Yards. This makes it the highest publicly accessible outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere.

Sounds pretty cool, right? Be sure to add New York to your bucket list to admire this newly opened attraction, which is already one of the most popular sights in New York. You can book tickets for The Edge on the website starting at around $34. If you want to combine a guided sightseeing tour of Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and Hudson Yards with a visit to the 360° observation deck, you can get a tour that includes admission to The Edge starting at $75 per person.

Most of you have probably heard of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, right? If not, it's about time you do because Arizona boasts one of the most stunning observation platforms in the world. Located at the Grand Canyon, in the Hualapai Indian Reservation at the West Rim, the horseshoe-shaped skywalk extends 22 meters over the canyon's edge.

All brave visitors - and there are about 3,000 each day - can walk on the glass floor at dizzying heights and gaze down nearly 1,200 meters. Who knows, maybe you'll be among them soon? The famous attraction is open year-round, but you must take a booked tour for your visit. Tickets start at $75 per person.

At the mountain station First, in the Swiss municipality of Grindelwald, you will find the unique summit circular path "First Cliff Walk by Tissot". This consists of a 40-meter-long suspension bridge, a narrow rock wall, and a spectacular viewing platform that juts out 45 meters into the void. After passing the western side of First Peak, you'll find breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps panorama right at your feet.

Glide over the valley at speeds up to 84 kilometers per hour

Enjoy the view of the famous peaks over 4,000 meters, and treat yourself to a delicious meal at the mountain restaurant afterward. If you're looking for even more excitement, you can try one of the two Flying Fox varieties, the First Flyer or First Glider, where you can glide over the valley at speeds up to 84 kilometers per hour. Fantastic views are guaranteed either way! Tickets for the First Cable Car, which takes you to the First Cliff Walk, start at around $30. The opening hours correspond to the operating hours of the mountain cableway.

For pure chills and thrills, there's also the observation platform at the Willis Tower in Chicago. The tallest building in the metropolis was formerly known as the Sears Tower and offers breathtaking views over the whole of Chicago. A highlight is "The Ledge", a type of observation box with a glass floor that is located 412 meters high on the 103rd floor.

Just imagine standing there with nothing but endless emptiness beneath you. Your gaze rests on the skyscrapers and streets of the city. Some may feel a bit uneasy here, but no worries, you'll be rewarded with an amazing view. The observation platform is open year-round. Tickets are available from around $25, and children up to 12 years only pay $18. Find out in my Chicago tips what else the metropolis in the state of Illinois has to offer.

Not too far from us, on the Krippenstein plateau in the Austrian Dachstein, there's an observation platform shaped like a hand. The viewing walkway "5fingers" is located on the 2,108-meter-high peak and juts 400 meters over the edge. Once you reach the top, visitors can enjoy a unique view of the mountains and Lake Hallstatt.

Each of the so-called five fingers offers yet another special feature: besides the middle finger, all the others are four meters long. The first finger awaits with a golden picture frame for stunning photos against the spectacular backdrop, while the second finger is completely made of glass. The middle finger ends with a non-walkable diving board, symbolizing the freedom of the mountains. The fourth finger has a hole in the ground offering breathtaking views into the abyss, and the last finger has a telescope for a better view into the distance. Sounds pretty tempting, right? You can reach the observation platform via the Krippenstein mountain station after about a 20 to 30-minute hike. Enjoy the hike and have a great time in your Austria vacation.

The following observation tower is definitely not for the faint of heart. On the contrary: The Auckland Sky Tower in New Zealand promises its visitors pure adrenaline! The observation and telecommunications tower in Auckland is with its 328 meters the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere.

The tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere

In addition to two regular observation platforms, a open-air platform at 220 meters high awaits for the brave. There, you can walk around the tower or even lean forward over the edge. Don't worry, you're securely attached to a harness, so nothing can happen. For those who find this not adventurous enough: also from the open-air platform, visitors have the opportunity to jump a full 192 meters with the 'Skyjump'. At a speed of 85 kilometers per hour, you will plunge about eleven seconds before a cable stops you automatically. Alternatively, you can participate in yoga classes or enjoy a delicious dinner with a 360-degree view. Ticket prices for a visit to the tower, which is open daily from at least 9am, are around $20 per person.

What better place to get a view over Toronto than the famous CN Tower? The television tower stands at 553 meters, making it the highest point in the city. However, the operators didn't think it was enough to offer just a simple observation platform, so for the ultimate adrenaline junkies among you, there are the so-called Edge Walks around the Main Pods. You walk outside around the observation platform - 356 meters above the void.

Sounds crazy? It is, but of course you're securely harnessed so nothing can happen. If your partner is also free of acrophobia, you can even dare to let go up high during the Edge Walk. The Edge Walk is open daily from 9 am except for December 25, but the opening hours and prices may vary seasonally. A standard ticket for the CN Tower costs around $35, while the 1.5-hour Edge Walk starts at $125. You can find more Toronto tips in my travel magazine.

My list of the most spectacular skywalks continues with equal audacity: at the Macau Tower in China, there's a similarly attractive offer like in Toronto. Here, you can take a little stroll at a total height of 233 meters.

Will you dare the second-highest bungee jump in the world?

If that's still not enough for you, you can also choose to climb another 100 meters up a vertical ladder to the top of the building. Or you can dare the second-highest bungee jump in the world - there's definitely no shortage of ways to get the ultimate adrenaline rush here. Tickets for the tower are available year-round online starting at around $21.

The famous Supertrees in Gardens by the Bay are one of Singapore's most well-known landmarks. The structure, consisting of a total of twelve futuristic trees that light up at night in bright neon colors, stands out among all the skyscrapers solely due to its uniquely quirky appearance. The 128-meter-long walkway among the trees is only 22 meters high, which is significantly less dizzying than many other skywalks. Nevertheless, the view of Marina Bay and the surrounding gardens is truly unforgettable and beautiful - for just around $8, it's practically a steal!

In my tips for your Singapore vacation, you'll learn more about the brightly lit trees and Asia's modern city-state of superlatives.

At the Skypoint Climb in Surfers Paradise, Australia, you must earn your fabulous view over the coast and city: You start at the 77th floor of the 322-meter-high Q1 building and must climb an additional 30 meters to reach the observation deck. The effort is certainly worth it, as at 270 meters, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views and the ascent itself is an experience.

The classic Day Climb is offered year-round and costs around $50 per person, while a spectacular sunrise ascent is available for $65. Regular tickets for the observation deck start at just $10.

From one paradise destination to another: On the Malaysian island of Langkawi, there's a spectacular bridge that offers you an incredible view over the Andaman Sea. With a cable car, you can reach a height of nearly 700 meters in just a few minutes. The view alone is worth the ride!

Incredible view over the Andaman Sea

But be careful: Since this is a 125-meter-long suspension bridge, it can be a bit wobbly at times. So, those with a fear of heights should not come here. However, you don't need to worry, as the bridge will be closed to visitors whenever the weather conditions become too dangerous. Tickets for the Langkawi Skybridge are available for just 6 Malaysian Ringgit, which is barely around $1.25 per person. You shouldn't think too long about that!

China broke its own record about four years ago and opened the longest skywalk in the world at Shiniuzhai Geopark in Hunan. The bridge connects two mountains with a length of 300 meters and allows visitors to look down 180 meters during the crossing. But that wouldn't have been enough - the catch here is the glass floor!

For the crossing of the world's longest glass-bottomed bridge, you'll definitely need a bit more courage - just the pictures can make one's knees weak. If that's still not enough, you can even dare to do a bungee jump. Would you take that challenge? Tickets for a visit including crossing the glass-bottom bridge start at around $43 per person.

Was that still not enough for you? Then I have an ace up my sleeve for the bravest among you. We're staying in China, but a bit further north in the Taihang Mountains. There, there's also a 266-meter-long skywalk that winds closely along the mountain at a height of 1,180 meters. Not impressed? Just wait!

Suddenly the glass begins to crack and break...

The Chinese television station China Global TV Network (CGTN) has thought up something very special: At a certain point on the East Taihang Glasswalk, the glass beneath you begins to crack and then break, which has pushed several people to the edge of a nervous breakdown. But don't worry, it's just a special effect; the bridge is regularly maintained and is not at risk of collapsing!

Video: CGTN

Was I able to convince you to try one of the most spectacular skywalks in the world? Or have you perhaps already visited one during your last trip? No matter where in the world you've experienced real adrenaline kicks - feel free to let me know in the comments!

Post Image: The Edge New York/Courtesy of Related-Oxford