Strange Bridges Around the World. The Devil’s Bridge in Germany and the Rolling Bridge in England are among the most peculiar bridges in the world. These structures not only serve the purpose of transportation but are also artistic masterpieces.
Completed in 2005, the Rolling Bridge in the capital city of London, England, spans 12 meters and crosses the Grand Union Canal in the Paddington Basin area. True to its name, the bridge can curl up and roll to one side to allow the passage of boats and ships. Image: Reddit.
“Eight steel and wooden sections are joined together with hinges, allowing it to curl up until the two ends of the bridge meet, forming an octagonal shape,” said Koen Kas, a businessman from Belgium. He mentioned that every Friday noon, the bridge “performs” its rolling motion, attracting crowds of spectators. Image: Heatherwick Studio.
Located at an elevation of 200 meters and with a length of 20 meters, the Shaharah Bridge is situated in the district of the same name in Yemen. Some believe that the bridge was built in the 17th century by a local ruler. However, others share that this structure was constructed in 1905, during the reign of Imam Muhammad Yahya Hamid ed-Din. Image: Getty.
Achilleas Vortselas, a mechanical engineer, stated, “No modern bridge can compare to the elegance of traditional stone arch bridges. Stone arch bridges often represent the resilience of humanity, overcoming physical barriers with humble engineering means. The Shaharah Bridge in Yemen is an excellent example of that.” Image: Shutterstock.
Instead of using conventional materials, the root bridges in Cherrapunji village (India), known as one of the wettest places on Earth, are built by guiding the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica tree. Image: 123RF.
In this process, bamboo scaffolding is used to direct the growth of the tree’s roots in a specific direction. These bridges can stretch over 30 meters and are sturdy enough for 50 people to cross at the same time. Image: Getty.
The Langkawi Sky Bridge in Malaysia is a suspended pedestrian bridge that spans 125 meters in length, 1.8 meters in width, and sits at an altitude of 660 meters on Gunung Mat Chinchang in Pulau Langkawi island. During the construction of this bridge, materials had to be transported to the mountaintop by helicopter, and it took several years to complete the infrastructure. Image: Getty.
Architect Mayur Kanaiya Gave, the designer of Langkawi Sky Bridge, mentioned, “The bridge’s location allows visitors to experience a close connection with the surrounding forest and wildlife.” Image: Trover.
Located in the Azalea and Rhododendron Park Kromlau in Germany, Rakotzbrucke, also known as the Devil’s Bridge, resembles an ancient Roman-style artwork. Built with basalt stone since the 1860s, the arched bridge, together with its mirrored reflection on the lake, forms an almost perfect circle from any angle. Image: Depositphotos.
The park is open for free to the public to explore. The Devil’s Bridge is conveniently located a short distance from the parking area, allowing visitors easy access for sightseeing and exploration. Image: Shutterstock.
