Living
10 Truly Spectacular Observation Platforms
Observation Decks IntroDiscover how the best viewing platforms don’t just frame a view, they’re landmarks in their own right
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10 Truly Spectacular Observation Platforms.
Capilano Suspension Bridge, British Columbia, CanadaCapilano Suspension Bridge, British Columbia, Canada: Originally built in 1889, this suspension bridge crossing the Capilano River north of Vancouver was rebuilt in 1959. If the thrill of walking the 140m long bridge isn’t enough, further local additions include Treetops Adventures, taking visitors through the forest canopy, and the Capilano Cliffwalk. JLT
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10 Truly Spectacular Observation Platforms.
AlpspiX, Höllental Valley, GermanyAlpspiX, Höllental Valley, Germany: Two steel beams converge to form what seems to be a floating ‘X’ above a drop of 1,000m – a design as audacious as the view is spectacular. The 25m long bridge is glazed at the end to avoid obscuring the view of the surrounding landscape. JLT
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10 Truly Spectacular Observation Platforms.
Langkawi Skybridge, Pulau Langkawi, MalaysiaLangkawi Skybridge, Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia: The bridge winds its way for some 125m between the peaks of Pulau Langkawi island like a giant silver ribbon carelessly discarded. Less than 2m wide and suspended 100m above the valley below, it has just been reopened after 3 years of maintenance work. JLT
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10 Truly Spectacular Observation Platforms.
Five Fingers, Dachstein, AustriaFive Fingers, Dachstein, Austria: The Alps are blessed with a number of spectacular observation platforms, but the ‘Five Fingers’, as they are affectionately known, rank among the best. A tip (or warning for some): the second ‘finger’ has a glass floor allowing visitors to look straight down below – all 400m down! JLT
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10 Truly Spectacular Observation Platforms.
Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona, USAGrand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona, USA: Opened in 2007 and built in a horseshoe shape cantilevered over the edge of a cliff on the west side of the Colorado River, this is the definitive way to view the Grand Canyon. That is if you’re happy walking over a transparent walkway some 240m above the valley below… JLT
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10 Truly Spectacular Observation Platforms.
Iguazú Falls, Brazil/ArgentinaIguazú Falls, Brazil/Argentina: The Iguazú Falls, appropriately meaning ‘Big Water’ in the local Guarani language, actually comprise a series of connected waterfalls and mark the border between Argentina and Brazil. A chain of walkways affords tourists on both countries’ sides the chance to experience the Falls close-up. JLT
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10 Truly Spectacular Observation Platforms.
Aurland Lookout, NorwayAurland Lookout, Norway: The minimalist design was the winning entry by Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen in an architectural competition. The form itself is very expressive, reaching out towards the valley below, while the glass wall at the end of the platform takes the structure (and the visitors) into the landscape itself. JLT
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10 Truly Spectacular Observation Platforms.
Top of Tyrol, Stubai Glacier, AustriaTop of Tyrol, Stubai Glacier, Austria: For a structure comprising 20 tons of steel, the most impressive feature of the Top of Tyrol viewing platform is its apparent lightness. It gracefully juts out some 9m to offer spectacular views from the Stubai Alps to the Dolomites, while cunningly anchored to the ridge beneath it. JLT
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10 Truly Spectacular Observation Platforms.
Waimea Canyon, Kauai, HawaiiWaimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii: Take the hair-raising drive up Highway 550 to get awe-inspiring views of this geological wonder. Initially formed by the collapse of the volcano that created Kauai island, Waimea Canyon was then contoured by excessive rainfall flowing down from Mount Wai’ale’ale – one of the world’s rainiest places. On a sunny day, visitors can see for miles across this vibrant red canyon 1,000m deep. JK
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10 Truly Spectacular Observation Platforms.
Tianmen Mountain Walkway, Hunan Province, ChinaTianmen Mountain Walkway, Hunan Province, China: Acrophobes will want to sit this one out. A 60m-long glass-bottomed path clings to a mountainside 1,500m above the ground, reached by taking the world’s longest cable car ride (30 minutes) and walking 1.6km along a similarly hanging path – a mere 1,400m high. JK
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10 Truly Spectacular Observation Platforms.
Observation Deck Poll11/11
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