This observation deck on Mount Krippenstein in the Austrian Alps goes by the name "5 Fingers". It reaches out like a giant hand over a 400-meter vertical drop, offering those who reach the tips a truly awesome view of the Dachstein Mountains. There’s even a picture frame on the end of the first finger for you to take the obligatory souvenir photo.
2. UN-certified panoramas
Just around the corner is the so called "World Heritage Skywalk", hovering 360 meters above the ground and boasting a unique panoramic view over Lake Hallstatt. The suspended platform was designed to resemble the front of a ship, and was named after the Hallstatt-Dachstein region’s UN Cultural Heritage Site status.
3. The highest suspension bridge in (or rather over) Europe
Over half of Switzerland is covered in mountains, so there`s no shortage of thrills for those with a head for heights. Standing 3,041 meters above sea level the "Titlis Cliff Walk" became a record breaker on its opening in 2012. Be warned however: it can get a little tight if you need to squeeze past someone along the 100 heart-pounding meters.
4. Between heaven and hell
Germany also has its fair share of Alpine skywalks. The "AlpspiX" is a steel construction extending over a 1-kilometer drop. Its two X-shaped arms both have glass ends to provide breathtaking vistas of the Höllental ("Hell Valley") below.
5. Three-course meal + first-class adrenaline rush
The message here for visitors is very much "DO look down!" Mirador de Abrante is a restaurant with its very own skywalk on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Island chain. The seven-meter-long promontory boasts exclusive views over the picturesque village of Agulo and the Atlantic Ocean behind it. Perhaps best not to eat beforehand!
6. Infinity platform above the fjords
The mountains and valleys of Norway have a plethora of breathtaking vistas. Hikers passing through Aurland might want to venture out onto this wooden ramp jutting 30 meters out over the treetops - boasting amazing views across the fjord 650 meters beneath them. The "Stegastein" walkway appears to run off at the end - but does have a frameless glass panel to stop you!
7. Helter skelter ride
The Czech winter sports resort of Dolní Morava reached new heights of innovation when it opened this skywalk in December 2015. You can take the spiral walkway up to the top and then plummet down a slide that’s almost 18 stories tall! Alternatively you can lie on a mesh net suspended over the whole structure, 55 meters above ground - a relaxing option for your body, even if not for your nerves!
8. The world’s biggest binoculars
Trauttmansdorff Castle grounds in Merano, Italy are home to this extraordinary construction. The specially design platform gives visitors majestic views both of the Mediterranean gardens below and the surrounding Tyrolean mountains. You can see through the stairs leading up to the lookout point - but only if you want to.
9. A dam good view
This viewing platform is attached to Austria’s highest dam: the Kölnbreinsperre. The 200-meter high wall is part of a series of hydroelectric power plants. The "airwalk" is reminiscent of a waterfall pouring over the edge into the valley.
10. A wobbly walk
Among the many tourist attractions of County Antrim in Northern Ireland is this super-slim rope bridge linking the island of Carrick-a-Rede to the mainland. It’s suspended 30 meters above the sea, and was first erected by salmon fishers in the 18th century.
11. A sky-high James Bond-style adventure
The Piz Gloria restaurant on Switzerland`s Schilthorn mountain starred in the 1969 movie On Her Majesty`s Secret Service - although the skywalk premiered in 2014. Right next to where 007`s enemy Blofeld had his HQ you can get your own real-life thrills, with world-conquering views of the Alps.
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