Some people enjoy breathtaking views from the comfort of a balcony or a hike through a scenic trail. But for the brave souls seeking something more daring, taking in a view can be an adrenaline-pumping experience. Whether it’s standing on the edge of a cliff, walking over a glass floor, or scaling the side of a skyscraper, there are plenty of spine-chilling ways to take in the view. If you’re looking for thrills, here are ten terrifying methods to get your heart racing while marveling at the world around you.
1. The Edge, New York City
Standing on the 100th floor of the Hudson Yards in New York, The Edge observation deck offers stunning panoramic views of the city. But what makes this particular spot terrifying isn’t just the height – it’s the glass floor. As you peer down from over 1,100 feet above the ground, you’ll be looking at the streets of Manhattan below you, and all that separates you from them is a transparent sheet of glass. For many, the experience of standing on such a high-rise, with a view straight down, is enough to make the knees weak.
2. Glass Bridge, Zhangjiajie, China
Located in the stunning Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, this glass bridge spans over 1,400 feet above the valley floor. The bridge is suspended at an astonishing height of 980 feet, offering views of the lush forests and dramatic cliffs beneath you. The terrifying part? The bridge is made entirely of glass, so you can see straight down to the forest floor while walking across. Visitors report feeling the sensation of floating, adding an extra element of fear to the exhilarating experience.
3. Skydiving Over Dubai
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to jump out of a plane, this terrifyingly thrilling way to take in the view might just be for you. Skydive Dubai offers a heart-pounding skydive over the iconic Palm Jumeirah, with jaw-dropping views of the city, desert, and ocean. The freefall experience lasts for about 60 seconds, reaching speeds of up to 120 miles per hour, followed by a slower parachute descent that allows you to take in the breathtaking views from a safe distance – if you can still focus after the adrenaline rush.
4. Death Road, Bolivia
The North Yungas Road, more infamously known as "Death Road," is one of the most dangerous roads in the world. It’s a narrow, winding path carved into the side of a mountain, with sheer cliffs dropping hundreds of meters to the valley below. Though it’s terrifying to drive on, many adrenaline junkies take part in downhill mountain biking tours on this perilous stretch of road. As you race down the slopes, you’re greeted with a view of the steep drop-offs on one side, and the dense jungle below on the other – all while trying to navigate the treacherous path.
5. The Skywalk, Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon’s Skywalk is a glass bridge that extends over the canyon’s edge, providing an incredible, heart-stopping view of the Colorado River 4,000 feet below. Suspended more than 70 feet from the canyon walls, the Skywalk offers a completely unobstructed view of the deep chasm, with the only thing between you and the bottom being a transparent sheet of glass. The idea of standing on the edge of one of the most famous geological formations in the world, looking down into the vastness below, can be terrifying yet awe-inspiring.
6. Mount Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Taking in the view from Mount Everest’s base camp is no small feat. The trek to the base camp takes you through rugged terrain, with extreme altitude and harsh conditions that make the journey a dangerous challenge. Once you reach the base camp, the view of the world’s highest peak towering above you is one of the most awe-inspiring sights imaginable. But for many, the danger lies not just in the harsh environment, but in the risk of altitude sickness and the unpredictable weather that can turn the experience from exhilarating to deadly in moments.
7. Everest View Hotel, Nepal
For a slightly less treacherous way to take in the view of Mount Everest, the Everest View Hotel offers a stunning vantage point. Located in the small village of Syangboche, the hotel sits at an altitude of 12,000 feet, providing sweeping views of the mountain range. The thin air and high altitude can still pose a risk to travelers, but the view of the towering peaks, including Mount Everest, makes the journey worthwhile. However, the remote location and difficult access only add to the intimidating nature of the experience.
8. The Cederberg, South Africa
The Cederberg mountain range in South Africa offers a chance to take in views that are both terrifying and breathtaking. Some hikes in this region lead you along cliff edges with little more than a narrow path between you and the steep drop-off. The rugged terrain and dramatic rock formations create a terrifyingly beautiful backdrop, but the exposure to heights can leave even seasoned hikers feeling uneasy. Whether you’re walking to the top of a peak or standing on a cliff’s edge, the views are spectacular but come with a sense of vertigo-inducing danger.
9. The Aiguille du Midi, France
Rising to 12,600 feet above sea level, the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix offers an incredible viewpoint of the Mont Blanc massif. This is one of the highest cable cars in the world, and while the ride up offers panoramic views of the Alps, it’s the final destination that’s the real thrill. The viewing platform at the top is open to the sky, giving you an unfiltered view of the jagged mountain peaks below. The combination of altitude, vertigo-inducing drops, and the frigid winds that whip around the summit make the experience terrifyingly exhilarating.
10. The Shard, London
Standing 1,016 feet above London, The Shard is the tallest building in the UK. Its observation deck offers spectacular views of the city, but the terror comes from the dizzying height and the city sprawled out below you. Whether you’re gazing at the River Thames or trying to spot the London Eye from above, the sheer scale of the city can be overwhelming. Add in the wind and occasional glass floors, and you’ve got a terrifyingly thrilling way to take in the view of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Conclusion
From glass bridges to skydiving adventures, the world is full of spine-tingling ways to take in some of the most beautiful views you can imagine. While some of these experiences may leave you shaking in your boots, others will provide a sense of exhilaration that you’ll never forget. So, if you’re seeking a way to appreciate nature, history, or urban vistas with a side of fear, these ten terrifying ways to take in the view will surely do the trick. Each one promises to push your limits, whether you’re conquering heights or embracing the thrill of the unknown.
Additional Experiences Related to Terrifying Views
If you’re still craving more terrifying experiences after trying these views, why not try taking in the sights of a volcano’s crater or exploring a haunted house with panoramic windows? For some people, even standing in a glass elevator on a mountain can be enough to make them feel as if they’re floating in space. If you’re a true thrill-seeker, the idea of taking in a view while experiencing extreme weather, such as a lightning storm or a fierce wind, could provide even more terror. The key to these experiences is the balance between awe and fear, and as long as you’re safe, you might just walk away with a new love for vertigo-inducing sights.