topic Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views in Travel

15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

World Traveler — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 18:41:45 GMT

My mother (now 99 years old!) always said when I was little that I did not know what the word "fear" meant. She still says that. I would do anything, anywhere, anytime.

I've been charged by a Silverback gorilla in Rwanda, skydived from a plane that was 10,000 feet high, walked alongside lions in Africa, touched the side of an elephant as he walked next to me in Kenya, had a python placed around my neck and held the weight of it on my shoulders in both Thailand and Vietnam, dug up tarantulas in the middle of the night and held them in the Amazon, ridden the Devil's Nose Train in Ecuador on mountain terrain so steep and narrow that we had to zig-zag (switchbacks) our way down the hill (no room to stop and get off!), and the list goes on.

Many of you have done similar things, and even more!

But I have to be truthful……these photos below totally freak me out! I would not want to walk on any of these clear platforms. I would love to know if any of you have been to these places and what it felt like to be suspended without land below you, at least not close!

Here is the story as it appeared online on January 18, 2018, written by Beatrice Bernard-Poulin for Expresso, with most of the photos from Shutterstock:

Are you afraid of heights? We hope not, because these 15 glass platforms offer spectacular panoramic views. Whether you’d rather gaze out at the city or the mountains, at nightscapes or sunlit scenery, you won’t regret taking that brave step when you see what’s under your feet!

Shanghai World Financial Center Observatory, China

The Shanghai World Financial Center is currently the seventh-highest building in the world. The 100th-floor observation deck is 1,555 feet above ground and has three transparent glass-floor walkways that show Shanghai from a whole new perspective.

Dachstein Stairway to Nothingness, Austria

Would you take a staircase to nowhere? The Dachstein Stairway to Nothingness is a glass staircase suspended 1,300 feet in the air. Fourteen steps lead down to a viewing platform with a breathtaking view of the Austrian Alps. The Dachstein glacier is located south of Salzburg.

Skyslide at Skypace LA, California

More than just a platform, OUE Skyspace LA in California has a glass slide attached to the building’s façade. The slide, which opened in 2016, takes visitors from the 70th floor to the 69th, 997 feet above the city. If you don’t have time to admire the view on your way down, you can also visit the observatory.

Grand Canyon Skywalk, United States

Ninety tons of glass were imported from Germany to build the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The first person to set foot on the platform was the famed astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Today, visitors can walk its length while admiring the views both around them and beneath their feet.

Oriental Pearl Tower Observatory, Shanghai, China

At the Oriental Pearl Tower, a radio and TV tower in Shanghai, the public can visit two observation decks at heights of 863 and 1,1148 feet and dine in a revolving restaurant perched 876 feet above ground. There is a glass floor at the highest observation deck.

Kinzua Sky Walk, Pennsylvania

Built in 1882, Pennsylvania’s Kinzua Viaduct partially collapsed during a tornado in 2003. The bridge has since been reinvented as a pedestrian walkway, with stunning views of the Kinzua Gorge. Thrill-seeking visitors can peer down through the glass floor. Admission is free, so what are you waiting for?

Aiguille du Midi Skywalk, France

On the uppermost terrace of the Aiguille du Midi in the French Alps, you’ll find Step Into the Void, a glass room with a glass floor hovering over a 3,281-foot drop. Not for the faint of heart!

CN Tower, Toronto, Canada

The CN Tower offers an exceptional 360-degree panoramic view of Toronto and a glass floor that looks down at the ground, 1,122 feet below. Adrenaline junkies can also try the EdgeWalk, an outdoor walk around the rim of the roof.

The Ledge at Willis Tower, Chicago

Chicago’s famous Willis Tower invites visitors to experience The Ledge, a balcony made of floor-to-ceiling glass. On a clear day, you can see as far as 50 miles—a view that spans four states! The Ledge is on the 103rd floor at a height of 1,352 feet, and it’s a popular spot for marriage proposals.

Cliffwalk at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, British Columbia, Canada

Cliffwalk is a series of walkways that look out over the Capilano River in British Columbia. Their highest point measures 295 feet above the river. Those brave enough can venture onto two glass platforms that offer views of the canyon below.

Blackpool Tower Eye, England

The observation deck of Blackpool Tower overlooks the Irish Sea and has a glass floor through which you can see the cars on the road below. You can reserve the space for special events and even spend the night!

Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne, Australia

The Eureka Skydeck boasts the highest view in the Southern Hemisphere. For an unbeatable view of Melbourne, a city that’s constantly evolving, step onto the glass floor and marvel at how it feels to be more than 984 feet above street level.

Sky Box at Menara KL Tower, Malaysia

The Menara KL Tower in Kuala Lumpur houses the highest restaurant in Malaysia, at 925 feet, and offers several other attractions. If you’re feeling adventurous, head for the Sky Box, an aptly-named glass box with unparalleled views of the city from a height of 984 feet.

Glass Bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, China

The glass-bottomed bridge over the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is 1,411 feet long. A few days after opening in 2016, the bridge had to close due to an overwhelming number of visitors. It has since reopened.

5fingers Viewing Platform, Austria

As the name suggest, the 5fingers viewing platform has five platforms, and each has a different design. One of the platforms has a glass floor, allowing visitors to see the magnificent Austrian Alps under their feet.

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

Annabellethecat66 — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 18:52:04 GMT

I have actually kinda danced at the glass thing at CN Tower in Toronto Canada. I started in on my version of the dance known as 'the twist' and everyone around me went bonkers and jumped off, so I stopped!

I've been on many landmarks that were very, very high. I don't care for heights, but I'll try anything (except edible things) once. My late husband was always telling me I was insane for some of these things, but 'you only live (and die) once....right? Ha!

Besides my loved one's would become very, very rich by suing whomever was responsible! Ha!

Incidentally, I'd love to read some of your exciting adventures. I have no interest in doing them (only because I am reading between the lines and it tells me that there were times in order to experience these things you'd be physically uncomfortable (i.e. hot, cold, wet, etc). That part doesn't interest me.

If I were able to be plopped down to the experience and feel it, then carried back to being comfortable, I'm all in. I don't like hiking with nature or any of those experiences. Didn't even enjoy it when I was in tip top shape and young.

One reason was because my late husband was just the total opposite. HE enjoyed the journey to getting to the place, people, animals, etc. He didn't like the experience of whatever the IT was. I was just the opposite. I'd be (nice word would be 'complaining') the entire trip but once I got to the part where I'd see "IT", feel "IT", Touch "IT" whatever, I was happy! He was happy just to sit (or stand back) and and watch me experience the IT. Ha! I hope you aren't dizzy trying to follow this paragraph!

Some would say I was too dumb to understand the danger. I'd tell you that if you aren't afraid of dying it frees you to experience all of life. That doesn't mean do dumb things but it does mean new experiences which are supposed to be safe.

To the Original Poster @World Traveler : I think you'd do great with all of these. Come on! Give yourself the credit you deserve. You have a zest for life most people admire, if they don't THEY are the dumb ones!

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

shaggygirl — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 19:27:47 GMT

A very long time ago my husband and I had a hotel room on a high floor with floor to ceiling windows. That was so many years ago I can't remember for sure but it might have been in Vegas. The only way I could get near the window was on hands & knees and then lay on my stomach to look down. So NO WAY.

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

World Traveler — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 20:41:02 GMT

@shaggygirl wrote:
A very long time ago my husband and I had a hotel room on a high floor with floor to ceiling windows. That was so many years ago I can't remember for sure but it might have been in Vegas. The only way I could get near the window was on hands & knees and then lay on my stomach to look down. So NO WAY.

@shaggygirl LOL!!!! That made me laugh so hard just picturing it. And then it dawned on me, that is the only way I could have handled it too!

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

Desertdi — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 22:55:59 GMT

I shouldn't have looked at the pictures.........I know I am going to have nightmares

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

VaBelle35 — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 22:58:40 GMT

I was at the Grand Canyon when the glass walkway was about 3/4 built and there is no way in heck you will see me anywhere near that thing. LOL

At one point they made people take their shoes off so it wouldn't scratch or something. I don't know if they've changed that.

On that side of the Canyon there are no guard rails, so going just to the top of the rock to look down at the Colorado River was a little scary.

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

Alter Ego — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 23:34:55 GMT

Maybe it’s because it happened here that I remember this...

Have no fear - it was apparently just the protective coating that cracked and nobody was in any danger.

Of course, the tourists sitting on it didn’t know that at the time.

Another memorable bridge (although not on World Travelers list above - wonder if too new or if they closed it?)

You may may have seen the viral YouTube video about this one? Not for the faint of heart - although may not be so bad if you know it’s coming...

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

itsmagic — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 11:49:53 GMT

Just looking at the pictures gives my legs that funny feeling! 😃

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

Yahooey — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 14:18:16 GMT

I went to the Cliffwalk at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park located in Vancouver last Oct. The picture posted is deceiving. I didn't even remember the glass. The views are spectacular and I guess there were some some platforms of glass. After walking around the cliff to get to the glass - no biggie lol. If any of you have a chance to go - it was a wonderful experience. The park is beautiful.

But first you have to walk over the suspension bridge. People jumped and the bridge swayed just from the weight. I had to keep a hand om the edge to keep my balance (guess my core needs work). The history was remarkable as an engineer built the bridge in 1888. He bought 6,000 acres and built a cabin on the edge of the canyon wall. The suspended footbridge was made of hemp rope and cedar planks. Horses swam across the river with ropes. Ropes were then anchored to huge burried ccedar logs. Those were brave souls.

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

Yahooey — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 14:43:23 GMT

@World Traveler

I would be too afraid to do most of the things listed on your travels - mostlly visiting the countries you visited. Here are some of my brave acts lol.

I have had pigeons land on me deliberately when I was in Venice. I remembered yelling at my friend - did you take the photo yet? One was on my head and the other on my arm as I felt swoozing of multiple wings. Yiuck! I went back years later and told my traveling companion of the pigeons - they were no longer there. Chased away bc of the damage of the poo to the architecture. The govt bans feeding of pigeons in 2008 and I believe they used hawks or sonar to scare them off.

I had some kind of yellow colored snake draped around my shoulder - it was a pet at a broadwalk in Florida. I just remember it felt heavy.

I too was charged by wild beasts. I was chased by geese holding a bag of bread over my head running for my life on the grounds at the timeshare I was staying while trying to avoid the poo stacks. I was feeding the ducks and the geese came. It was my first time meeting geese up close. Never made that mistake again. Swans aren't too friendly either. I was hit by a wing - it was hard. I thought it would be soft - duh me.

I don't think I can skydive and the closest would be parasailing and fast roller coaster with hands up. That was years ago.

My frighening exerience in water? I swim laps at the YMCA as exercise. I once swam behind a very large man wearing a small speedo. That was scary. I changed lanes.

I ride the subways with the natural inhabitants of the concrete jungle.

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

World Traveler — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 20:53:27 GMT

@Yahooey Your post is hilarious! Love it!

I remember the pigeons in Venice and one of my favorite photos is a whole bunch of them on my body because of all the food I had in my hand. Great shot my dad got of them hovering over me. Sorry to hear about them no longer being there, but certainly understand.

"Some kind of yellow colored snake....." are you sure it wasn't an anaconda? We saw those in the Amazon and I guess they could be in Florida. Very long, thin, and very bright yellow. Beautiful! They were hanging out of a tree while we were canoeing underneath them.

Now your experience with geese is truly adventurous......seriously! They can be very aggressive. My grandmother raised all sorts of things on her ranch, and she always told me to stay away from the geese, and I did!

I would love to try parasailing; always looks so graceful.

But your line about the subway with the natural inhabitants of the concrete jungle was the best! Amen to that!!!!

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

Yahooey — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 21:58:38 GMT

@World Traveler

I don't know what kind of snake it was but it is similiar to what Britney used in her video. The broadwalk had people with snakes, parrots and a few other critters, I think they were selling polaroid for $1.00 if you pose with it. I didn't buy the photo but felt the weight. He was just draping it over anybody that was willing. He held onto the head. It was very quick.

The geese chase is funny now but they are very fast and with each honk - more came chasing me. They didn't wait for me to feed them even though I was feeding the ducks. They are agressive and wanted to grab the bag of bread from me.

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

World Traveler — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 04:19:53 GMT

@Yahooey WOW! That is huge. Much, much thicker than the anaconda we saw in the Amazon. They were quite long, but thin.

However, this photo of the snake it is as big as the python I held in Thailand and Vietnam, but they weren't this colorful. They were brown and gray. Unless Britney had this one painted! ha! And my belly button wasn't showing like Britney's is. LOL!!!

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

CANDLEQUEEN — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 16:54:36 GMT

I googled not too long ago, World's scariest Stairs, and world's scariest bridges. I was so dizzy after looking at those photos. It was really interesting though, but I am very afraid of heights, so would not go on any of the ones shown....Very fun to look at though!!!!!

Re: 15 Terrifying Glass Platforms with Awesome Views

GCR18 — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 03:50:05 GMT

No can do. The pictures made me dizzy too. When I went to the empire state building, I was spooked going up the elevator. When it was time to go down, I begged the guy to let me take the stairs. Of course, he said no. Until that fear leaves my mind, I won't do that again. 😬