Thrill-seekers from all over the world descend on Andorra every winter and every summer, keen to enjoy all types of Andorra experiences. While skiing in Andorra is the most popular activity in the principality and the first one that comes to mind for most people, there is a lot more to do beyond that. From mountaineering to swimming to cycling to hikes, Andorra is a land full of adventure.
Perhaps the ultimate Andorran adventure of all is the Canillo Tibetan Bridge. What is a Canillo Tibetan Bridge, you might ask? Well, this is the Tibet-style footbridge located in the Canillo region of Andorra, which is famous around the world and which isn't for the faint of heart. Measuring in at over 600 metres in length and raised over 150 metres above the ground, the Andorra Tibetan Bridge – called the Pont Tibetà by the locals – is one of the most impressive of its kind.
What is a Tibetan Bridge?
So, what exactly is a Tibetan Bridge? Well, Tibetan Bridges are suspension bridges, usually located in mountainous areas as a practical way of crossing a valley or river. While they are often presented as tourist attractions nowadays, the origin of the Tibetan Bridge was a practical one. They get their name because the style originated in Tibet, where large string bridges are believed to have been in use since ancient times. It is said that the original Tibetan Bridge structure featured three ropes, two either side to support the walker and one at the bottom to walk on.
In modern times, many Tibetan Bridges, such as the Tibetan Bridge Andorra has to offer, are referred to as “Tibet-style”, since they have been adapted for the 21st century and contain additional supports. Still, the aesthetic remains the same and the views are just as spectacular.
Tibetan Bridge in Canillo
When it comes to the Andorra Tibetan Bridge, it is located in the Vall del Riu in Canillo. This is one of the most beautiful parishes in the microstate, so a walk along the Canillo Tibetan Bridge offers spectacular views, as does the Roc del Quer Viewpoint.
It’s interesting to note that the Andorra Tibetan Bridge is actually quite new, as it was only inaugurated in June of 2022, following a year and a half of construction. It is a symbol of the way in which Andorra is a microstate which is constantly innovating, always looking out for new adventure opportunities to offer the millions of tourists who visit each year.
How do you get to the Tibetan Bridge in Andorra?
If you want to visit the Andorra Tibetan Bridge, you should check out the official website of the Canillo Tibetan Bridge or the Tourist Office of Canillo and purchase a ticket there. It is important to note you can only reach the Canillo Tibetan Bridge by bus from Canillo village or from the car park of the Roc del Quer Viewpoint. If going by bus, you’ll enjoy a walk from the bus stop which is almost a kilometre long, before you arrive at this marvel of engineering.
How long is the Tibetan Bridge in Andorra?
It’s time for some Tibetan Bridge Andorra facts! The Canillo Tibetan Bridge is exactly 603 metres long and it has a width of one metre. The Tibetan Bridge Andorra height is 158 metres above the ground at its maximum, while the altitude reaches 1,875 metres. It is, therefore, very impressive and words can’t do it justice. This is a work of art that you simply must see with your own eyes.
What is the longest Tibetan Bridge in the world?
The Andorra Tibetan Bridge is one of the longest in the world, but it isn’t the very longest. Although there is some discussion as to what exactly qualifies a bridge to be Tibet-style, there is no debate about the fact that the longest span footbridge in the world is the Sky Bridge 721 in the Czech Republic, which, as the name suggests, has a length of 721 metres.
According to HighestBridges.Com, the Canillo Tibetan Bridge ranks fourth in terms of the longest footbridge spans on the planet. The complete top 10 for the world’s longest footbridge spans is as follows:
- Sky Bridge 721, Czech Republic - 721 metres
- Skywalk Willingen, Germany - 665 metres
- Yundingfeidu Glass Footbridge, China - 615 metres
- Canillo Tibetan Bridge, Andorra - 603 metres
- Haizhaigou UFO Glass Footbridge, China - 600 metres
- Castelsaraceno Footbridge, Italy - 580 metres
- Gandaki Golden/Baglung Parbat, Nepal - 567 metres
- 516 Arouca, Portugal - 516 metres
- Wanjiazhai Dam, China - 500 metres
- Charles Kunonen, Switzerland - 494 metres
Even if it’s not number one, it’s clear to see that the Andorra Tibetan Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world in terms of length and it makes the podium for bridges of this type in Europe.
Furthermore, the views offered while walking across the bridge in Canillo are unparalleled, as you can look out across the enchanting Pyrenean Mountain Range. It goes without saying that this isn’t an activity for anyone who is afraid of heights, but if you do love the adrenaline rush of this kind of experience then walking across the Canillo Tibetan Bridge has to be on your to-do list when visiting Andorra.