If you love the thought of dangling upside down from a formidable height with nothing but an elastic twine to prevent you from sure death, then bungee jumping is definitely the sport for you! The rules of this game are simple. Travel up to a certain specific height, tie an elastic cord around your body or legs, and jump off a platform, praying for life that the cord holds! And if you are looking for one of those really cool places where you can try out your new sporting addiction, we bring to you the best places in the whole world for bungee jumping. Happy Jumping!
1. The Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, USA
Located at an unbelievable height of 321 meters, the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge is located over the Arkansas River and is a hotspot with adrenaline junkies from around the world. Considered to be one of the tallest bungee jumping spots on Earth, the bridge would leave you captivated by the surrounding views and nearly brain dead by the time you finish your jump.
The bridge covers the Royal Gorge Route Railway as well and visitors can opt to take a death-defying walk across the river on nothing but a wooden plank-way. Visitors can also participate in other adventure activities at the bridge on a regular basis, including the ‘Go Fast! Games’ that are held every September.
2. The Macau Tower, China
Stretching for a total of 338 meters above sea level, the Macau Tower in China holds the prestigious honor of being the building from which Alan John aka A.J. Hackett, the New Zealand entrepreneur leapt off to establish the Guinness world record for ‘the highest commercial bungee jump’ back in 2007.
The tower houses an observation deck at the top for individuals to relax and unwind before taking the plunge into oblivion. Face it! Jumping from such a height can actually make you feel as if you are flying instead of falling. So if you are ready to break A.J.’s record, head over to the Macau Tower ASAP!
3. The Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa
Located at a height of 216 meters, the Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa enjoys thousands of avid jumpers every year, thanks to its unique pendulum bungee technology that is a hit with newbies. The technology allows your recoil to be smooth and unnerving when compared to other standard methods which would simply yank you back as soon as you reach the end of the line.
The bridge itself is a wonder and boasts of being the highest bridge with a single span arch. If you are new here, trust the jump experts to help you! They would explain everythingdown to the last detail and prepare you mentally for the jump, letting you go only when you give the go-ahead.
4. The Verzasca Dam, Switzerland
Want to plunge more than 200 meters in pitch darkness? Then head over to the Verzasca Dam in Ticino, Switzerland which allows you to do just that. Once featured in the James Bond Movie ‘Goldeneye’, the dam enjoys a steady stream of visitors throughout the year.
Located at a height of 220 meters, the Verzasca Dam lets the more adventurous souls take the plunge at night, with nothing but floodlights or the bright moonlight to guide them. Definitely not for the faint hearted!
5. The Europabrucke Bridge, Austria
Located in Innsbruck, Austria, the Europabrucke Bridge is a vital interlink bridge between the countries of Austria and Italy and is situated at a staggering height of 192 meters. Bungee jumping enthusiasts can jump off the bridge into the seemingly never ending Alpine abyss below, taking the best possible pictures that they can while upside down. And if that’s not enough, they can opt for hot air balloon rides above the bridge and attempt to jump from the balloons as well. Would you be able to do it and still hold your lunch? Not possible, we say!
6. The Nicou, Switzerland
Located at a height of 190 meters, the suspended NicouBridgeis considered to be the highest bungee jumping location in the entire European continent. The suspension bridge from which you jump is knife edged, meaning you will toss, turn and swing in all directions as your hurtle down at breakneck speeds. And don’t forget, you will be upside down all this while. And you thought Switzerland was all about the Swiss Alps, watches and Toblerone chocolates!
7. The Altopiano di Asiago, Italy
Located in Vicenza, Italy, the Altopiano di Asiago towers at a height of 175 meters above sea level and gives you a very unique opportunity to test the strength of your relationship with your loved one. For this crane in Italy is one of those places where you can bungee jump with your better half.
The crane operates what is called the ‘tandem bungee’ which allows couples to bungee jump together. So if there is this really interesting person who claims that he/she can do wonders for you, just ask him/her to join you for a jump and see if he/she is game for it and can prove his/her love for you.