What does it feel like from the perspective of a bungee jumper? Some people call them crazy, but those who have felt the rush know that the moments of fear are well worth the reward. From China to New Zealand, these are the 9 Scariest Bungee Jumps In The World.
Europabrücke Bridge, Austria -192 meter (630 ft)
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The massive Europabrücke, or “Europe’s Bridge,” is a major bungee destination for the particularly adventurous. The bridge runs 2,155 feet across the valley and provides jumpers with a drop of 192 meter (630 ft). Perched along the side, it’s impossible not to feel small—and very nervous. Source: msn
Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa – 218 meter (718 ft)
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The view from Africa’s highest bridge captures all the majesty and tranquility of the Bloukrans River valley. But there is nothing tranquil about throwing yourself 218 meter (718 ft) down towards the river below. Recognized as the ‘highest bungee from a bridge’ in the world, Bloukrans Bungee uses pendulum bungee technology to ensure the smoothest, most comfortable bungee jump possible. Jumpers are secured in a full-body harness combined with an ankle connection. Source: faceadrenalin
Verzasca Dam, Switzerland – 220 meter (721 ft)
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According the global surveys it is the best stunt in film history: Bond’s jump from the 220 meter (721 ft) high Verzasca dam in the movie “GoldenEye”. And the ultimate adrenaline rush at Lago di Vogorno is also called 007 jump or GoldenEye Bungee Jump. The Contra Dam can be reached from Gordola via a 2 km (1.3 mile) long section of road. The jumping station is in the middle of the dam wall. It is the world’s highest stationary bungee station. A reservation is absolutely essential for those planning to take the 007 Jump or GoldenEye Bungee Jump. Source: myswitzerland
The Last Resort, Nepal – 160 meter (500 ft)
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After 3-hour ride from Kathmandu, The Last Resort is located on top of a gorge close to the Tibetan border. Luxurious safari tents are set in lush gardens for a peaceful stay in an exotic setting. The Bungee bridge happens to be the only privately owned bridge in Nepal. It has been specially designed for bungee jumping with a 4x-safety factor and has a loading factor of 41,500 kg or 4.5 tons according to Swiss measurements. Not sure where to start? Find more info at the front desks of the best hotels in Kathmandu. Source: friendshipnepal
Niouc Bridge, Switzerland – 190 meter (623 ft)
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Niouc Bridge is Europe’s highest bungee jump of a suspension bridge and one of the most beautiful jumps in the world. You are in middle of gorgeous mother nature. A Fairy tale, 190 meters deep canyon underneath, the famous ski town Crans-Montana in the north and the backside of Switzerland’s most famous Matterhorn in front of you.
Taupo Bungee, New Zealand – 47 meter (154 ft)
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New Zealand’s Highest Water Touch Bungee Jump is located 47 meters (154 ft) above the Waikato River. Taupo Bungee features plunges that end in a splash. Based on your preference, the operators at Taupo can dunk just your hands or they can submerge your whole body.
Macau Tower, China – 233 meter (764 ft)
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This is the worlds highest bungee jump. Plunging from a platform 233 meter (764 ft) high from the 61st story of the tower, challengers will experience a 4-5 second freefall before stretching the 50 meter (164 ft) bungee cord nearly four times its unloaded length and rebounding at approximately 30 meters (98 ft) above the ground.
Nevis Highwire, New Zealand – 134 meter (439 ft)
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Set an epic 134 meter (439 ft) above the stark beauty of the Nevis River, the highest Bungee in New Zealand is a once in a lifetime experience.
Victoria Falls Bridge, Zambia/Zimbabwe – 111 meter (364 ft)
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The Victoria Falls Bridge in itself is impressive and offers the most spectacular backdrop as you get rigged up. The backdrop of the Victoria Falls and the fact that you are free falling down towards the Mighty Zambezi makes it a unique experience with a massive adrenaline rush.
Just So You Know…
- The first thing resembling a Bungee jump was carried out by hardy young men from Pentecost Island in the Vanuatu archipelago. They would throw themselves off wooden platforms with their legs attached to vines to prove their manhood.
- Bungee cords are rubber inside and either nylon or cotton on the outside. Several cords are bundled together to make the line very strong.
- The risks of having an accident while bungee jumping: 1 to 500,000. There is a higher likelihood of death when you drive at speeds of more than 161 kph (100 mph) than there is in bungee jumping.
- “Bungy” or “Bungee”? There are two spellings utilized for the extreme activity sport. The word “Bungee” was how it was originally called when the Englishmen of Oxford started the sport. The term also pertained to the use of shock cords. This was a manifold of rubber cased cords, which are popular in North America. However, the sport was made more popular in New Zealand and they spelt it “Bungy”. In this country they used all rubber cords that have no elongation limitation.