The Best Cliff-Edge Viewpoints in the World
A cliff-edge viewpoint requires three things: vertical drop sufficient to provoke vertigo, a stable platform to stand on, and safety arrangements (rails or a clear path back to safety). These ten range from fenced commercial lookouts to entirely unfenced wilderness ledges.
1. Trolltunga, Norway — 700 m
The horizontal rock ledge jutting 700 metres above Lake Ringedal in Hardanger. Reached by 28-km return hike (8-12 hours, 800 m gain). No fence; the ledge is wide enough for several people to stand.
2. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Norway — 604 m
A 25x25-metre flat cliff platform 604 metres above the Lysefjord. 8-km return hike, 4-5 hours. No fence; Norway's most-visited natural landmark and the canonical "edge" experience.
3. Kjeragbolten, Norway — 984 m
A boulder wedged in a cliff crevice 984 metres above the Lysefjord. Stepping onto the boulder for the photograph requires crossing a small gap; the void below is genuine. 12-km return hike with chain sections.
4. El Caminito del Rey, Spain — 100 m
The historic 1905 hydroelectric workers' path along vertical cliffs of the Gaitanes gorge. Reconstructed 2015 with safety harnesses; 3-km linear walk. The 100-metre vertical drops along the path are continuous.
5. Trift Bridge, Switzerland — 100 m
A 170-metre-long suspension footbridge across a 100-metre canyon in the Bernese Oberland. Reached by 4WD ramp plus 1-hour walk. The bridge sways noticeably; the canyon below is steep ice-carved rock.
6. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland — 214 m
The 8-kilometre cliffline on Ireland's west coast. The visitor centre section is fenced; the cliff-edge path beyond the fence (to Hag's Head) is unfenced and approached at hiker's risk.
7. Skywalk, Grand Canyon West — 1,200 m
A horseshoe-shaped glass-floored cantilevered platform extending 21 metres over the rim of the Grand Canyon West. Reservations required; no personal belongings on the walk. Operated by the Hualapai Tribe.
8. Bastei Bridge, Saxon Switzerland, Germany — 200 m
A 76-metre-long stone bridge across a sandstone ravine in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, with viewpoints out over the Elbe valley 200 metres below. Drive plus 30-minute walk; built 1851.
9. Diamond Head Crater, Hawaii — 230 m
The lookout at the edge of Diamond Head's volcanic crater rim, overlooking Waikiki and the Pacific. Trail to the lookout is paved. Less vertical drop than the others on this list but the cliff section is unfenced.
10. The Burren cliffs, Ireland — 300 m
The less-visited cliffs of the Burren coast north of Doolin. Multiple unfenced clifftop viewpoints over the Atlantic. Reached by walking the Burren Way trail.
Explore on the map
Cliff-edge viewpoints range from fully-developed commercial sites (Skywalk, Caminito del Rey, Bastei) to wilderness sites (Trolltunga, Kjeragbolten, Burren). Filter by fence/safety provision and by required hike effort on the interactive map.