15 of the Most Terrifying Tourist Destinations Across the Globe

Roller coasters and other amusement park rides are typically exciting and enjoyable, but the attractions featured in today's video are on a whole other level of danger and terror. These death-defying and downright insane rides are among the scariest tourist destinations in the world. Let's take a look at the top 15.

At number 15 is the Formula Rossa roller coaster at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, which is widely regarded as the most terrifying roller coaster in the world. This hydraulic launch coaster accelerates to a speed of 149.1 miles per hour in just 4.9 seconds and has a length of 1.4 miles, making it the sixth longest steel coaster in the world. It replicates the experience of driving a Formula One car, but traveling at such high speeds comes with its risks. Passengers are required to wear safety goggles to protect their eyes from air pressure and the ride can only operate in clear weather conditions due to the dangers of rain and dust particles at such high speeds.

At number 14, we have the Tianmen Shot cable car in China, which is one of the most terrifying and awe-inspiring cable car experiences in the world. Although cable cars have been used for decades to access remote mountainous areas, the sight of being suspended high in the air solely by a thin wire can still scare and thrill even the bravest of people. The cable car takes passengers from the city center to the Air Garden located on the summit, which stands at a height of 4,980 feet. This cable car is the longest in the world, spanning a distance of 4.6 miles and taking 28 minutes to complete the journey. It is also one of the steepest cable car inclines with angles exceeding 30 degrees at some points. The mountain scenery along the way is breathtaking with very little sign of human activity. However, the thought of what could happen if the machinery malfunctions is hard to ignore. The cable car is closed during high winds and bad weather conditions. In the event that the cable car stops, passengers may have to wait for an extended period before operations resume.

Number 13 on the list is "Insanity," a terrifying ride located in the Stratosphere, the northernmost resort on the Las Vegas strip. While Las Vegas is a popular tourist destination, some thrill-seekers may find the casinos and shows too tame. That's where the Stratosphere comes in, offering panoramic views of the city, as well as several terrifying rides that dangle visitors off the edge of the building. Insanity, a spinner ride, is the most stomach-churning of them all. Seated on a claw-like arm, riders are rotated over the side of the building, reaching a height of 900 feet above the ground. This ride is not for the faint of heart or anyone with a fear of heights. In the past, there have been mechanical failures that left riders stranded on the ride for over 90 minutes. Along with a roller coaster and vertical drop ride, the Stratosphere has become a go-to destination for extreme ride enthusiasts, and it's no wonder it's considered one of the scariest attractions in the world.

Number 12 The Kilimanjaro water slide at the Aguas Quentes Country Club in Rodovia, Brazil is named after the highest mountain in Tanzania. It is currently the tallest water slide globally, standing at almost 164 feet high. While it hasn't always held this record, its safety design has allowed it to remain in operation since 2002. The waterslide is a body slide, which means that riders do not use rafts, making it even scarier as they reach speeds of up to 62 miles per hour with a 60-degree incline. The slide can be seen from miles around and towers over the rest of the water park. It takes a lot of courage to ride this slide, as one in three people reportedly turn back upon reaching the top. Although there have been taller water slides in the past, safety concerns have limited their height, meaning that Kilimanjaro will likely remain the tallest water slide for many years to come.

Number 11 on the list is Volcano Boarding, a thrilling activity that combines the excitement of boarding with the danger of an active volcano. Volcano Boarding has its roots in sandboarding, which became popular in the 1970s and 80s. It can only be done in a few places around the world, with Cerro Negro in Nicaragua being the most popular destination. Riders climb the steep slopes with their plywood boards and then slide down either sitting or standing on the smooth volcanic sand. However, due to the activity being performed on an active volcano, extreme caution must be taken and safety gear is required to prevent injuries from flying molten lava and inhaling harmful particles and gases. Although the sport is not for everyone, there's nothing quite like the thrill of Volcano Boarding, and it would certainly be more popular if there were more active volcanoes where it could be done.

Number 10 Bungee jumping has been around for centuries, but the modern version that we know today began in the late 1970s by extreme sports enthusiasts from Oxford University. Commercial bungee jumping only began in 1986, but since then, people have found ways to bungee jump from various structures. However, the highest commercial bungee jump in the world is still the Blaukrans Bridge in South Africa. This jump has been in operation since 1997, and it stands 709 feet above the Blaukrans River, making it one of the most intense and frightening bungee jumps that only the bravest people should attempt

Number 9 on the list takes us to the island of Shikoku in Japan, where the town of Nagoro has become a strange tourist attraction due to a unique tradition. Many villages around the world have lost residents when job opportunities disappear, but Nagoro has become a "doll village" with hundreds of dolls scattered throughout the town. The tradition began when Tsukimi Ayano returned to Nagoro to care for her father and started making dolls to pass the time. She has made over 400 dolls, some representing former villagers and others completely made up, all positioned in life-like poses. The doll-making tradition has now expanded to include school children and other residents of the town.

Number 8 on the list is about the Iguazu Falls, which is located on the border between Argentina and Brazil. It is a geological wonder that has been created over time by the Iguazu River flowing over soft bedrock. The result is up to 300 waterfalls that change depending on the water flow. Tourists can walk along a trail close to the Devil's Throat area of the falls, which is a popular spot. However, for those who seek adventure, there's an option to take an inflatable jet boat tour, which gets them very close to the falls. Though the tours are famous for the breathtaking views, they come with inherent risks, such as getting soaked, capsizing, or even disappearing without a trace. Despite these risks, many tourists still consider it a must-try experience.

Number 7 Bran Castle, located in the central Romanian region of Transylvania, is a famous structure nestled in the mountains at an altitude of 2500 feet. Though it is primarily known as Dracula's Castle, it does not resemble the home of the vampire in Bram Stoker's stories, and it's doubtful that the author ever saw it. However, it has become inextricably linked with the stories of Dracula due to the countless tourists who visit the region each year. Originally constructed in the 12th century as a fort, Bran Castle was used to protect local residents and colonists from invaders. The castle has a dark and eerie design, which adds to its ominous and haunting vibe. It played a significant role in the brutal history of the region, serving as a refuge for enemies of Vlad the Impaler, on whom the character of Dracula was based during the 15th century. While it's unclear whether Vlad was imprisoned at Bran Castle, there are suggestions that it was the place to instill fear in his supporters. With its imposing Gothic architecture and creepy ambiance, Bran Castle is definitely one of the most frightening places to visit.

Number 6 on the list of top scary tourist destinations is the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. This tourist attraction is made of completely see-through glass and is suspended 980 feet above the valley floor. The 1410-foot-long bridge is the largest glass bridge in the world and is situated in the national forest park. The metal-framed bridge has 120 glass panels, each of which is three layers thick of two-inch tempered glass. Although it was designed to hold 800 people at a time and accommodate 8,000 visitors per day, the bridge was closed only two weeks after its grand opening due to safety concerns. Many more visitors than expected arrived, causing the bridge to reach its load capacity. To make the experience even more frightening, operators have added a harness swing for thrill-seekers and employees with sledgehammers who walk along the bridge and smash some of the glass of the top layer to create visible cracks beneath people's feet. Despite the safety concerns and added frightening features, the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge remains a popular tourist attraction in China.

Number 5 Steel Dragon 2000 is a roller coaster made of steel and located in Nagashima Spa Land in the Mie prefecture of Japan. It set several records when it opened at the beginning of the century and is currently the world's longest steel roller coaster, measuring 8,133 feet in length. The coaster's track has a maximum height of 318 feet, a drop of 307 feet, and trains can reach a top speed of 95 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest lift hill coasters on Earth. The ride includes two tunnels, and it is considered one of the most extreme coasters in the world. Its construction cost over 52 million dollars due to the need for extra steel to ensure its ability to withstand an earthquake, a significant risk in that area. However, there have been several accidents since its opening, including one where a train lost a wheel and detached from the track, making it a risky ride to take.

Number 4 The Cage of Death is a unique attraction in Darwin, Australia, where visitors are enclosed in a 1.5-inch thick acrylic box and lowered into a tank with a 20-foot long, 2,000-pound saltwater crocodile. Thrill-seekers are left inside for 15 minutes while the beast thrashes against the walls, attracted by a large piece of meat attached beneath the cage. The experience is not for the faint of heart, and the safety record is best avoided before taking part. Although every effort is made to ensure the cage is safe, there have been a few incidents that add to the danger, such as the 2011 cable breakage that caused the cage to fall into the tank.

Number 3 The CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, is the tallest observation tower in North America, and since it opened in 1976, millions of tourists have enjoyed the view from its safety. However, in 2011, a new attraction called the Edge Walk opened, offering visitors the chance to walk on the roof of the tower's main pod at a height of 1168 feet. Participants are attached to a harness and can walk around the perimeter of a five-foot-wide metal floor that challenges them to trust the equipment. The attraction is open only during calm weather, as the tower is often subjected to strong storms and covered in ice, making it too dangerous even with safety harnesses. The Edge Walk has become one of the most popular attractions in Toronto, offering a unique and thrilling experience for the adventurous.

Number 2 Hua Shan, one of the five great mountains of China, is located in the Shenshi province. It has been a religious site for a long time and features five peaks with a maximum height of 7,070 feet above sea level. The mountain has many temples and structures on its slopes that attract visitors. However, climbing the mountain can be a terrifying experience due to its dangerous hiking trail. The narrow pathways, steep cliffs, wooden planks without safety harnesses, and unpredictable weather patterns make it the most dangerous hike in the world. Despite the increased tourism to the area and reports of fatal accidents, authorities have worked to improve the hike's overall safety by cutting wider pathways, building stone staircases, and adding railings on the most dangerous parts. Nonetheless, one still takes their life into their own hands by beginning the ascent. If one desires to see what is at the top without taking a risk, they can travel up by cable car instead.

In 2019, Canada's Wonderland in Ontario opened the Yukon Striker, a 3,625-foot-long steel roller coaster that reaches a maximum height of 223 feet, a top speed of 81 miles per hour, and holds records for being the tallest, longest, and fastest dive coaster in the world. It also has the most inversions of any dive coaster, the longest drop, and is the only one to have a full vertical loop. The ride begins by climbing the 223-foot lift hill, and once at the top, the train hangs over the edge of a 90-degree drop for a few seconds before plummeting 245 feet into an underwater tunnel where it reaches its top speed. The cars then shoot out of the tunnel into the world's largest immelmann loop before hitting a 0g roll, a 360-degree vertical loop, and another immelmann loop. Following this is an airtime hill and a 360-degree helix section before slowly returning to the station. Although the ride lasts for just 205 seconds, it is packed with elements that leave little time to catch your breath. The Yukon Striker is considered one of the best steel coasters of any type and proves that there is still a long way to go in terms of roller coaster designs and the limits that can be pushed. One can only wonder what is coming next.