These are The World’s Most Impressive Staircases

The staircase has always been in our minds, not only as a functional object, but also as something magical – just remember how many songs were dedicated to them!

Some of the most beautiful stairs of the world can be found both in ordinary homes or in some of the most remote places on earth. Here are some of the most exciting staircases from around the world you should step on.

1. Chand Baori Stepwell, Abhaneri, India

Visiting Rajasthan, India is like stepping back in time. Besides the stunning palaces and forts you also have landmarks like Chand Baori – the oldest stepwell in the area, having been constructed in the 8th-9th century. It is also classified as one of the biggest in the world.

3,500 perfectly lined steps

The majority of its surface area consists of steps, 3,500 perfectly lined steps disposed on three walls of the structure, while the forth contains a few pavilions built on top of one another. If you’re in love with taking photos, especially architecture, this is a must for you and your best friend – the photo camera. I know I’d spend at least 3 or 4 hours circling it searching for the best angles, light to take the best photos and make the most out of it.

2. Heaven’s Gate, Tianmen Mountain, China

999 Steps of the Tianmen Mountain

For obvious reasons, this natural hole in the Tianmen Mountain in China is called Heaven’s Gate. A steep staircase will lead you to this natural wander, but take note – being in a good shape is a must as you must climb the 4100 feet staricase, step by step. If you’re lucky enough or if you plan ahead, you might catch the best set for seeing the Heaven’s Gate – during blazing sunlight or even better, during fog, for a perfect mystical feeling.

There’s even a great present for you once you reach the top of the staircase. A glass pathway you can actually walk on, seeing the void right beneath your feet (not for the faint hearted!).

3. Tiger and Turtle, Germany

Moving into modern staircases and showcasing an art installation inspired by roller coasters in Germany. Situated on the Magic Mountain near Düsseldorf, Germany, its main purpose is to offer its visitors an unusual venue to view the picturesque German countryside around it.

4. Bueren Mountain, Belgium

Even though it sure looks like one, this is not a surrealist painting, both the buildings and the stairs are real. You can find this almost terrifying steep “sidewalk” in Liege, Belgium. It has no less than 374 steps and once you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with a great view of the city.

The structure was built in 1881 to allow soldiers who were stationed at the top of the hill to go down to the centre without having to walk the dangerous alleys.

I know that handrail might look tempting for some of you that are into extreme skateboarding, but please, don’t even think about it!

5. Spiral Staircase in Taihang Mountains, China

300 feet heigh (100 meters)

Back in China for another breathtaking structure. While this hike doesn’t require any special gear to get up on the mountain, you surely need some strong legs, healthy heart and lots of will as it spirals up the mountain for 300 feet (Almost 100 meters). Being one of a kind staircase, you will be asked to fill out a form confirming you do not have heart or lung problems before being allowed on it. Also, make sure you’re visiting/climbing it before you reach 60 years old.

6. Awaji Yumebutai 100 Terraced Garden Squares, Japan

Beside the big number of stairs involved in these gardens, this one is here to set an example. The area where these 100 Garden Squares stand was a mountain that was removed and used as seafill for a new artificial island airport. Instead of leaving the hill half-removed the administration and designer Tadao Ando created an idyllic garden that perfectly blends modern facilities with green landscape.

7. Moses Bridge Stairs, Netherlands

Being situated in the Roovere Fort, the Moses Bridge was built to allow access to the fort through its own ditch. This revolutionary “bridge” needed two dams ensuring that when the water lever rises it won’t spill into the bridge. If you ever want to feel like the biblical Moses, splitting the water in two, this is your chance.

8. Kanarra Creek Canyon, Utah, USA

Easily but smallest staircase of all featured in this list, but certainly as impressive as the other ones.

The Kanarra Creek Canyon is located in the north part of Zion National Park in Utah, USA and offers some spectacular trails. On one of these trails, you’ll have to climb on this rustic staircase which is not exactly the definition of safe, but surely will be one of those hikes you won’t ever forget.

9. Pailon del Diablo, Ecuador

Pailon del Diablo (The Devil’s Bucket) is a huge cascade on river Pastaza in Ecuador, around 30 minutes away from the city Banos. You might get a little wet while climbing this canyon staircase, but that’s a small price to pay for such a cool place!

10. To Sua Ocean Trench, Samoa

One of the hottest tourist attractions in the Samoa Islands, To Sua is a huge hole filled with turquoise blue water. Judging by its looks this is probably the best swimming hole on earth, To Sua literally meaning gigantic swimming hole.

This ended up on our awesome staircases list due to its wooden stair, not a spectacular built if you ask me, but just think about all the feelings you’d have while climbing down towards that awesome natural swimming pool.