Skywalk suspension Bridge Willingen

A new German record is being set in Willingen: the longest suspension bridge in Germany has been built after four years of planning and one year of construction right next to the famous ski jumping hill. The 125-ton bridge structure was inaugurated on July 1, 2023.

The Skywalk was built in a Tibetan-style, freely swinging, and is 665 meters long. Parallel to the internationally renowned Mühlenkopfschanze, the suspension bridge leads from Ettelsberg over the Strycktal. At its highest point, the pedestrian bridge is 100 meters above the ground. The width of the walkway is 1.30 meters, and the bridge can accommodate up to 750 people. The cost of the new year-round structure was 4 million euros.

While walking across the bridge, there may be some swaying, so the new attraction is not suitable for the faint-hearted and only for those without a fear of heights. For safety reasons, bicycles, strollers, wheelchairs, and pets, including dogs, are prohibited on the bridge. In case of strong winds, the Skywalk will be closed for safety.

Previous record holders

The previously longest suspension bridge in Germany was located in the Harz mountains in Saxony-Anhalt. The Titan RT suspension bridge is a total of 483 meters long, with 458 meters of it freely hanging. The new Skywalk in Willingen surpasses this length significantly. However, it falls short of achieving a European or even a worldwide record. The longest freely swinging suspension bridge in the world, the Sky Bridge 721, was opened in Dolni Morava, Czech Republic, in May 2022. It boasts an impressive length of 721 meters.

The suspension bridge in Willingen was originally planned to open by the end of 2019. However, there were repeated delays during the planning phase. A change of location was also part of the process, as the bridge was initially planned to be constructed under the name "Skyline" at Lake Diemelsee in 2017. After concerns were raised regarding nature conservation and infrastructure, a new location was sought.

In the summer of 2018, the operators finally chose the alternative location at the Mühlenkopfschanze in Willingen and renamed the project to "Skywalk". The building permit was ultimately granted in December 2021, construction began in the spring of 2022, and on July 1, 2023, the spectacular structure was opened to the public.

Near the Skywalk, there are several free parking spaces available. The Skywalk can be reached either via a convenient footpath, a funicular railway, or a steep staircase.