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Whether spiralling up statues, connecting narrow
passages, or scaling the side of a mountain, the world's most
treacherous staircases all have one thing in common: they require nerves
of steel.
From the 70 per cent incline on the stairs of the Cambodia's Angkor Wat
temple to the slippery rock path cascading down the side of Ecuador's
Pailon de Diablo Waterfall, the scariest steps are often as stunning as
they are terrifying. Even the world's most adventurous traveller will be
challenged by the Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, in California,
where a cable ladder is required to ascend the 400m incline.
To worship at Machu Picchu's Moon Temple, intrepid hikers must scale
another 600 feet of granite rocks, whereas 4, 444 steps are required to
reach the top of the Florli Stairs in Lysefjord, Norway. At the Mount
Huashan Heavenly Stairs in China, the steps are carved into a sacred
Taoist mountain. There's no official count on how many there are, so
take heed when embarking upon this initial ascent, which also includes a
three-plank-wide horizontal walk and then second flight of mountainside
stairs to reach the top. Still, if you're eager for some serious
bragging rights amongst your friends, try these impressive ascents on
for size.
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The world's most treacherous staircases are definitely not for the faint
of heart. Pictured: the Pailon del Diablo Waterfall in Ecuador
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To visit the Moon Temple at Machu Picchu,
visitors must ascend the Inca Stairs - an additional 600ft or so of
rocks
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While the Janssen Observatory in France doesn't look scary at first
glance, consider that this outdoor staircase is at the summit of the
tallest mountain in the Alps
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For those not satisfied with the Great Wall of China, take on the
additional challenge of the Mount Huashan Heavenly Stairs, which are
carved into a sacred mountain
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The spiral staircase in the bell tower at Barcelona's Sagrada Familia
church has no bannister to prevent you from taking a tumble
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Norway's Florli Stairs is the world's largest all-wood staircase - there
are 4, 444 steps, reaching 2,427 feet from the bottom
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Adventurous hikers flock to the Half Dome in California's Yosemite
National Park. But beware: to ascend the 400 feet, you must use a cable
ladder along the rock face
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Tourists visiting New York City can book a ticket to climb the Statue of
Liberty - all the way to the crown! It's the equivalent of climbing a
20-storey building
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The Haiku Stairs in Oahu, Hawaii, are so dangerous that they've been
permanently closed - and the guard at the bottom ensures no one attempts
the 3, 922 steps
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