Andorra is known for a lot of things, as this European microstate has so much packed into its 468 square kilometres, from history to geography to gastronomy to all the winter and snow activities of Andorra. But, did you know that Andorra is also famous for having a Tibetan Bridge?
The Tibetan Bridge Andorra has in its Canillo parish has become one of the most unusual but captivating landmarks of the country. In this short guide to the famous Andorra bridge, we’ll outline exactly what a Tibetan Bridge is and how you can get your hands on Tibetan Bridge Andorra tickets.
Discover the Tibetan Bridge in Andorra
So, what is and where is the Tibetan Bridge Andorra has become unexpectedly famous for? Well, it is an Andorra bridge, built in the Tibetan style, which is found in the Canillo parish, in the north-east part of the country, right next to the border with France. This Andorra bridge is quite new, inaugurated as recently as 2022.
Andorra’s Tibetan Bridge, which is called the Pont Tibetà locally, is exactly 603 metres in length, while it sits at 158 metres above the ground at its maximum. On the page those numbers might just look like numbers, but that is long and that is high for an Andorra bridge! As such, it’s well worth planning a visit during your Andorra holiday.
What is a Tibetan Bridge?
To truly understand the magnificence of the Tibetan Bridge Andorra has, and how this is a feat of engineering, it’s worth taking a step back and asking what is a Tibetan Bridge in general.
To put it simply, Tibetan Bridges are suspension bridges and it is believed that they originate from Tibet, hence the name. The story goes that large string bridges have been in use in Tibet since ancient times, with these used for practical purposes, such as getting from one side or a river or a valley to the other. Historians explain that original Tibetan Bridges featured three ropes, two either side to support the person using it and one third rope on the bottom for their feet to walk along.
Nowadays, in the 21st century, there are a number of Tibetan Bridges around the world, like the Tibetan Bridge Andorra has. These have been adapted for modern times, with the installation of additional supports, and are technically called Tibet-style Bridges.
Interestingly, the Andorra Tibetan Bridge is one of the longest in the world. It is the fourth overall in terms of the longest footbridge spans on the planet, according to data from HighestBridges.Com. At exactly 603 metres, the only ones longer than the Andorra bridge are Yundingfeidu Glass Footbridge in China (615 metres), Skywalk Willingen in Germany (665 metres) and Sky Bridge 721 in Czechia (721 metres).
Opening hours and how to get to the Tibetan Bridge
If you want to visit the Andorra Tibetan Bridge, it’s important to follow the opening hours and to get yourself Tibetan Bridge Andorra tickets beforehand. It’s recommended that you visit the official website of the Canillo Tibetan Bridge or the Tourist Office of Canillo to check up-to-date opening hours, since these can vary based on the time of year. If you visit the website, you can scroll down and there is always a section with the opening hours for the current month. You can also purchase Tibetan Bridge Andorra tickets from the website.
As for getting to the Tibetan Bridge, you can reach it by bus from Canillo village or from the car park of the Mirador Roc del Quer, a local viewpoint. If going by bus, you’ll have to walk from the bus stop, with this walk approximately one kilometre long.