The 10 Coolest Bridges

Bridges are a life essential. Crossing bodies of water and spanning canyons, bridges facilitate movement and also form iconic environmental markers.

Throughout history, bridges have also served to display the latest in technological innovation. The Brooklyn Bridge, opened in 1883 and designed by John Augustus Roebling, wowed globally as the longest suspension bridge and first to employ steel wire. We all know the Golden Gate Bridge too, and of course historically famous structures like Tower Bridge in London.

You won't, however, find those in this list. Cool is less about grandeour and more about "WOW!" Bridges that are made of tree roots, cut through water rather than go above, and have their own fountains. Yeah, that is what we're into right now.

The Erasmus Bridge, shown here and located in Rotterdam, is awesome for its "Swan" pylon. Despite the sculptural quality, not even this beauty made our list.

Read on to find out what did make our list of The 10 Coolest Bridges.

Location: Amsterdam

Opened in 2001, the Pythonbrug was designed by West 8. The bridge links Borneo island and Amsterdam's Sporenburg area. What makes it cool? The walkway dips and rises. Hence, the python name.

Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Santiago Calatrava's Peace Bridge in Calagary won't open until the end of this month. However, this bridge is already pretty cool. Minus, of course, some public criticism about the need for spending close to $25 million when three other bridges already exist nearby. We'll keep out of that and just celebrate design for design sake.

Location: Millau-Creissels, France

Spanning the valley of the river Tarn in Southern France, the Millau Viaduct bridge is the 12th highest bridge in the world. It has great architectural chops too, winning the IABSE Outstanding Structure Award in 2006. Hats off to engineer Michel Virlogeux and architect Norman Foster.

Location: Seoul, South Korea

The Banpo Bridge officially functions as the second deck of a the Jamsu Bridge. Spanning the Han River, the coolest part is the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, which is the world's longest bridge fountain. Water is pulled from the river, so it is thus continuosly recycled and environmentally friendly. Amazing.

Location: Singapore

The tallest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, Henderson Waves links Mount Faber Park with Telok Blangah Hill Park. While that is cool, the best part is the undulating form.

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Connecting two rather mundane portions of the city (a shopping center and a parking garage) this footbridge in Scotland wins for its interior look. The curving path and basket weave-like structure give it a tunnel feel.

Location: Newcastle, England

Opened in 2000, the Gateshead Millenium Bridge is all about turning the traditional draw bridge on its side. To allow passing vessels, the Millenium Bridge tilts on its side. Pretty amazing. The core function of transporting cyclists across the Tyne river appeals to our sense of cool too.

Location: Cherrapungee, India

Unlike other bridges on this list, these crossings are grown not built. Located in northeastern India, the wettest region on earth, the bridges are essentially formed via the strong root system of the local rubber trees. The War-Khasis, a local tribe, first discovered how to train the roots to produce needed footpaths. One of the most awesome ways to experience historical ingenuity today.

Location: Aas, Norway

Leonardo Da Vinci sketched plans for this bridge in 1502 for Sultan Bajazet II of Constantinople, but it wasn't until 500 years later that the design was brought to life. Great story. Cool bridge.

Location: Fort de Roovere, The Netherlands

Designed by RO & AD Architects, this sunken pedestal bridge allows unique access to a 17th-century Dutch Fort. Known as the "Moses Bridge" it literally parts water. Amazing.