6 Unique Treetop Walkways In The World

Treetop walkways or canopy walkways are bridges between and in the canopy of a forest, mostly linked up with platforms inside or around the trees. Early walkways consisted of bridges between trees in the canopy of a forest; mostly linked up with platforms inside or around the trees. They were originally intended as access to the upper regions of ancient forests for scientists conducting canopy research. Today they serve as ecotourism attractions, which are becoming increasingly popular around the world.

# Danum Valley Canopy Walkway, Malaysia

This amazing canopy walk is one of the best in the world where you explore the canopy of the forest reserve in Danum, Sabah, Borneo. Located within a 348 sq km (134 sq mi) forest reserve, getting here is no simple task as it takes about 2-3 hours from the town of Lahat Datu in east coast Sabah via four wheel drive. The forest reserve is also one of the most pristine, where it caters to a vast reserve of lush tropical lowland forest rich in Sabah’s unique flora and fauna. The area has also been recognized as one of the world's most complex ecosystems catering to all kinds of flora and fauna.

# Baumwipfelpfad, Germany

Opened two years ago in Neuschonau, Bavaria, in Germany, the tree-top walk is the longest of it’s kind at 1300 meters (4,250 ft) that takes you to an impressive height of 25 meters (80 ft) above the tree tops. The walkway ends at an oval shaped dome, 44 meters (145 ft) high. The 360-degree spiral staircase around the dome offers breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. In clear weather you can even see the north ridge of the Alps. The tree-top walk is a part of the largest protected forest area in central Europe – Bavarian Forest National Park, which is also the first national park in Germany.

# Kakum Canopy Walkway, Ghana

Located in Kakum National Park in the West African country of Ghana, Africa's only canopy walkway is suspended 100 feet (30m) above the ground, offering you what is truly a bird's eye view of the rainforest. At this height, you don't have to be an expert to identify the colorful patterns of tropical birds as they glide through the forest below you.

# Xstrata Treetop Walkway, UK

The Xstrata Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens opened in May 2008 and at 18 meters (60 ft) high, it offers visitors the chance to explore the tree canopy and see magnificent views across London including the London Eye (observation wheel), which was designed by the same architects (Marks Barfield Architects). There is no other treetop walkway that starts underground, like this treetop walkway, but it makes sense to learn about the roots of trees before winding your way up to the treetops. The roots are the most important part of a tree but they couldn't be exposed so you can see interesting animatronics and a wonderful bronze sculpture of tree roots. The Xstrata Treetop Walkway can accommodate 3,000 visitors a day and it is 200 meters (650 ft) long walkway.

# Sky Walk, Costa Rica

The Sky Walk is a well-thought-out combination of suspension bridges and walking trails through the Monteverde rainforest. These bridges span canyons and drainages, and bring visitors face to face with the upper level of the forest canopy. There are six bridges in total, the longest of which spans some 984 ft (300 m). The trails extend for slightly over a mile and a half (2.5 km), making this tour extremely feasible for anyone in moderate shape. The climb is not strenuous or muddy, as the trails are well-maintained and generally very flat. Local guides accompany each tour and help visitors learn about native plant and animal species. Because there is a 12 person maximum capacity per bridge, reservations are recommended, especially in July and August and from December till May.

# Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, Australia

This tree top walk is located west of Denmark and east of Walpole on the Southern Ocean Coast of Western Australia. Situated in the heart of the Valley of the Giants, it is an internationally recognised nature-based tourism attraction. The Tree Top Walk (600m or 1,970ft long and 40m or 130ft high) has a gentle gradient, suitable for children and all ages, including wheelchairs and strollers.