Pedestrian suspension bridge - Skywalk in Willingen: Expectations clearly exceeded
Six months ago, Germany's longest suspension bridge was opened in Willingen in northern Hesse. According to the operators, hundreds of people have been visiting the 665-metre-long "Skywalk" every day since then. The planners of the 100-metre high, free-swinging structure had expected 100,000 visitors per year. "We will evaluate the exact figures next year. But one thing is already clear: our expectations were clearly exceeded," said Managing Director Arndt Brüne. Even in the cold and rainy past weeks, the influx of visitors was still brisk. The weekends are still particularly popular, especially when the weather is good.
The Skywalk is a benefit for tourism in the entire region, explained Willingen's tourism director Norbert Lopatta. "Guests travel to Willingen from the surrounding tourist strongholds just to visit the suspension bridge." The suspension bridge appeals precisely to the target groups defined in the marketing concept - outdoor enthusiasts and families. The gastronomy, not only in the immediate vicinity, also benefits from the visitor magnet.
The operators already have plans for 2024: the access route to the Skywalk is to be significantly improved. In the medium term, children's hiking trails with various adventure stations are also to be created. A kiosk is to be opened at the beginning of January to cater for visitors who are hungry in between.
At 665 meters, the Skywalk Willingen is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Germany and the second longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. Built in the Tibetan style, the 125-ton structure has no supports and swings freely above the valley. The Skywalk was originally announced as the longest suspension bridge of its kind in the world to date. It was to surpass the "516 Arouca" in Portugal with a length of 516 meters. In May 2023, however, a 721-metre-long pedestrian rope bridge opened in the Czech Republic at a height of 95 meters, the "Sky Bridge 721".
Skywalk Willingen
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- Despite the turn of the year and the often inclement weather, the visitor numbers at the Skywalk in Willingen, Germany's longest suspension bridge, continue to be high.
- The tourist offices in the surrounding areas have noticed an increase in interest, with many visitors specifically planning their trips to Hesse to visit the suspension bridge in Willingen.
- During their leisure time, outdoor enthusiasts and families are drawn to the Skywalk, which has been a hit among its target audience since its opening six months ago.
- The lover of heights can also enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding landscape from the Skywalk, which is situated at an altitude of 100 meters above the valley and offers a unique perspective of the sky and the countryside of Hesse.
Source: www.stern.de
