I better go via space. The Most Dangerous Railroads in the World

The soothing sound of the wheels, picturesque scenery outside the window and exciting thrill before the trip – so thousands of people imagine their journey by train. Thousands, but not those who’s once had an opportunity to travel on the world’s most dangerous railroads. They will always admire the scenery with great caution, because there can be anything outside the window as a deep quarry, cliffs or a sea. Some railroad lines are lined up through rough and dangerous terrain. There are roads that connect a mainland with islands, other railways connect population centres, separated by dangerous mountain passes. Both are extremely dangerous. However, they are used by hundreds and thousands of people every day. Some of them are motivated by an impasse, while others risk great danger deliberately, wishing to try a big adrenaline hit.

The Minamiaso railway crossing lies in Japan. It can be easilly called the most feared and dangerous in the world. Part of the rail lines passes across the high iron bridge whose fragile structure seems totally unreliable at first sight. The bridge is rather narrow and unfenced and one wrong move of the train driver seems to be enough for the train to break downwards. The railway bridge isn’t the only danger that expects passengers.

The train track of the Aso Minami route lies close to live volcanos along with mount Aso, Japan’s biggest active volcano. Nobody knows when the next eruption is coming, that’s why there is no guarantee that a train with passangers will not appear at the foot of the volcano. If you don’t think about all the dangers too hard, the landscapes seen from the window will seem fantastic. Green hills covered with a dense thicket alternate with ravines and rapid rivers. After the volcanic eruption the burnt landscape looks less romantic. Forests look frightening and oppressive. Next - Kuranda Scenic Railway

Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia

Located in Australia, the Kuranda Scenic Railway is incredibly dangerous but also fabulously beautiful. It was built at the end of the 19th century. The rail line cuts through the picturesque rainforest of the Barron Reserve. During a trip, passengers have the opportunity to admire the most beautiful exotic plants, mountain scenery and waterfalls, the drops of water from which can even get into an open window. Complete article

Georgetown Loop Railroad, USA

The Georgetown railroad, built in the second half of the 19th century, is located in the state of Colorado, in the territory of Clear Creek County. Its construction was preceded by the development of silver mines. The narrow-gauge railway has been remaining the only way for the miners to get over the Rocky Mountains for many years. When the development of the mines was complete, the rail line was neglected and gradually destroyed. Complete article

Argo Gede Train Railroad, Indonesia

Extremely popular with the tourists is the Indonesian train Argo Gede that travels back and forth between Bandung and Jakarta. The route cuts through the incredibly beautiful places, passengers can enjoy vast tea plantations and mountain scenery during their trip, as well as observe tiny villages and rice fields. However, such a calming and relaxing scenery changes unexpectedly when the train enters the high iron Cikurutug bridge. Complete article

Chennai-Rameswaram Route, India

Not too far from the southeast coast of India lies Ramesvaram island, which can be reached by motor boat or by ferry. But it can also be done in a more extreme way – by Chennai-Ramesveram railroad, the road over the sea. The tiny island is of great interest to tourists, and local residents consider this place to be the holiest in India. Complete article

Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Train, South Africa

The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe railroad runs along the coast of the Western Cape in South Africa and is the most dangerous and spectacular in the country. The railroad was built in 1928 and links the towns of George and Knysna. The length of the line is 67 kilometres, however, a one-way journey lasts 3 hours. The first railway along the coast was actually constructed in 1908, but because of the serious accident that occured in a couple of days after its opening, the movement was suspended for the next 20 years. Complete article

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, USA

Dangerous railroads are a distinctive feature of the state of Colorado, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is one of them. This narrow gauge railroad was built in 1880 and linked the towns of Chama, New Mexico and Antonio, Colorado. The major threats that await for travellers are mentioned in its title. The train crosses the bridge over Toltec gorge and more than 3 kilometres continues on Cumbres mountain pass. Complete article

White Pass & Yukon Route, USA

White Pass & Yukon Route railroad connects the city of Whitehorse in Canada to Skagway, in the United States. The total length of the railway system is 175 kilometres, and the most dangerous part of it lies in Alaska. This specific section attracts thrill-seekers from all over the world. Complete article

Tren a las Nubes, Argentina

The legendary Train to the Clouds is a rail line Tren a las Nubes in Argentina. Nowadays, it’s a sight of a global value. On the 217-km rail line there are 29 formidable bridges, 21 tunnels and a huge number of ascents and descents. Tourists have more than enough chances to feel an adrenaline rush, that’s what has made this railroad so extremely popular. Complete article

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff, United Kingdom

The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff railway in Great Britain is often compared with roller-coaster. And it is not casual, since the railroad passes through the high cliffs separating the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. It’s hard to imagine that a construction of such a complicated railroad began in the late 19th century and was completed in less than three years. Already in 1890, the first car that reminded a big lift glided forward on its first journey. Complete article

Pilatusbahn, Switzerland

The Pilatus railway (Pilatusbahn in German) is located in Switzerland and is the steepest railway in the world. It was opened in 1889. The line runs from Alpnachstad to the top of Mount Pilatus, it takes 30 minutes to bridge the difficult and dangerous distance. On the final section of the route the train passes through the narrow tunnel, at the exit from which passengers can immediately see the edge of the cliff. Complete article

Duffy's Cut, USA

The world’s most mystical railroad is located in Pensylvania. For many years a stretch of railroad named Duffy’s cut inspires musicians and filmmakers to create new and new masterpieces. In 1832 a railroad contractor hired 57 workers, two months later, all 57 lost their lives under mysterious circumstances. The workers are believed to have died during another outbreak of cholera. They were buried in a common grave near the intersection of King Road and Sugartown Road. This section of railroad is considered the most abnormal one. Complete article