Caution, Step! The 13 Most Spectacular Staircases in the World

Hated by many and loved by not so many, yet stepped on by all - in our daily lives, we often stumble over stairs.

However, aside from the unremarkable representatives in residential buildings, shopping centers, and the like, some staircases overflow with creativity, history, and sometimes even madness. From roller coaster designs to the 'Stairway to Heaven' to the place where angels land: Travelcircus has identified the 13 most spectacular staircases in the world that will definitely take your breath away!

Wait, is Led Zeppelin's famous "Stairway to Heaven" located in Hawaii? During World War II, in 1942, a staircase made of wooden steps was built in the Koolau Mountains on the island of O'ahu to facilitate the installation of telephone cables for the US Navy's radio tower.

In 2003, the so-called Haiku Stairs were restored, with the wood replaced by metal steps. Nevertheless, entering the "Stairway to Heaven" has been illegal since the 1980s. Security personnel are stationed around the clock. Anyone caught must pay a fine of $600.

However, this does not deter brave hikers and adrenaline junkies from sneaking past the guards and climbing up and down the steps. A total of 3,922 steps full of thrills span from the base to the summit of the Koolau Mountains, gaining an elevation of 600 meters. Inexperienced visitors typically take about five hours for a tour.

One of the most famous staircases of modern times does not resemble a staircase at first glance - but rather a roller coaster. Heike Mutter and Ulrich Genth designed Tiger & Turtle in celebration of the Ruhr region being named the Cultural Capital of the Year 2010. Echoing the themes of speed and stillness, the structure serves as a metaphor for the transformative situation of the Ruhr region.

The roller coaster staircase rises 20 meters into the sky over Heinrich-Hildebrand-Höhe in Duisburg, offering views over the Rhine up to Düsseldorf. With the exception of the loop, the 220-meter-long Tiger & Turtle structure is entirely walkable. A total of 220 steps have been accessible since its opening on November 12, 2011.

In southern China, not only one of the world's most spectacular staircases is waiting, but also one of the world's most incredible rock formations: The Huangshan Mountain range, covering 150 km², draws around 15 million visitors each year with its 72 peaks. Most of them seek the ultimate thrill by hiking to Lotus Peak, which at 1,864 meters is the highest excursion point of Huangshan.

The gondola ride to the mountain station at 1,300 m already provides an adrenaline rush. However, to ascend the final 564 meters to the peak, one needs courage and a good head for heights.

A total of 60,000 steps wind around the mountain - some safely, some less so. Often, only a rope or a thin metal rod separates the steps from the steep abyss. The hike takes about six hours. But don't worry: Despite the looming thigh muscle soreness, few things are as worthwhile as this view! White peaks covered in lush trees are enveloped in soft clouds, transporting climbers to distant worlds.

Since 1973, the fortress-like complex La Muralla Roja (translated as "Red Wall") designed by Ricardo Bofill has adorned the coast of the Spanish town of Calp. With geometrically hard lines, the architect revitalizes Arabic-Mediterranean construction art.

Those who find La Muralla Roja especially impressive can even live in it: The beautiful blue staircases lead residents to 50 different apartments ranging from 60 to 120 m².

While the facade of La Muralla Roja literally towers in red over the cliffs, contrasting with the sky and sea, the blue of the staircases perfectly blends into the landscape of the eastern Spanish coast. In good weather, the steps flow seamlessly into the sky, symbolizing infinity.

Admittedly, this staircase does not meet any symmetrical standards - but what could be more spectacular than a staircase shaped by Mother Nature? At 1,765 meters high, Angels Landing is not only one of the highest mountains in Zion National Park but also the most climbed.

Adventurers must conquer an 8.6 km long hiking trail and overcome an elevation gain of 453 meters to reach the summit. The initial part of the climb is relatively flat and secure. However, especially the last meters make even adrenaline junkies' blood run cold: with an incline of almost 90° - secured only by a metal chain - the stone steps of the mountain lead up to the point where, according to its name, the angels land.

Once at the top, hikers with a good head for heights can not only look 500 meters down to the Virgin River but also enjoy the view over the national park.

The rock of Guatapé is not only home to one of the most spectacular staircases in the world, but it is also a giant in every sense: 220 m high, weighing 10 million tons, and 70 million years old, this granite island mountain integrates into the landscape of Colombia.

Despite its age, El Peñón was officially climbed for the first time only in 1954 - the action took a total of five days. Today, the ascent is somewhat quicker, albeit no less spectacular. Between 650 and 740 steps zigzag up to the summit and a three-story observation tower, from which visitors can gaze up to 500 km into the distance.

For centuries, India has struggled with drought and heat periods. As early as the 8th and 9th century AD, the Indians began constructing the stepwell Chand Baori to collect monsoon water. This very advanced structure for its time was dedicated to the Hindu deity Harshat Mata.

With a depth of over 20 meters, Chand Baori is considered the largest stepwell in the country. A total of 3,500 steps spread across 13 levels. Previously serving solely for water collection, it is now one of the most important tourist attractions in the region.

Originally opened as a funicular railway, the Manitou Incline now resembles a fitness workout that only the fittest locals and tourists can conquer. Over a distance of nearly 1.5 km, an elevation gain of 610 meters must be overcame, with the steps having a slope of up to 68% in parts.

While inexperienced climbers may take several hours to ascend the 2,744 steps, the record lies at 17 minutes and 45 seconds. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded with a view of the forests and mountains of Colorado.

Dubrovnik is not only one of the most famous cities in Croatia but also the city of stairs - no wonder, as it is built on a hill. A city tour in the old town becomes particularly strenuous: As a UNESCO World Heritage site, many buildings here are protected, making the installation of elevators and escalators impossible.

One of Dubrovnik's most impressive staircases is located on Boškovićeva Street. In typical stone construction, the steps rise steep and narrow past the Rock Café Exit, Restaurant Barba, and a souvenir shop.

The Vessel is by far the newest staircase in the ranking of the most spectacular staircases: It opened in March 2019 near the High Line Park in the new New York district of Hudson Yards, designed by Thomas Heatherwick.

The oval, honeycomb-like building comprises 154 staircases connected by platforms. In total, the 2,500 steps lead up to 15 levels. Despite its height, The Vessel is not intended as an observation platform but primarily serves as a hotspot for art and culture. In particular, photographers will enjoy the architecture.

Granted: Ålesund's mountain, Aksla, is not the highest of its kind at 189 meters. But the staircase that winds from the city park up to the Byrampen observation platform is all the more spectacular. A total of 418 steps must be conquered in a zigzag pattern - past rugged rocks and lush green wooded slopes.

Those who complete the journey are rewarded with a view of the harbor, including the Sunnmøre Alps in the background. By the way: Thanks to a new LED lighting system, the staircase can even be accessed at night, offering visitors an unforgettable panorama.

Surrounded by the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean is one of the world's most spectacular staircases: Jacob's Ladder on the British island of St. Helena is located about 1,800 kilometers from the African and 3,200 kilometers from the South American mainland.

Originally built in the early 19th century as the world's first horse-drawn cable railway, the 699 steps of Jacob's Ladder have connected the island's capital, Jamestown, with the suburb of Half Tree Hollow at the top of Ladder Hill since 1871.

In Western Australia, specifically in the Great Australian Bight, the coast near Dalyup attracts visitors not only with its turquoise sea - the landscape composition of rugged rocks and soft treetops also winds one of the most spectacular staircases in the world.

Directly from the coast, the staircase leads up to Observatory Point, where visitors can enjoy an unparalleled view of the sea and the horizon. Those who conquer the steep ascent can embrace the gentle coastal breeze while listening to the sound of the waves and let their thoughts drift.