The 4 Most Impressive Lookouts in the World

There are places on the Planet where it is easy to believe that one is “King of the World”. In many, it is because of their geographical location, in others because of their awesome height, and in some, simply because of their uniqueness. In this post we’ll be exploring those viewpoints from the comfort of our own home. There could be no better incentive for wanting to be there, right in the middle of these true spectacles of nature.

1.Preikestolen, Norway

Its name means “Pulpit” and that in itself requires no further explanation. Still, I’m going to share some details that will make it even more irresistible. On the Lyse Fjord (Light Fjord), in Ryfylke, rises one of Norway’s most visited sites. It is a 3 to 4 hour trek, which places it at a higher level of difficulty: a 2 hour ascent and a 1.5 hour descent. But I assure you it is well worth the effort. Pulpit Rock can also be a bit of a death trap, and there have, in fact, been some accidents. Its 604 meters vertical drop to the sea will make you feel tiny in a very large world. Once there, you’ll want to do nothing else than revel in the silence of the landscape. But be careful when taking selfies, as the scenery invites visitors to take dozens of them; take into account that there are no safety rails anywhere.

2.Five Fingers, Austrian Alps

A viewing platform built to simulate the 5 fingers of the hand on a dizzying cliff-face at a height of 2108 meters. Definitely not recommended if you have a fear of heights, but this place is reputed to have the best views over the Alps. Looking downwards is synonymous with looking into thin air. Each finger is 4 meters long, and they are all different from one another. The first of them (the thumb) is lined with metal, and is where most visitors get their picture taken. The second one (the index finger), is only for the most intrepid of visitors. Its floor and walls are made of glass, and it looks like one is hovering in the air 2000 meters above the ground. The third of them (the middle finger) includes a springboard which is, of course, not accessible, and which symbolizes freedom. The fourth (the ring finger) is similar to the index finger but the bottom is not made of glass. And the fifth (the little finger) is the smallest and it includes a telescope, granting one a closer look at the details of the landscape.

3.Top of Tyrol, Austria

This viewpoint, rising 3165 meters above sea level, is in the heart of the Stubai Glacier. What’s particularly striking about this lookout, besides its incredible height, is that it protrudes over the top of the mountain, giving the impression of floating over the glacier. And meanwhile, you’ll enjoy views over the more than one hundred three-thousanders in sight. The viewing platform, flying 9 meters over the side of Isidor Mountain, has been built in such a way that it disappears under the cover of snow for 6 months a year, but even then it can be visited despite the extreme cold. It is only closed during blizzards. As a fun fact I’ll share with you that the 20 tons of steel needed for building the platform where transported by helicopter. Visitor access is simple enough: you’ll take the gondola up.

4.Skywalk, a walkway over the Grand Canyon (USA)

They say it is one of the most gratifying experiences in the world. Walking over the Grand Canyon is possible, since 2007, thanks to this horseshoe-shaped walkway that has become extremely popular. At a height of 1400 meters, it is inevitable to see your sense of depth and vertigo sharpened. And take into account that if you want to experience Skywalk, the lookout is not in Grand Canyon National Park but in the Hualapai Indian Reservation.

It is well worth leaving our vertigo aside for a few hours and visiting places like these, where the sense of absolute freedom takes center stage.