World's longest suspension bridge opens in Switzerland

Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge opened Sunday in Switzerland, measuring 1,620 feet long and hanging 278 feet in the air.

The Europabrücke (Europe Bridge) is also extremely thin, spanning only 25 inches wide.

The new bridge, which was built to replace another that had been damaged by rocks, was built with a special cable system to prevent it from swinging, reported the BBC.

The bridge provides a shortcut for hikers doing a two-day journey between Zermatt and Grächen in southern Switzerland.

"Anyone setting off along the Europaweg from Grächen will always have the most famous mountain in Switzerland, the Matterhorn, before them," the Zermatt Tourist Board said in a press release. "And those hiking towards Grächen always see the Bernese Alps."

The Zermatt Tourist Board warns that the bridge isn't suitable for people with a fear of heights.