Staircases are constructions designed to bridge large vertical distances by dividing it into smaller vertical distances, called steps. People often avoid the stairs because they were boring and strenuous, and often choose to ride the elevators, but not every time... Some stairs next to the amazing design, have incredible views of the surrounding terrain and simply attract tourists and local visitors, to walk through them.





1. Bueren Mountain , Belgium link Bueren Mountain is not a real mountain. It is a 374 steps long staircase in Liège. The stairs were built in 1881 to allow soldiers on top of the hill to go down to the centre without having to walk through the dangerous alleys. link The structure is named for 15th century aristocrat Vincent de Bueren, from what is now the the Dutch province of Gelderland, who defended the city of Liège from an attack by the Duke of Burgundy. A largely destroyed citadel, not far from the Bueren Mountain, was formerly a stronghold of the city's defences. link map] When you reach the top you'll be rewarded with a great view of the city and the Meuse river. [ link



2. Stairs Above the Sea, Spain link This beautiful staircase is located on the island Gaztelugatxe in Spain. Gaztelugatxe is a tiny islet on the coast of Biscay belonging to the municipality of Bermeo, in Basque Country (Spain). link It is connected to the mainland by a man made bridge. On top of the island stands a hermitage that dates from the 10th century, although certain discoveries indicate that the date might be the 9th century. link The hermitage is accessed by a narrow path, crossing the solid stone bridge, and going up 237 steps, although other sources cite the number as 229 or 231 steps. link map] The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, in order to enjoy the peace of the setting, as summers are typically crowded. [ link





3. Spiral Staircase in Taihang Mountains, China

link A 300-foot (91,5m) staircase along a mountain face in the Taihang Mountains in Linzhou, China, offer the thrill of mountaineering without the danger. The hike up the stairs provides a great experience one will not easily forget, and no special gear is needed.

“Here the wind blows and batters them, the birds fly past them, the stairs creak. It is a lot more authentic than an elevator,” an official said.

link However, due to safety and health concerns, the management has qualifications before anyone is allowed to ascend. Climbers must be under 60 years of age and are asked to fill out a form confirming that they do not have heart or lung problems. [ link , map ]





4. Awaji Hyakudanen, Japan

link "Awaji Yumebutai" (or in English - "Stage of Dreams") is a complex array of buildings and other areas located on Awaji Island in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan.

link One of the of the gardens of Awaji Yumebutai is the 100-level garden (or in Japanese - hyakudan’en), the garden consists of 100 squares of terraced smaller gardens.

memorial of the Great Hanshin earthquake (1995) on the side of a mountain that had been half taken away in the early 90′s for use as sea-fill during construction to build artificial islands in Osaka Bay (one of them is the Kansai International Airport). [map] Awaji Hyakudanen was built as a(1995) on the side of a mountain that had been half taken away in the early 90′s for use as sea-fill during construction to build artificial islands in Osaka Bay (one of them is the Kansai International Airport). [ link



5. Moses Bridge Stairs, Netherlands

link Early 17th century Fort de Roovere is surrounded by a moat and was originally built without a bridge. Yet, as part of a recent restoration program, it required the addition of an access bridge.

link Out of respect for the fort’s original island status, Netherlands-based RO&AD Architecten constructed the Moses Bridge Stairs, a discreet “sunken” bridge that sits flush with the line of the soil and the water. The result is an almost invisible bridge that partially immerses pedestrians into the moat.

link Originally, an inundation zone to the north provided an area that could be flooded with water deep enough to make enemy advance on foot precarious, yet shallow enough to rule out the effective use of boats.

link map] Today, two dams sit at either end of the mote, ensuring that when the water level rises, it spills over the dams and not into the bridge. [ link



6. Canyon Steps, Ecuador link Pailon del Diablo in Ecuador. The Paílón del Diablo is a fairly large waterfall (located on the Pastaza River) just 30 minutes away from the town of Baños in Ecuador. It is considered to be one of the most popular attractions in the area. While visiting Ecuador one should not miss this wonderful twisting stairs/steps. [map] This famous Canyon Staircase is located next to the waterfallin Ecuador. The Paílón del Diablo is a fairly large waterfall (located on the Pastaza River) just 30 minutes away from the town of Baños in Ecuador. It is considered to be one of the most popular attractions in the area. While visiting Ecuador one should not miss this wonderful twisting stairs/steps. [ link



7. Chand Baori, India

Chand Baori is a famous stepwell situated in the village of Abhaneri near Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

It was constructed in 800 CE. Its 3500 narrow steps in 13 stories extend 100 feet (30 m) into the ground, making it one of the deepest (and largest) stepwells in India.

map] The state of Rajasthan is extremely arid, and the intent and final structure of Chand Baori was intended to conserve as much water as possible. At the bottom of the well, the air remains 5-6 degrees cooler than at the surface, and Chand Baori was used as a community gathering place for locals during periods of intense heat. [ link





8. Santorini Stairway, Greece link In 1715, the island inhabitants built a rough stairway into the side of the sheer mountain so they could hike to the summit. Before long, donkeys were enlisted to help carry cargo and passengers to and from the ships and town. In 1930, the stairway was improved and more donkeys were added to aid in the assent and decent. Finally, in 1979, a cable car was installed to automate the process - but the most fun ride is still by donkey.

link map] The zigzag stairway from sea to city is paved in stone, and because of the many switchbacks, the distance from one end to the other is 1300 meters or 4,265 feet. There are 657 four-inch (10 cm) tall steps on the walkway, and this natural stair-master provides a very good workout on a sunny day. [ link



9. Schlossberg Stairs, Austria

link The main attraction in Graz is the Schlossberg (Clock Tower). It stands proud and is visible from all points in the city. Tourists and local visitors need to climb to the top to see the fabulous view of Graz and the surrounding area. The Schlossberg Stairs are located at the far end of Schlossbergplatz.

link Schlossberg Hill and doubles back and forth up to the top of the hill and clock tower. Great views over the city can be enjoyed during the climb up the steps. The 260 steps of the stairs are a much more enjoyable (although tiring!) way to reach the top of the Schlossberg. For the less energetic, you can take the Schlossbergbahn or lift. [map] The impressive stairs are cut into the rockface of theand doubles back and forth up to the top of the hill and clock tower. Great views over the city can be enjoyed during the climb up the steps. The 260 steps of the stairs are a much more enjoyable (although tiring!) way to reach the top of the Schlossberg. For the less energetic, you can take the Schlossbergbahn or lift. [ link



10. Potemkin Stairs, Ukraine

link The Potemkin Stairs is a giant stairway in Odessa, Ukraine. The stairs are considered a formal entrance into the city from the direction of the sea and are the best known symbol of Odessa.

link map] Officially known today as the Primorsky Stairs, they were originally known as the Boulevard steps, the Giant Staircase, or the Richelieu steps. The top step is 12.5 metres (41 ft) wide, and the lowest step is 21.7 metres (70.8 ft) wide. The staircase is 27 metres (88.5 ft) high, and extends for 142 metres (465.9 ft), but it gives the illusion of greater length. [ link





11. Haiku Stairs, Hawaii, USA

The Haʻikū Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven or Haʻikū Ladder, is a steep hiking trail on the island of Oʻahu.

link The trail began as a wooden ladder spiked to the cliff on the south side of the Haʻikū Valley. It was installed in 1942 to enable antenna cables to be strung from one side of the cliffs above Haʻikū Valley to the other.

A building to provide a continuous communication link between Wahiawā and Haʻikū Valley Naval Radio Station was constructed at the peak of Puʻukeahiakahoe, elevation about 2,800 feet (850 m).

map] In 2003, the stairs were repaired, costing the city $875,000. As of early 2012, land usage rights issues have not been resolved. The City and County of Honolulu has stated that there is currently no plan to open the stairs for public use, citing liability concerns. [ link



