9 Tourist Spots So Challenging, Only The Fittest Can Reach Them
Some famous tourist spots challenge your endurance, patience, stamina, and maybe even your sanity. Factors such as remote locations, dizzying heights, and thousands of steps make these world spots truly challenging. These destinations aren’t for the faint of heart. If you’re up for an adventure that pushes your limits, check out these top destinations that will leave you with a story you will never forget.
Flørli Stairs, Norway
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Hiking in Norway is already a workout, but the Flørli Stairs take things to another level. It has 4,444 wooden steps and is the longest staircase in the world. The climb is brutal, with some sections feeling nearly vertical.
Manitou Incline, USA
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This former railway track in Colorado is just under a mile long, but it gains 2,000 feet in elevation. In other words, it’s ridiculously steep. Some parts have a 68% incline, and the high altitude makes breathing challenging. Locals use it for training.
Poenari Castle, Romania
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This is Vlad the Impaler’s real fortress. To reach the eerie ruins, you must climb 1,480 uneven stone steps through a dense forest. The uphill trek is tough, but the castle ruins and the chilling history make this an unforgettable experience.
Arthur’s Seat, Scotland
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What looks like a gentle hill from Edinburgh’s streets is actually a rocky and steep climb to an extinct volcano. The final stretch is an uphill battle against strong winds, slippery paths, and questionable Scottish weather. But at the summit, you get a 360-degree view of the city, which is worth it.
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
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Sigiriya was once the royal fortress of an ancient king. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited sites—and one of its toughest climbs. The 1,200 steps wind through fresco-covered caves and steep metal staircases bolted to the rock face. But what you get at the end is a ruined palace and jaw-dropping jungle views!
Guatapé Rock, Colombia
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El Peñón de Guatapé is a 650-foot granite rock that sticks out of the landscape like a giant’s misplaced boulder. Climbing its 740 zigzagging steps is kind of like an optical illusion. But at the top, you’ll find a stunning lake dotted with islands—an extremely surreal view.
Petra Monastery, Jordan
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Reaching Petra’s Monastery is a 2.5-mile uphill trek with 800 stone steps and very little shade. The desert heat makes the journey even tougher. But when you finally see the massive, hand-carved Monastery appear in the rocks, you’ll forget how much your legs hurt.
Heaven’s Gate, China
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At Tianmen Mountain, visitors climb 999 narrow steps to a natural rock arch known as Heaven’s Gate. The high altitude and misty conditions make the trek even harder. If the climb isn’t enough, the nearby glass walkway—a transparent path hanging 4,600 feet above the ground—might finish the job.
Skellig Michael, Ireland
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This remote island is home to an ancient monastery and became famous after appearing in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Reaching it means climbing 618 steep, weathered steps without handrails. The strong Atlantic winds and sheer cliff drops make it an unforgettable journey.
Dubrovnik City Walls, Croatia
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Dubrovnik’s medieval walls stretch for 1.2 miles and include 1,080 steps—not bad until you add in the summer heat. Climbing the fortifications offers unbeatable views of the Adriatic Sea, but by the end, you’ll feel like you’ve walked through an entire season of Game of Thrones.
Vindhyagiri Hill, India
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Every year, thousands of pilgrims climb 660 ancient stone steps barefoot to reach the 57-foot-tall statue of Bahubali. The combination of steep steps, midday heat, and no shoes makes it a spiritual and physical test.
Batu Caves, Malaysia
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The colorful 272-step staircase leading to the Batu Caves is one of Malaysia’s most photographed sites. But climbing it is another story. The steep incline, tropical humidity, and persistent monkeys make this climb harder than it looks. Pro tip: Don’t bring snacks if you don’t want the monkeys to follow you.
Florence Cathedral, Italy
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Florence’s famous Duomo rewards climbers with a stunning rooftop view—but first, you have to conquer 463 spiraling steps through narrow, dimly lit corridors. The final stretch feels more like an obstacle course.
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia
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Ready to take a 1,332-step round trip of one of the world’s most famous bridges? Climbers wear safety harnesses as they scale steel ladders and catwalks while battling strong winds. At the top, 440 feet above Sydney Harbour, you get a postcard-worthy view of the Opera House.
Tokyo Tower, Japan
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Tokyo Tower does offer visitors an elevator, but where’s the challenge in that? The 600-step outdoor staircase lets visitors work for their skyline views. The climb takes about 15 minutes and includes panoramic views along the way. Those who walk up even receive a certificate at the top as proof of their effort.