Many of us have experienced that moment on holiday when touring around a destination turns into an unexpected workout. But in the pursuit of witnessing some of the world’s most spectacular views, perhaps working up a sweat is worth it to earn memories that will last a lifetime.
Travel has a different definition for everyone, and for those budding adventurers set to take on a test of endurance whilst exploring new territory, a recent study by UK based gym chain, PureGym, sought out to identify the 25 most physically demanding landmarks in the world.
The rank is based on a variety of factors, including the number of steps required to reach the landmark, the location’s average temperature and the elevation change during ascent. These attributes were then combined to create a total index score out of 100, the higher the score equalling the higher physical exertion required.
In third place with 58 points is the Poenari Citadel in Romania, requiring a climb of 1,480 steps to where it sits on a clifftop in the Carpathian Mountains. The fortress was once home to Vlad the Impaler, the notorious medieval ruler who inspired Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” novel, giving it the nickname of “the real Dracula’s castle”, as opposed to the better-known Bran Castle, which is more commonly referred to as Dracula’s Castle. The location has an elevation change of 800m, the highest figure in this category of all assessed landmarks.
The Manitou Incline in Colorado, USA, is one of the country’s most popular hiking trails and takes second place due to its steep incline with 613m in elevation. An undoubted test of physical endurance but the 1.42km to summit the mountain is rewarded with sweeping, panoramic views of the Manitou Springs. Hikes need to be booked in advance via the City of Colorado Springs website due to the trail’s extreme popularity.
The number one spot goes to the Flørli Stairs, in Norway, which, with a total of 4,444 steps makes it the longest wooden staircase in the world. The 750m ascent follows a hydroelectric pipeline and takes 3-4 hours to complete, making it the most physically demanding landmark in the world.
If you’re feeling inspired to take on one of these next level challenges, be sure to prepare yourself in advance if you don’t already have a regular fitness routine. Bring plenty of water and snacks for the way to keep your body energised and eat a nutritionally complete meal, containing protein, carbohydrates and fats, after the hike.
10 most physically demnding landmarks in the world
- Flørli Stairs, Norway – 76/100
- Manitou Incline, United States of America – 63/100
- Poenari Castle, Romania – 58/100
- Konpira-san Shrine, Japan – 50/100
- Arthur’s Seat, Scotland – 48/100
- Sigiriya, Sri Lanka – 46/100
- Park Güell, Spain – 43/100
- Petra Monastery, Jordan – 41/100
- Castle of the Moors, Portugal – 41/100
- Batu Caves, Malaysia – 40/100
