In a world of banal bridges, new ones are being built that inspire fresh thinking, improve the lives of people and in a few cases, make us smile or even laugh. Check out some of the world’s most unusual bridges.

1. Lego Bridge – Wuppertal, Germany

At a time when Lego building blocks are more popular than ever, this bridge in the North Rhine-Westphalian area of Germany seems like it came straight out of Legoland. While the structure looks like it required advanced Lego construction methods to build, it’s really just a common concrete beam bridge that an artist camouflaged by painting it to look like it was made of Lego blocks. This creative update to the bridge transformed it from an eyesore into a local landmark.

2. Lucky Knot Bridge – Changsha, China

This brand new pedestrian bridge crosses the Dragon King Harbor River, connecting two parks in a large Chinese city. The design of the 600-foot-long structure is based on the Chinese folk art of knotting. It features three interwoven pathways that offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

3. Twin Sails Bridge – Dorset, England

This double bascule bridge spans the Backwater Channel, a popular boating area in Dorset. It features two 75-foot-long leaves powered by hydraulic rams that open the bridge so ships can pass. When these two sections are in the raised position, they resemble sails.

4. Circular Laguna Garzón Bridge – Garzón, Uruguay

A ring-shaped bridge may seem impractical, but in reality, it makes complete sense. The architect, Raphael Viñoly, came up with the design to help slow traffic in the area. The bridge is located on Uruguay’s southern coast connecting the cities of Rocha and Maldonado. It allows approximately 1,000 vehicles to cross at any given time and includes two pedestrian walkways that allow people to take in the area’s amazing vistas. It is expected that this viaduct will pay for itself over time because it will encourage significant residential and business development in the local area.

5. Friendship Bridge – Nantan, Japan

Another example of a circular bridge, this one has a different reason for its round design. The bridge is located within a wellness resort and the shape was chosen to enhance the contemplative nature of its surroundings.

6. Eshima Ohashi – Matsue and Sakaiminato, Japan

Is it for real, or is it an illusion? That’s a question often asked by people crossing this viaduct over Nakaumi Lake. From certain perspectives, this structure looks more like a roller coaster than a conventional bridge. The roadway appears to rise at a dramatic 45-degree angle. However, the gradient is actually a standard 6.1 percent incline. It’s simply an optical illusion that creates the impression that it’s much steeper.

7. The Elastic Perspective – Carnisselande, The Netherlands

This is truly the bridge to nowhere. This rusting steel structure folds in on itself, creating a seemingly never-ending loop. It sits in a field on a hillside providing a view of the city of Rotterdam. A tram stop is the only indicator of a start or end to the continuously looping structure. The design of the Elastic Perspective is based on the Moebius Ring, which means it has no real top or bottom. It has only a single surface that folds in on itself.

8. Island in the Mur – Graz, Austria

Many question whether this iconic structure in the Mur river is a bridge or an island. The answer is that it’s both. Constructed as a temporary installation back when Mur was designated a cultural capital, it became so popular that residents chose to make it a permanent part of their cityscape. This floating steel and glass sea-shell-shaped floating building is connected to both sides of the river by small bridges. It houses a popular café, playground and performance space. At night, the Island in the Mur glows a distinct shade of blue.

9. Pythonbrug – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Translated from the Dutch as Python Bridge, this 300-foot-long connector was designed to resemble a snake. Officially known as the High Bridge, it connects Amsterdam’s Sporenburg area with Borneo Island. Unlike other similar undulating bridges, this structure actually rises and falls to create the snake-like illusion.

10. Dragon Bridge – Da Nang, Vietnam

Dragons are a symbol of power, nobility and prosperity throughout Asia. They’re used as a decorative element in art and architecture across the continent. This bridge is unique because it integrates the dragon symbol into the structure. At just over 2,000 feet, the six-lane viaduct provides the shortest route between the airport and central Da Nang. It is a critical connector in this Vietnamese city.