World's most dangerous footpath set to reopen in Spain

By Karla Cripps, CNN

(CNN)Closed for over a decade, a trail that's been described as "the world's most dangerous path" will no longer be off limits to the public thanks to a massive reconstruction project.

Due to reopen March 26, Spain's stunning Caminito del Rey features a cliff face boardwalk that hangs 100 meters above the Guadalhorce River. 

The trail, which begins in the village of El Chorro in southern Malaga province, has been around since the early 1900s, originally built to provide access to two waterfalls for hydroelectric workers. 

Over the years, the boardwalk deteriorated and, following a string of fatal accidents in 1999 and 2000, the government demolished the access points to the walkway. 

Opening just in time for Spain's Holy Week

The reopening, which comes over a year since reconstruction efforts kicked off, coincides with Spain's annual Holy Week celebrations.

According to the Spanish daily El Pais, the provincial government allocated 5.5 million euros ($5.8 million) to the project. 

The entire route is 7.7 kilometers long, with boardwalks covering 2.9 kilometers of the trail. 

The most famous section includes the Balconcillo de los Gaitanes bridge, which spans the Gaitanes Gorge. 

Tourism officials say it takes between four and five hours to walk the entire route, which includes some steep slopes. 

Entry will be free for the first six months after the attraction reopens on March 26. 

Visiting hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. from April 1 to October 31, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. from November 1 to March 31. 

Those who want to visit need to book a spot on the official website, Caminitodelrey.info.