Hradlový Most - Rechle: A Historic Timber Chute

Hradlový Most - Rechle, located near Vydří-Kašperské Hory, is a captivating historical site with significant cultural and natural appeal. This 72-meter-long wooden bridge, a faithful replica of the original, crosses the Vydra River and is a key component of the Vchynicko-Tetovský Canal. Constructed between 1799 and 1801, the canal system was designed by Josef Rosenauer to transport timber from the Bohemian Forest (Šumava) to Prague, as the Vydra River's rocky terrain was unsuitable for timber floating. The bridge and its weir were engineered to capture and redirect timber logs into the canal. The structure features granite pillars and a wooden frame with distinctive trapezoidal hangers. Until 1953, a road ran across the bridge connecting Rokyta and Modrava. After a new road was built, the bridge fell into disrepair and was eventually removed. In 2000, it was reconstructed at the expense of the Šumava National Park Administration and other organizations. Today, Hradlový Most - Rechle is a protected cultural landmark and a popular destination for tourists and hikers. A fish pass was added during the reconstruction, allowing fish to migrate upstream. The bridge also marks the start of a 6-kilometer barrier-free trail along the Vchynicko-Tetovský Canal, accessible to visitors of all abilities.