The bridge was moved piece-by-piece over a distance of 60 kilometers to save it from being submerged by the Orlík Reservoir.
It was originally known as the Podolský Bridge before its relocation.
The entire structure is held together by chains rather than cables, reflecting early 19th-century suspension bridge design.
Reconstruction at the current site took six years, finishing in 1975.
The bridge's chains were forged at the ironworks in Jince.
The Stádlec Chain Bridge is the last surviving Empire-style suspension bridge in the Czech Republic. Originally built between 1847 and 1848 across the Vltava River in Podolsko, it was dismantled in 1960 due to the construction of the Orlík Dam. Each of its 2,000 stone components was numbered, disassembled, and relocated to its current site across the Lužnice River near Stádlec in the 1970s. The bridge spans 157 meters and is supported by four stone pylons with Egyptian-style portals. It is listed as a protected National Cultural Monument of the Czech Republic. The structure serves as an active crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, while motorized traffic is restricted. It remains one of the few examples of engineering by Bedřich Schnirch, a pioneer of chain bridge construction.
The riverbank on the north side provides the best angle to capture the symmetry of the stone pylons and the span.
Walk the full length of the bridge to observe the historical ironwork and stone masonry.
Wear sturdy shoes if you intend to hike the surrounding forest trails after crossing.
Visit during a weekday to avoid crowds, as it is a popular spot for local cyclists.
Attempting to drive a car across the bridge, as it is strictly prohibited and monitored.
