The name 'Rechle' is derived from the German word 'Rechen', meaning a rake or grid used to catch floating logs.
The bridge was specifically designed to funnel logs into the Vchynice-Tetov canal, which bypassed the non-navigable sections of the Otava River.
It is supported by stone pillars designed to withstand ice flow and high water levels during spring thaws.
The bridge is a registered cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
Its enclosed design was a functional requirement to keep the wooden deck dry and extend its lifespan against the harsh Šumava climate.
Hradlový most, commonly known as Rechle, is a 72-meter-long covered wooden bridge spanning the Otava River near Rejštejn. Built in 1799, it served as a logging gate designed to catch and redirect logs floated down from the Šumava forests to the Vchynice-Tetov canal. The structure is constructed from spruce and larch wood and features a shingled roof to protect the load-bearing beams from rot. It remains one of the few surviving historical examples of hydraulic engineering used for timber transport in the Bohemian Forest. The bridge underwent a major reconstruction in the early 2000s to preserve its structural integrity. It is located on a popular cycling and hiking trail connecting Rejštejn and Antýgl. The bridge is no longer used for timber sorting and now functions exclusively as a pedestrian and bicycle crossing.
From the riverbank on the north side of the bridge, capturing the entire length alongside the river flow.
Combine your visit with a hike along the Vchynice-Tetov canal path for a complete historical experience.
The bridge is a prime location for observing the river's current, but the wooden floor can be slippery when wet.
Bring a wide-angle lens if you intend to photograph the full length of the bridge from the riverbank.
Attempting to drive a car to the bridge, as it is located on a pedestrian and cyclist-only trail.
Stay on the bridge deck; do not climb on the roof or structural supports.
