Schwarzenberg Shipping Canal: The construction that conquered the Bohemian Forest wilderness

It is among the most interesting technical monuments in the Bohemian Forest. The Schwarzenberg Navigation Canal was built in the 18th and 19th centuries as a clever solution to transport timber from the hard-to-reach forests of the Bohemian Forest all the way to Vienna. Today, it no longer floats wood, but it attracts tourists – offering a combination of history, engineering ingenuity, and beautiful nature.

Are you planning to go there? You can head out on a relaxed walking trip along the canal or hop on a bike and ride the entire Schwarzenberg Cycle Path.

Why the Canal Is a World-Class Engineering Feat

This technical masterpiece achieved something that defies nature itself – it connected two different seas across the main ridge of the Bohemian Forest. Engineers “outsmarted” the mountains and linked the watershed of the Vltava (flowing to the North Sea) with that of the Danube (flowing to the Black Sea). Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the water is guided over the mountain ridge with an almost imperceptible gradient of just 2–7 meters per kilometer, allowing safe and precise control of tons of floating timber.

A Bit of History

Construction of the canal took place in two stages. The first part was built between 1789 and 1793 under the direction of engineer Joseph Rosenauer. The second stage, completed between 1821 and 1822 after his death, followed his original plans and extended the canal to the Rosenauer Reservoir. The goal was to connect the Vltava and Danube watersheds to transport timber from the Bohemian Forest all the way to Austria. The canal served for more than 150 years. According to sources, its total length ranges between 44 and 52 kilometers, which was an absolute peak performance for that time.

How It All Works

The Schwarzenberg Canal connects one of the tributaries of the Cold Vltava with the Austrian river Große Mühl, which flows into the Danube. This made it possible to transport timber across the border to the Danube and further down the river to Vienna. The canal was fed by 27 tributary streams and three main water sources – the Rosenauer Reservoir, Lake Plešné, and the Jelení Pond, from which the Jelení flume led.

Information for Visitors

The Schwarzenberg Navigation Canal is freely accessible and ideal for hiking and cycling. Several marked trails lead along the canal, passing by the most interesting technical elements – the Jelení Tunnel, the aqueduct near Rossbach, weirs, and sluices. In several places, you will also find information panels and smaller visitor spots where you can learn more about the history and operation of the canal. The routes are easy and suitable for families.

Interesting Facts

• Rosenauer Reservoir: Located on the slope of Třístoličník, it marks the beginning of the canal and supplied the upper section with water.
• Jelení flume: This steep wooden chute brought additional water from Jelení Pond into the canal and also served as a timber flume for logs from remote forest areas.
• Želnava flume: Built in 1887, it connected the canal with the Vltava River, allowing timber to continue all the way to Prague.
• Jelení Tunnel: A hand-dug tunnel from 1821–1822, approximately 400 meters long. It was excavated from both sides simultaneously, and the workers met with a deviation of only a few centimeters – an incredible engineering achievement. The portals are designed in the Neo-Gothic style.
• Aqueduct near Rossbach: A stone water bridge that carries the canal over the Rossbach stream.
• Weirs and sluices: Over 20 weirs and up to 157 sluices regulated the water flow. Despite the minimal gradient, the water along the canal overcomes a total of 255 vertical meters, kept steady thanks to these regulation structures.

The Schwarzenberg Navigation Canal is not just a piece of old stones and water – it is a technical marvel that fascinates anyone who appreciates history, craftsmanship, and peaceful nature without crowds.

📍 Where to relax after visiting the Schwarzenberg Canal

After visiting the Schwarzenberg Navigation Canal, a place where the whole family can relax is perfect. Our modern Apartments Nad rybníky at Lake Lipno are an ideal base. Here you will find a large fenced garden, a playground, a saltwater pool, and a peaceful setting for parents. Whether you are planning trips, cycling routes, family experiences, swimming at the beach, or just relaxing days in nature, everything starts and ends in comfort with us.

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