record bridge
Only for those with a head for heights: a new pedestrian suspension bridge opens in the Czech Republic – it is 721 meters long
View of the new bridge in the Czech Republic, which connects the Sauberg (Slamnik) with the Bodenkoppe (Chlum).
© Vostarek Josef / CTK / DPA
It leads 95 meters above a gorge in the Glatzer Schneegebirge and is 721 meters long. The new pedestrian rope bridge will open for visitors in the Czech Republic on Friday. According to the operator, the longest of its kind in the world.
The Czech Republic is getting a new tourist attraction – but only for those with a head for heights. The 721 meter long pedestrian rope bridge leads at a height of 95 meters over a gorge in the Glatzer Schneegebirge and will open to visitors on Friday. According to the operator of the “Sky Bridge 721” it is the longest bridge of this type in the world.
The mountain resort in Dolni Morava promises an “adrenaline experience”. In the somewhat remote region in the north-east of the Czech Republic near the border with Poland, it is hoped that the number of visitors will increase. Environmentalists, however, were critical and complained that the artificial structure dominated the landscape from afar.
The Czech Republic hopes for tourists
The bridge connects the Sauberg (Slamnik) with the Bodenkoppe (Chlum). It is only accessible in one direction. Visitors must book a timeslot online in advance. A chairlift takes you to the starting point at an altitude of around 1110 meters above sea level. Since 2015 there has been a 55 meter high “path in the clouds” not far away, which hundreds of thousands visit every year.
The construction costs were the equivalent of almost eight million euros. The construction is supported by a 1.2 meter wide walkway with six suspension cables. 60 additional ropes and a special damping system prevent fluctuations. Drones, among other things, were used during construction, which began two years ago.
In the Czech Republic, there is hope that tourists will return after the corona pandemic. In the last pre-pandemic year 2019, more than ten million foreign overnight guests were counted. Last year it was just under 2.6 million, according to data from the CSU statistics authority.