Häderli Bridge, Stone bridge remnants in Schöllenen Gorge, Switzerland
Häderli Bridge is a stone crossing over the Reuss River in Schöllenen Gorge, built to span the narrow water channel with sturdy arches and fitted stonework. The structure sits within dramatic rocky walls and carries hikers across one of the valley's most important passages through the mountainous terrain.
Built in 1649 to provide safe passage through the treacherous gorge, the bridge served travelers for centuries. A major flood swept it away in 1987, after which it was rebuilt to match its original design.
The bridge carries a name rooted in local heritage, reflecting how the community valued traditional craftsmanship across generations. Visitors walking across it today see stonework rebuilt using historical methods, understanding how vital such crossings were for connecting people through the gorge.
The site is easily reached on foot via marked hiking trails that connect the villages below. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the paths are steep and conditions can change quickly with mountain weather.
The rebuilding used traditional stone-cutting methods and historical plans to preserve the exact appearance of the original structure. This craft-based approach made the work far more labor-intensive than a modern reconstruction could have been.
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