Povydří, Natural monument in Šumava National Park, Czech Republic

Povydří is a natural monument protecting the canyon-like valley of the Vydra River between Srní and Horská Kvilda, in the Klatovy District. The riverbed holds numerous giant's kettles, rapids and long cascades, overlooked by rock towers Baba, Panna and Mnich and by stone seas on the forested slopes.

Povydří is a natural monument, ev. no. 1030, and the first zone of Šumava National Park, administered by the park authority. In the early 19th century, the Vchynicko-Tetov Canal, designed by J. Rosenauer, diverted part of the Vydra's water, weakening the current so the river no longer appears as wild.

The name Povydří derives from the Vydra River, whose boulder-strewn canyon is the reason the area was protected. The Vchynicko-Tetov Canal, designed by J. Rosenauer in the early 19th century, diverted part of the river's water, so the current is weaker than it once was. An educational trail runs through the valley, and Turnerova chata stands in its middle.

You can reach the area via marked trails starting from Horská Kvilda village, with options ranging from gentle walks to more challenging mountain paths. Good footwear and weather-resistant clothing are recommended since the boggy terrain can be wet and uneven.

The Vchynicko-Tetovský canal, designed by J. Rosenauer in the early 19th century, diverted part of the Vydra's water, so the river no longer runs as wildly as it once did. Look for the Turnerova chata in the middle of Povydří and the rock towers Baba, Panna and Mnich above the valley.