In 2006, Rathen experienced record flooding. While we were visiting, the river was unusually low due to a very dry summer. Floods and droughts can affect water supply as well as accessibility to the other side of the town.
The people of Rathen use ferries to cross from one side of the river to the other. I was a bit surprised that they haven't built a bridge...perhaps the city makes a great deal of money from tourists using the ferries (although it was only two euros - approximately $2.27 - to get to one side and back).
