Lakes and dams Jihomoravský kraj

Should you visit Brno, it is highly recommended not to miss one of the natural beauties located on its northern outskirts, in the district of Bystrc, which extends as far as the nearby village of Veverská Bítýška. This is the Brněnská přehrada (Brno Reservoir), known in the local dialect, hantec, as Prýgl. It was constructed on the Svratka river between 1936 and 1940 as a source of electric power. The reservoir complex also includes the Kníničky hydroelectric power plant.

The reservoir originally served as a source of drinking water. Subsequently, Brno switched to a supply from the Vírská přehrada (Vír Reservoir), and thus, the Brněnská přehrada now serves primarily for recreation. Hotels and guesthouses are located along its shores, and the surrounding forests conceal a multitude of cottages as well as cycling and hiking trails. During the summer season, many people gather mushrooms here, or simply seek refuge from the hot rays of the sun.

Since 1946, boat transport has been operated under the auspices of the municipal transport company. Several excursion boats cruise the surface of the Brněnská přehrada, stopping on both banks. This offers a convenient way to travel quickly during a cycling trip, or perhaps a way to make an outing more exciting for children. Trips by boat are very popular during the season.

In the immediate vicinity of the water, visitors can find a number of playgrounds, relaxation zones, as well as boat and pedal boat rentals. Many local residents relax here in the summer after a demanding day at work in the shade of the trees, or burn off energy playing beach volleyball. The reservoir is easily accessible by car, by bicycle, or even by public transport.

There are many places and bays here suitable for swimming and water sports. Recently, paddleboarding and windsurfing have become very popular. It is only necessary to catch the right wind to be able to zip across the Brněnská přehrada from one side to the other. Other popular sports include canoeing, water skiing, and rowing. A yachting and rowing club also operates on the Brněnská přehrada.

Should you decide to explore the reservoir from the deck of an excursion boat, it is highly recommended not to miss hrad Veveří (Veveří Castle), which towers over the reservoir like a sentinel lighthouse and guardian of the waters. This allows visitors to combine relaxation by the water with a historical experience and hiking.

Every year before the summer, the Brněnská přehrada becomes the venue for the global fireworks festival Ignis Brunensis. The spectacular pyrotechnic show lasts for several evenings and is accompanied by music that carries across the entire Bystrc district. It is a beautiful experience and a very popular cultural event.

If you are not from the immediate vicinity, it is recommended to stay by the Brněnská přehrada for a few days to explore all of Brno's attractions and ensure nothing of importance is missed. It is not for nothing that Brno is considered one of the leading multicultural cities in Europe. Truly, many experiences await you here. Therefore, do not hesitate; book suitable accommodation by the Brněnská přehrada and come to see for yourselves.

Věstonická nádrž is the middle reservoir of the Nové Mlýny waterworks on the Dyje river in the South Moravian Region, in the Břeclav district. The remaining two reservoirs, Mušovská and Novomlýnská, are used for recreation today, but Věstonická nádrž has been left to natural processes; swimming is prohibited, and thanks to this, it is now a rare ornithological site. The history of the creation of Věstonická nádrž is contradictory and sad, even though it is a unique nature reserve today.

The Novomlýnské nádrže reservoirs were built between 1975 and 1988. Věstonická nádrž was test-filled in 1981, but it was discovered that the dam was leaking in places, so it was only filled after necessary repairs in 1987. Due to the construction of the reservoirs, the historic village of Mušov, which had been mentioned since the 12th century, was demolished. The residents had to move out, and almost the entire village is now under the surface of the Věstonická přehrada. The only reminder of Mušov is an island in the middle of the reservoir, originally a hill, with the kostel sv. Linharta, probably the oldest Romanesque ecclesiastical building in the Břeclav area. However, it is beginning to fall into disrepair, as the island is difficult to access, the maintenance of the monument is complex, and entry to the reserve is restricted.

Věstonická nádrž was declared a nature reserve on 11 February 1994, and its area covers more than one thousand hectares. The reason for the protection is the nesting of rare bird species, especially tundra geese, but one can also see white-tailed eagles, some species of gulls, black and white storks flying over the surface, and peregrine falcons hunting here as well. However, Věstonická nádrž can only be observed from the path leading along the dam separating it from the lower Novomlýnská nádrž, i.e., the road connecting Strachotín and Dolní Věstonice. Via the second dam, which separates the upper Mušovská nádrž, one can reach Pohořelice and Mikulov.

Should you wish to learn more about Věstonická nádrž, set off along the educational trail of the same name around the reservoir, which begins in Pasohlávky, leads through several natural monuments on the way to the dam of the Strachotínský rybník pond, and further to Dolní Věstonice, where there is also a museum with the exhibition Věk lovců a mamutů, which will introduce visitors to the local archaeological finds. The route ends at Rybníkářství Pohořelice, where one can further supplement knowledge about the fish that live in the Novomlýnské nádrže reservoirs. The entire route measures 16 km and can be completed both on foot and by bike.

Are you planning to spend some time here, but are unsure where best to find accommodation near Věstonická nádrž? We are happy to advise. Try guesthouses in Strachotín or Pavlov. If you love accommodation by the water, then you cannot miss the campsites at Věstonická nádrž. If you would prefer to feel "at home", private accommodation in Perná or Pasohlávky will suit you well. Hotels at Věstonická nádrž then offer a higher standard of services.

Regardless of the accommodation chosen from the local offer, visitors may set out to explore the surroundings from anywhere. If you are a lover of castles and chateaux, then you should explore the Děvičky ruins and the remains of the Neuhaus castle. In Pavlov, visit the archeopark, and a nearby unique natural monument is also the Kalendář věků. However, Jižní Morava is not only about beautiful nature but also about fun on the water. In addition to the two mentioned Novomlýnské nádrže reservoirs, where visitors may enjoy various water sports, there is also Aqualand Moravia in Pasohlávky, where both adults and children will enjoy a full day of wet fun. And for fans of adrenaline sports, there is Wake Merkur, where water skiing and wakeboarding can be tried. You will therefore have plenty of fun and discovery provided in the vicinity of Věstonická nádrž.

The flooded Zatopený lom Želeč u Drysic is a picturesque and popular site that originated as a remnant of stone mining and now serves as a tranquil natural location.

The site is located between the municipalities of Želeč and Drysice, in the Vyškov district, on the border of the Haná and Drahanská vrchovina regions. The quarry is characterized by its clean water, which, due to its depth, maintains a refreshing temperature even during the peak of summer heat. Access to the water surface is modified in several places; however, the overall character of the site remains natural, without asphalt paths or organized facilities. The surroundings of the quarry are lined with high rock walls, which are popular with cliff jumpers, although this activity requires maximum caution. Given that this is an unofficial swimming spot, great emphasis is placed on the responsibility of visitors towards nature, especially regarding the maintenance of cleanliness. The site is surrounded by deciduous trees that provide natural shade, and thanks to its location in a gently rolling landscape, it offers a peaceful atmosphere suitable for relaxation and rest from the bustle of the city.

What can you find here?

Within the area, you will find a flooded water surface with various levels of access to the water, from gentle banks to steep rock ledges. The surroundings of the quarry consist of grassy and earthy areas suitable for sunbathing or picnics, and a network of narrow beaten paths leading around the entire perimeter of the quarry. As this is a natural site, there are no snack bars, changing rooms, or toilets here; therefore, it is necessary to equip yourself with everything you need in advance.

Who is the place suitable for?

The location is ideal for lovers of natural swimming and people looking for silence and privacy in the bosom of nature. It is also sought after by young people and groups of friends due to the possibility of jumping into the water from the rocks; however, due to the absence of lifeguards and rescue equipment, it is recommended only for proficient swimmers. The place is also suitable for dog owners, who can enjoy free movement by the water here, and for photographers attracted by the contrast of the light rock and the turquoise surface.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Just a short distance from the quarry is the village of Drysice, where you can view the historic building of the local granary or the kostel Narození Panny Marie. For history lovers, the town of Vyškov with its zoopark and Dinopark is within accessible distance. If you are looking for further natural beauty, we recommend a visit to the Moravský kras with its caves, which is located west of the site, or the rozhledna Chocholík near Drnovice, which offers a view of the entire Vyškovská brána.

A flooded mining pit transformed into a natural oasis on the outskirts of Prague

The water area is located in the Praha-Zličín district, in close proximity to modern residential developments. It was formed by the flooding of a former clay pit (a clay mining pit) that belonged to a local brickyard operating in the first half of the 20th century. Originally, raw materials for brick and chamotte production were extracted here, and after mining operations ceased, the pit gradually filled with water from springs and precipitation.

Today, following extensive revitalisation, the lake serves as a significant landscape-forming element and is primarily used for recreation and walks. The site is also a popular fishing ground (non-trout) where fishing is permitted with a valid permit. Water from the reservoir also serves to supply the restored Řepský potok, which flows out of the lake. Swimming is not officially permitted here, and the water serves primarily for the ecosystem.

Access

The lake is easily accessible by public transport, located within walking distance (approx. 10 minutes) from the terminus station of the metro line B – Zličín. For motorists, it is best to use the high-capacity car parks of the shopping centres in Zličín (e.g., Metropole Zličín), from where a footpath leads to the water. There is no official car park directly at the reservoir.

Points of Interest

In the immediate vicinity of the lake, the new Park Na Prameništi has been built, offering relaxation zones, play elements for children, and footbridges over wetlands. Just a short distance away is the bustling Zličín shopping zone with numerous shops and services. For transport history enthusiasts, the nearby Pražský Semmering is of interest – a railway line with viaducts in Hlubočepy (accessible by train from Zličín). A walk to the Hliník lake offers surprising peace and a piece of nature in contrast to the surrounding urban development. It is an ideal place for a short escape from the bustle of the big city combined with watching the water surface.

Key reservoir with historical purpose and recreational use

Znojemská přehrada (also known as the Znojmo reservoir) is a medium-sized water management reservoir located on the Dyje river near the historical town of Znojmo in the Znojmo district, in the Jihomoravský kraj. The dam was built in 1966 and serves primarily for water supply, flood protection, and, to a limited extent, for recreation and fishing. The banks of the reservoir are forested and offer pleasant paths for walking and cycling with views of the meanders of the Dyje river.

Access

A well-maintained road leads to the dam from the town of Znojmo (accessible from road number 38). For motorists, a free car park with sufficient capacity is available, located by the dam wall and on the edge of the forested area. Access to the dam wall is very easy. The nearest railway station, Znojmo, is less than three kilometres away.

What is worth exploring

In the vicinity, one can find the historical town of Znojmo with its dominant Znojemský hrad and the Rotunda sv. Kateřiny Znojmo. Less than twenty kilometres to the north lies the extensive Národní park Podyjí with the unique Šobes vineyards and Hrad Hardegg (in Austria). It is also worth visiting the Větrný mlýn v Kuželově and the Zámek Vranov nad Dyjí.