Lakes and dams South Bohemia

The Římov reservoir was built on the Malše River, south of České Budějovice, near the village of Římov, and it also extends into the cadastral areas of the villages of Velešín and Svatý Jan nad Malší. It was constructed between 1971 and 1978 as a drinking water reservoir for České Budějovice and the surrounding area. The Římov dam is inaccessible to swimmers and anglers. In terms of the reservoir's volume and the volume of water withdrawn, it is currently the largest water supply reservoir in South Bohemia.

Preparation of the project began in the late 1960s, when a decision was made regarding the location of the dam near Římov and the water treatment plant near the village of Plav. Actual construction commenced in January 1974. The dam embankment was completed by the end of 1976. Filling of the reservoir began in June 1978.

The total volume of the reservoir reaches almost 34 million m3, and the flooded area covers 210 hectares. The embankment dam is 290 m long and 47.5 m high. A road and a red tourist trail run along the dam between Římov and Svatý Jan nad Malší. The reinforced concrete tower structure is the location of the shaft for the small bottom outlet, as well as two water intake shafts and two additional bottom outlets. The upper machine room at the top is accessible via a steel footbridge from the dam crest. A small hydroelectric power plant is located in the lower machine room.

As the main source of drinking water for South Bohemia, the Římov reservoir is protected by conservation zones; the first zone is forested, while in the second and third zones, any activity is governed by management principles. Wastewater treatment plants exist in larger villages within the reservoir basin.

If visitors wish to view the dam from various angles, they can walk along the yellow trail from Římov to Velešín on the western bank, and a blue tourist trail winds from Římov to Kaplice on the eastern bank. In addition to the dam, visitors can view the Jesuit Baroque château in Římov, while the castle ruins can be seen in Velešín. It is certainly worthwhile to take a trip to České Budějovice, where visitors can visit the South Bohemian Museum and take a photo by the famous Samson Fountain. The town of Český Krumlov also entices visitors with its history, particularly its château and various museums. One of the most visited places in this region is the Zlatá Koruna Monastery. For families with children, the greatest experience will be a day at ZOO Dvorec in Borovany.

If visitors wish to stay near the Římov reservoir, they should begin their search in the three villages it extends into. Visitors can try entering cottages or private accommodation into a search engine, for example. In addition to Římov, Velešín, and Svatý Jan nad Malší, visitors can also focus on nearby villages; in Zubčice, visitors can look at the offer of guesthouses, Mojné has a choice of cottages and chalets, and Kamenný Újezd welcomes tourists in apartments, for instance. A more diverse range of accommodation can be found in the towns of Kaplice, Český Krumlov, and České Budějovice.

Vlkovský rybník, a sandy paradise among the ponds of the Třeboň region

In the heart of the CHKO Třeboňsko protected landscape area lies Vlkovský rybník, an expansive body of water covering about 44 hectares, created by flooding a sand pit. It is a popular destination for summer swimming and relaxation thanks to its sandy shores and shallow bottom, which create a convenient environment for the whole family.

What awaits visitors here

The area offers clean, shallow water with a sandy shore, perfect for both safe swimming and relaxation. For a stylish trip across the water, there is the option to rent boats. Active visitors can make use of the beach volleyball court, which serves both for sporting fun and for quiet moments by the water.

Who is the pond great for

This area is an ideal destination for families with children looking for safe, natural swimming. Individuals or groups who appreciate a relaxing day by the water with the possibility of refreshments will also find what they are looking for here. The entire space allows for convenient access, and thanks to the beach entry, the area is barrier-free. Due to the nature of the place, entry with dogs is not suitable.

Accessibility and services nearby

Vlkovský rybník is located just a short distance from the village of Vlkov nad Lužnicí. It is easily accessible by car and bicycle, with secure parking nearby. By the pond, you can enjoy refreshments, buy drinks, find a place to rest, or continue further along the surrounding trails.

Water, sand, and peace right outside the town

Vlkovský rybník is an ideal place for a daily escape from the hustle and bustle. Here, sun, water, and sand meet in a harmony that refreshes the body and soul. A perfect choice for relaxing summer moments by the water.

Lipenská přehrada or the Lipno reservoir is the largest artificial lake in the Czech Republic, situated within the territory of the Národní park Šumava. It represents the first stage of the so-called Vltavská kaskáda. Construction began in 1952 and lasted for 7 years. Over these years, the reservoir reached a length of approximately 44 km and was named after the nearby municipality of Lipno nad Vltavou. It extends across the territory of two districts Český Krumlov and Prachatice – and is sometimes referred to as the "South Bohemian Sea".

Lipenská přehrada is not only important from a flood-control perspective, but it is also one of the most visited attractions of the Šumava region. It is particularly sought after by anglers and water sports enthusiasts. Several maintained beaches can be found along its shores. For example, near Lipno nad Vltavou, there is a beautiful grassy beach with refreshment stalls, a pedal boat and boat rental, as well as children's facilities. In its vicinity, Králičí ostrov with a lovely sandy beach can be seen. By renting a pedal boat or a boat, visitors can also view it up close.

Other beaches that can be utilised on the Lipno water reservoir are located in the municipalities of Frymburk, Černá v Pošumaví, Přední Výtoň, or Horní Planá, which is often described as the most beautiful. All of them feature refreshments and the necessary facilities to ensure that nothing is missing and that visitors can enjoy the entire day here.

Popular sports that can be practiced on Lipenská přehrada include, for example, yachting or windsurfing. Boat transport also operates here, and it is possible to book a cruise featuring a special programme, such as live music. A significant structure situated on this reservoir is also the Lipno hydroelectric power plant, which was put into operation in 1959.

Thanks to its strategic location, Lipenská přehrada ranks among attractive tourist destinations. Visitors need not stay solely by the water, as they can also set out to wander through the beautiful nature of the Šumava region or explore surrounding towns. One day is definitely not enough for this area. It is recommended to find suitable accommodation near Lipenská přehrada and experience a holiday that will not be forgotten.

On the territory of the Národní park Šumava, several interesting lakes can be found. One of them is Plešné jezero, which was formerly also called Plekenštejnské jezero or was known by its German designation Plöckensteinsee. This glacial lake lies in the cadastral area of the municipality of Nová Pec, in the Prachatice District. Its maximum depth is 18.3 m and the volume of retained water is around 617,000 m³. It is located at an altitude of 1,090 m a. s. l.

The lake received its naming after Mount Plechý, which is the highest mountain of the Czech part of the Šumava. Water drains from the lake through Jezerní potok and flows into the Vltava River near the Lipno Dam. The lake originated from one of the eleven valley glaciers that were located in the Šumava during the Quaternary period. The edges of Plešné jezero are bordered by a high moraine dam, and at the foot of the mountain, they are carved into the exposed walls of the glacial cirque. The height of the lake wall is up to 260 m.

According to historical records, the first person to explore Plešné jezero was the Rožmberk regent Jakub Krčín z Jelčan. The lake was later used to supply water to the Schwarzenberský plavební kanál. Josef Rosenauer, who was the builder of the canal, thoroughly sealed the lake's moraine and placed discharge sluice gates into the dam. Thanks to this, it was possible to regulate the water in the canal. A small meteorological station is also located on the dam, which investigates and records phenomena, especially precipitation and winds, which have an effect on fluctuations in the lake's water level.

In 1999, the Správa Národního parku Šumava carried out a repair of the dam. Thanks to this, the lake became more accessible and stable. And gradually, a larger number of tourists began to come here as well. At the top of the northwest wall stands the Stifterův památník, which commemorates the well-known Šumava poet Adalbert Stifter. From the platform in front of the monument, there is a magnificent view of the surface of Plešné jezero. The Zážitková naučná stezka "Duch pralesa" leads from this monument back to the lake. And there is one more memorial plaque here. It is dedicated to Jan Nepomuk ze Schwarzenberku, who merited the construction of the Schwarzenberský plavební kanál.

And how do visitors get to Plešné jezero? They can take it by bike, for example. Cycle route No. 1029 from the municipality of Stožec leads visitors all the way to the lake after 12 kilometres. The path also leads partially along the Schwarzenberský plavební kanál, and there is truly much to admire. The magnificent nature of the national park will surely captivate visitors. The last part of the route is somewhat more demanding, but the destination is then well worth it. On the return journey, visitors can disconnect from the route at the navigational canal onto cycle route No. 1023 and get back to Stožec via a circuit through the settlement of Jelení.

In addition to Plešné jezero, other lakes are also located in the Šumava, such as Černé jezero, which is the largest natural lake in the Czech Republic, or Čertovo jezero. Both lie in the vicinity of Železná Ruda, which is a significant sports and tourist center.

Already during the last century, Plešné jezero was a popular destination for tourists who visited the Šumava nature. Therefore, a tourist base Lucemburská chata was built near the lake in 1911. It became the property of the Klub českých turistů, but in 1948 it was seized by the Pohraniční stráž and adapted for the use of the border guard company. It left the building in 1989, and the cottage was demolished.

But visitors do not need to despair. Over time, this tourist-renowned area also began to adapt to the massive interest of visitors. Thanks to this, it is relatively easy to find suitable accommodation near Plešné jezero. When visitors visit our accommodation Prachaticko pages, or alternatively the very popular category accommodation Šumava, they will surely find a cozy place for themselves as well to spend a pleasant holiday.

The Orlík Dam was constructed between 1954 and 1961 in the territory of the Písek and Příbram districts, resulting in the flooding of up to 10 municipalities. Its length reaches 68 kilometres, and it forms a part of the Vltava Cascade. It holds the Czech primary position in terms of water volume and is the second-largest dam in the Czech Republic by surface area. At the same time, however, it ranks among the thinnest dams in the world.

The name was derived from the Orlík Castle, which towers on a rock above the reservoir. During the construction of the dam, aside from the aforementioned flooding of certain municipalities, it was also necessary to relocate an entire church. Concurrently, the Orlík Hydroelectric Power Station was built, which was even awarded at the EXPO 58 exhibition in Brussels. The construction of the entire dam was very demanding and therefore claimed several victims among the workers.

After all, the Orlík Dam was marked by sad and tragic events later on as well. Based on investigations, several bodies of Czech businessmen who were supposed to fall into oblivion beneath the water surface were recovered from the reservoir between 1991 and 1993. Even before that, another three victims were found.

However, the Orlík Reservoir also has its better sides. Several campsites with beaches lie along its shores and are frequently used by holidaymakers for swimming or windsurfing. Refreshment stalls and boat rental shops are also available. Visitors may thus choose, for example, Popelíky, Trhovky, Lavičky, Radava, or Charvátská pláň, which is sought after mainly by naturists.

From the harbour in Orlík nad Vltavou, visitors can also reach the nearby Zvíkov Castle via boat transport and thus plan a wonderful trip combining swimming and sightseeing. Orlík is a significant work and inherently belongs to the list of attractive places suitable for recreation. Visitors are simply invited to find suitable accommodation near the Orlík Dam and the holiday may begin.