Lakes and dams Lipno

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.