Lakes and dams Mšeno

Máchovo jezero, or "Macháč" as most of us know it, was established on the instructions of the Czech King and Emperor Karel IV. as early as the 14th century, originally as the Velký rybník. It is situated in the town of Doksy in the Česká Lípa district and covers an area of 284 hectares. In the 19th century, it was significantly popularised by the poet Karel Hynek Mácha, who set the plot of his most famous poem, Máj, right here, and in whose honour the lake's name was later changed. It serves as the centre of the region of the same name, Máchův kraj.

On the shores of Máchovo jezero, there are 4 large beaches. For vacationers, there is a variety of campsites, snack stands, and boat rentals available. During the summer season, it is certainly a pleasant experience to set off on a sightseeing cruise by steamer. This allows visitors to get closer to the two islets located on Máchovo jezero, namely Myší and Kachní. As they are an important and protected ornithological site, entry to them is prohibited.

Fishermen and hikers will also find plenty to enjoy here. In the vicinity of Máchovo jezero, there is a multitude of tourist routes and educational trails. One of them is the children's trail Se Čtyřlístkem okolo Blaťáku, which belongs to the nearby Muzeum Čtyřlístku. Máchovo jezero actually served as the inspiration for the lake Blaťák, known precisely from the Čtyřlístek comics. In the northern part of Máchovo jezero stands Jarmilina skála. It was by jumping from this rock that Jarmila, the heroine of Karel Hynek Mácha's poem Máj, ended her life.

Máchovo jezero has also gained fans outside the summer season. As soon as its surface freezes and is covered with snow, skaters and cross-country skiers from the surrounding area can be seen rushing across it. It is therefore a place that can be visited throughout the year. Visitors are invited to come to Máchův kraj and discover the beautiful places that Karel Hynek Mácha extolled in his poems. By booking accommodation at Máchovo jezero in advance, guests can experience a truly romantic holiday.

Natural swimming area in the Central Bohemian Region near Brandýs nad Labem

Jezero Konětopy, situated in the Central Bohemian Region, is another natural swimming area that was formed by the flooding of a sandpit after mining operations ceased in the second half of the 20th century. With an area of approximately 30 hectares, it is one of the popular recreational locations in the region. The lake is characterised by its clear water and extensive sandy beaches, which are lined by pine forests. The site is partially fenced and offers facilities including restrooms and refreshments during the summer season. It is sought after for a quieter atmosphere than other, larger lakes.

Access

Jezero Konětopy is located north of the village of Konětopy. By car, access is available from the I/10 or II/610 roads. A free car park with limited capacity is available at the site. The closest public transport stop for bus services is Konětopy, obec, located about 500 metres from the site. The Dřísy railway station (line 232) is about a 3 km walk away. The main swimming season and full operation of services usually last from 1 June to 31 August, though swimming is also possible outside the season without services.

What is worth exploring

In the near vicinity of Jezero Konětopy, visitors may visit the historic town of Brandýs nad Labem – Stará Boleslav, where the Zámek Brandýs nad Labem is located, a Renaissance chateau with an extensive park, or the Bazilika svatého Václava in Stará Boleslav. Visitors may also visit the town of Lysá nad Labem with the Zámek Lysá nad Labem and the historic town hall. Nearby, there is also the larger Jezero Lhota, which also serves for swimming.