Lakes and dams Praha - Kbely

Natural Swimming Areas in the Central Bohemian Region

Jezero Lhota, located in the Central Bohemian Region, is a large natural swimming area formed by the flooding of a sandpit after mining operations ceased in 1983. With an area of approximately 25 hectares and a depth of up to seven metres, it is one of the most popular recreational locations in the vicinity of Prague. The lake is valued for its clear, blue-green water and extensive sandy and grassy beaches, which are lined by pine forests. The fenced complex offers full sanitary facilities and opportunities for sports such as beach volleyball, minigolf, or paddleboarding. The area is also known for its designated nudist beaches.

Access

Jezero Lhota is situated east of the village of Lhota, approximately 20 km from Prague. Access by car is possible via the D10 motorway (Stará Boleslav exit), with parking available at a large-capacity paid car park by the complex. Bus transport is provided by line number 669 from Stará Boleslav, with the nearest stop, Lhota, obec, located within a 300-metre walking distance. It is possible to travel by train to the Dřísy station (line 232), from where the lake is approximately a 2 km walk. The main swimming season and full operation of the paid entrance usually last from 1 May to 30 September, with access restricted outside of this period.

Points of Interest

In the immediate vicinity of Jezero Lhota, visitors may explore the historic town of Brandýs nad Labem – Stará Boleslav, where Zámek Brandýs nad Labem, a Renaissance chateau with an extensive park, is located, or the Bazilika svatého Václava ve Staré Boleslavi, a significant pilgrimage site. For enthusiasts of technical monuments, Volmanova vila in Čelákovice, a functionalist architectural landmark, is of particular interest. Not far from Lhota, there is another flooded sandpit, Jezero Konětopy, which is also used for swimming and recreation.

Hostivařská přehrada, or the Vodní nádrž Hostivař reservoir, is the largest body of water within the territory of the capital city of Prague. It stretches along the city's southeastern edge on the Botič stream. From an aerial view, the reservoir's surface has a serpentine shape; it is 2.5 kilometres long and up to 400 metres wide in places. Its maximum depth is 12 metres, and it also incorporates a small hydroelectric power plant.

The primary reason for the reservoir's construction was flood protection. However, Hostivař also serves anglers and, of course, vacationers. On the northern side, the reservoir is bordered by a forest park, which is part of the Přírodní park Hostivař - Záběhlice. In the southern section, visitors can find beaches and other necessary facilities.

At the main beach, a long sandy area with a gradual entry into the water is available, making it suitable even for small children. Visitors may make use of numerous spots for resting and sunbathing, refreshment stalls, changing rooms, and showers. Trampolines and a giant water slide with a timer are prepared for children, while a fitness zone is available for athletes. Visitors can try wakeboarding, rent paddleboards, or play beach volleyball on the court. Various sports and cultural programmes take place throughout the season, and childcare is available on weekends for those with younger children. Nothing, therefore, stands in the way of enjoying a day at Hostivařská přehrada to the fullest.

In the quietest part of the complex, separated from the main beach by a forest, one of the oldest naturist beaches in the Czech Republic is located. Refreshment kiosks, sports equipment rentals, and sanitary facilities are also situated here. If you are a proponent of naturism, you should certainly not miss Hostivařská přehrada.

The Vodní nádrž Hostivař also serves for fishing. However, it is necessary to count on many restrictions, as the primary focus here is recreational use, to which all activities on the reservoir are subordinated. For instance, baiting and polluting the reservoir from the shore or from boats are prohibited. Carp fishing predominates, though you may also catch bream or eel.

During the summer season, Hostivařská přehrada is one of the most visited Prague attractions. Thanks to its easy accessibility from the centre, it is frequently used by permanent residents who come here to relax after a demanding workday. On weekends, those who come to Prague for a trip or a longer holiday also come here to cool off. For them, a number of guesthouses, hotels, and apartments are available in the immediate vicinity. Due to the attractiveness of the surroundings, finding suitable accommodation near Hostivařská přehrada is relatively easy. The range of options is truly extensive. One need only choose carefully so that your holiday in Prague becomes an unforgettable experience.

The Džbán Reservoir is situated in the northwestern part of Prague and covers an area of 13 hectares. Following the Hostivař Reservoir, it is the second largest natural swimming area in Prague. It is located in close proximity to the Divoká Šárka Nature Reserve on the Litovicko-Šárecký Potok stream. The main reasons for its construction between 1966 and 1971 were recreational and fishing purposes. Additionally, the Džbán Reservoir serves as a balancing element of the watercourse in the event of floods.

In the past, the Džbán Dam had its muddy bottom removed and therefore now offers crystal-clear water. The complex can be divided into two parts. In the standard section, a grassy beach or sun loungers are available to visitors. The rental shop is pleased to provide pedal boats, paddleboards or small boats, allowing visitors to explore all the corners of the reservoir. Should visitors feel hungry or thirsty, the refreshment stalls offer their services.

For naturism enthusiasts, a nudist beach is also available at Džbán. The area is clearly marked to prevent any misunderstandings and to ensure visitors do not find themselves where they did not intend to be. A car park is situated directly in front of the complex, where cars can be parked safely. Given that the Džbán Reservoir lies within the territory of Prague, it is also accessible by public transport.

Thanks to its location near the Šárka Valley, the Džbán Reservoir is an excellent strategic point for spending a pleasant day. Those who do not enjoy lounging by the water can set out on a bicycle or on in-line skates along the nearby cycle path. The stunning nature of Divoká Šárka allows visitors to forget for a moment that they are located in a hectic metropolis. However, if the Džbán Reservoir is to be part of a holiday, suitable accommodation should be found. Beautiful guesthouses, apartments and hotels are available in the capital city. Thanks to the metro, visitors can move from one end of Prague to the other in a relatively short time, making it possible to visit a larger number of attractions in a single day. Therefore, it matters little whether accommodation is booked near the Džbán Reservoir or in its wider surroundings. In any case, visitors are wished a pleasant 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.