Lakes and dams Severní Čechy

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.

The Vodní nádrž Souš reservoir is situated on the Černá Desná river above the town of Desná in the Liberecký kraj region. The road along the Soušská přehrada dam connects the Frýdlantsko and Tanvaldsko regions on the other side of the Jizerské hory mountains; however, it should be noted that the road is not maintained in winter and is closed. In the summer months, however, the area around the reservoir invites visitors for trips.

A settlement of the same name, which even featured a glassworks, stood on the site of today's Souš reservoir as early as the 18th century. However, the settlement had to give way to the construction of two dams—one on the Bílá Desná and the other on the Černá Desná—connected by a tunnel. The dams were built between 1911 and 1915 as flood protection for the Jizerské hory mountains. However, the dam on the Bílá Desná burst just 10 months after its completion in 1916, sweeping away 100 houses and claiming 65 lives. After this disaster, local residents insisted on draining Souš and only refilling it after a thorough inspection of the reservoir's condition to ensure that such a catastrophe would not happen again. The Souš dam was therefore only refilled after reconstruction between 1924 and 1927. In the 1970s, the dam originally served, among other things, for recreation, but since 1973 it has served as a drinking water reservoir for the Tanvaldsko and Jablonecko regions. Fishing and swimming are therefore understandably prohibited, and the area around the Souš reservoir is strictly protected.

The Souš dam covers an area of nearly 86 hectares. Its embankment is earth-fill, and the concrete wall reaches a depth of 8 metres. A 19.1-metre-high tower structure stands in the reservoir, used for water abstraction for water supply purposes. As this is a drinking water reservoir, a water treatment plant stands on its right bank, where water hardness is reduced and its oxidisability and colour are adjusted. Only once treated in this way does the water continue through pipes to the water reservoir in Tanvald and from there to Jablonec nad Nisou.

If you are looking for accommodation in the vicinity of the Vodní nádrž Souš reservoir, you may choose from a wide range of cottages and chalets in Desná. For exploring the nature of the Jizerské hory mountains, you may also wish to use one of the apartments or guesthouses. The Jablonec nad Nisou district is a paradise for skiers, and as such, they are well prepared for tourists here. Thanks to this, you can be sure that accommodation facilities will provide you with sufficient capacity and comfort during the summer season as well.

If you are spending your holiday near the Souš dam, you will certainly appreciate a few tips on where to head. During the winter, several ski resorts operate here, the nearest of which is Ski areál Černá Říčka, just 400 metres from Souš. In the summer, a visit to Ranč pod Štěpánkou and the Tesařov natural monument is recommended. If you wish to learn about the defence of this territory during the Second World War, visit the Muzeum lehkého opevnění Na Pomezí, which includes 50 bunkers built to prevent enemy penetration. And if you are longing for a bit of adrenaline, you can try a rope centre in nearby Harrachov, where you can test your physical fitness. We trust that you will combine your visit to the Vodní nádrž Souš reservoir with other tips for trips in this tourist-popular region and enjoy a pleasant stay.

Mostecké jezero stretches across the northern part of the city of Most. Originally, the historical city of Most stood in this area. In the second half of the twentieth century, reserves were discovered under the city, leading to its demolition. The Ležáky brown coal mine was established here, where mining took place until the end of the 1990s. As part of the reclamation process in the new millennium, the pit was flooded, and it has become a popular recreational spot.

The lake covers an area of 309 ha, making it the second-largest lake in the Czech Republic. Its width reaches 1.9 km, its length 3 km, and its depth reaches up to 71 m in some places. The filling of the pit, which remained here after mining activities, began on 24 October 2008. A feeder was created to the lake, through which water flowed in from the Ohře river. The filling process took place until September 2014, with a break between 2012 and 2013, when the reaction of the surrounding area was monitored. Even after it was filled, the water surface was only in trial operation. It was opened to the public on 12 September 2020, following the modification of the banks and the construction of access roads. The entire area that underwent revitalisation represents 1,300 ha.

At present, the lake contains clear and very clean water. Terraced pebble beaches lead to the water surface, and you will also find piers here that allow easier access to the water. On the shore, you will find a beach volleyball court, a large children's playground, and ping-pong tables. Vacationers with their four-legged friends will also find their own special beaches by the lake. Thanks to its size, there is space on the lake not only for swimming and water sports but also for boat transport. A quiet zone intended for the development of fauna and flora is also designated by the lake. The clear water of the lake, with visibility of up to 8 m, also attracts divers here. Fishing is not possible here due to the controlled stock; eight species of fish live in the water, including northern pike and catfish.

A 9 km-long circuit leads around Mostecké jezero, and you can also walk along an educational trail (2.5 km) that explains the process of filling the lake. During your wanderings, especially in winter, you can observe birds; the water surface is a significant wintering ground, with 26 species having been observed here, including the white-tailed eagle. The cycling path attracts many cyclists and in-line skaters to this area. You can easily reach the lake directly by car via the road network. A spacious car park can be found above the main beach, and in summer, a nearby grassy area also serves this purpose; parking is free of charge. In 2021, facilities with sanitary amenities, refreshments, and seating with a view were built by the water. Further modifications are planned for the future, with attractions for both young and old expected to be added, as well as a harbour and a campsite.

In Most, other attractions are also associated with coal mining. The Uhelné safari will show you how mining takes place in the pits during full operation, and you will also become familiar with the processes of subsequent landscape reclamation. The historical pride of the city is the hrad Hněvín castle. Those who prefer looking at the stars will enjoy a visit to the observatory on Hněvín or the Most planetarium. The city has also thought of those who are not fans of natural swimming; the Aquadrom, with its outdoor and indoor pools, attractions, and wellness zone, is in operation for them.

Searching for accommodation near Mostecké jezero will be a truly easy task. You will find hotels of various types and sizes here without any problem. The offer of apartments is also varied, especially near the centre. A popular choice, especially for families with children, are guesthouses where you can look forward to a friendly approach, comfort, and favourable prices. If you are looking for complete privacy, holiday homes will be your ideal accommodation. For undemanding visitors, a campsite is also recommended here, as is the case by many water bodies. Mostecké jezero