Lakes and dams Střední Čechy

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.

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.

Water Reservoir Hidden in the Forests of the Lánská obora

Klíčavská přehrada was built between 1948 and 1955 on the Klíčava stream in the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area. Its main purpose is to supply the town of Kladno and its surroundings with high-quality drinking water. The dam wall is a concrete gravity structure and reaches a height of over 50 meters. Below the dam, visitors will find a water treatment plant, which is architecturally interesting and built of red stone.

Currently, the reservoir is part of the Lánská obora and falls within the first protection zone of the water source, which is why it is inaccessible to the public. Visitors are permitted to access only the top of the dam wall, which offers a view of the water surface surrounded by deep forests. Neither swimming nor fishing is permitted here.

Access

A marked red tourist trail leads to the dam from the village of Zbečno (approx. 3 km). For motorists, parking is available on the village green in Zbečno or in a smaller car park near the information board before the no-entry sign (approx. 500 m from the dam). The nearest railway station is "Zbečno".

Things Worth Discovering

In nearby Zbečno, visitors can explore the historical Hamousův statek, which is a magnificent example of folk architecture. Not far away stands the majestic royal hrad Křivoklát with its prison and chapel. Directly at the inlet to the reservoir lies the Svatá Alžběta Nature Reserve with its original beech stands.

A walk to the top of the Klíčavská přehrada is a peaceful trip into the heart of the forests of Křivoklátsko. It offers a view of a significant engineering structure in harmony with the surrounding nature.

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.

A system of pools and waterfalls in the Central Bohemian Region

Skryjská jezírka, situated in the Central Bohemian Region within the Týřov nature reserve, represent a picturesque system of waterfalls and small pools on the Zbirožský potok stream. This natural monument is known primarily for the Velký Skryjský vodopád, which is approximately 1.5 metres high. The pools were formed by the erosive activity of the stream in hard shales. The locality is an important geological site and a habitat for protected species of plants and animals. The area is part of the extensive Křivoklátsko region.

Access

Skryjská jezírka are located in the deep valley of the Zbirožský potok near the village of Skryje. Access by car is possible as far as the village of Skryje, where a free car park is available. From there, it is necessary to continue on foot along the red-marked tourist trail through the valley, with the walk to the pools and waterfall being approximately 2.5 km long. The nearest railway station, Skryje (line 176), is about 3 km away. The area is accessible all year round, but the best conditions for hiking are during the season from April to October. During the winter, the trail can be slippery.

What is worth seeing

In the vicinity of Skryjská jezírka, visitors may explore the Zřícenina Hradu Týřov, which is located on the opposite slope above the Berounka river. Visitors may also tour the town of Rakovník with its Husovo náměstí and Baroque town hall. Another point of interest is Hrad Křivoklát, an extensive royal castle which serves as a symbol of the region and is one of the most significant medieval castles in the Czech Republic.