Lakes and dams Střední Morava

Plumlovská přehrada is an extensive water body on the border of the Drahanská vrchovina and Haná. It lies on the Hloučela River about 3 kilometres from Prostějov. It ranks among our oldest reservoirs and covers an area of 65 hectares. Its construction began as early as 1913 and initially did not meet with great enthusiasm among the population. Originally, it was supposed to be completed within five years, but World War I interrupted the plans. The complete finishing of the Plumlov dam thus took place only in 1932.

The main reason for construction was primarily flood protection and the support of the flow of the Hloučela River. However, a flood came sooner, and so in 1920, a large amount of water from persistent rain caused such damage at the dam that the final construction cost increased up to twelvefold.

Now, Plumlovská přehrada serves mainly tourists and athletes. Grassy beaches and refreshments are available, but for anyone who is not entertained by merely lying by the water, the offer of one of the rental shops can be utilized to cross the surface criss-cross on a paddle boat or a small boat. Other water sports also do not remain in the background, and so it is possible to see skilled paddleboarders or fast kayakers.

The Plumlov water reservoir is also important from a cultural perspective. Various significant events for the general public have taken place here, for example, the International Music Festival for Children and Youth with Disabilities as well as a large number of other concerts. An interesting and relatively popular event is also the dragon boat race, which takes place on various water bodies throughout the republic.

Not far from the dam is the early Baroque zámek Plumlov, part of which is also the torso of the never-completed castle of the same name. Visitors' holiday by Plumlovská přehrada thus does not have to be solely about swimming, but history lovers will also find something to their liking. After all, tourists and cyclists will not come up short either. A number of marked trails lead through the surroundings of the dam; visitors simply need to choose the one that suits them. Then it is only a matter of planning a date, finding suitable accommodation near Plumlovská přehrada, and coming to relax from demanding working days.

The flooded Zatopený lom Želeč u Drysic is a picturesque and popular site that originated as a remnant of stone mining and now serves as a tranquil natural location.

The site is located between the municipalities of Želeč and Drysice, in the Vyškov district, on the border of the Haná and Drahanská vrchovina regions. The quarry is characterized by its clean water, which, due to its depth, maintains a refreshing temperature even during the peak of summer heat. Access to the water surface is modified in several places; however, the overall character of the site remains natural, without asphalt paths or organized facilities. The surroundings of the quarry are lined with high rock walls, which are popular with cliff jumpers, although this activity requires maximum caution. Given that this is an unofficial swimming spot, great emphasis is placed on the responsibility of visitors towards nature, especially regarding the maintenance of cleanliness. The site is surrounded by deciduous trees that provide natural shade, and thanks to its location in a gently rolling landscape, it offers a peaceful atmosphere suitable for relaxation and rest from the bustle of the city.

What can you find here?

Within the area, you will find a flooded water surface with various levels of access to the water, from gentle banks to steep rock ledges. The surroundings of the quarry consist of grassy and earthy areas suitable for sunbathing or picnics, and a network of narrow beaten paths leading around the entire perimeter of the quarry. As this is a natural site, there are no snack bars, changing rooms, or toilets here; therefore, it is necessary to equip yourself with everything you need in advance.

Who is the place suitable for?

The location is ideal for lovers of natural swimming and people looking for silence and privacy in the bosom of nature. It is also sought after by young people and groups of friends due to the possibility of jumping into the water from the rocks; however, due to the absence of lifeguards and rescue equipment, it is recommended only for proficient swimmers. The place is also suitable for dog owners, who can enjoy free movement by the water here, and for photographers attracted by the contrast of the light rock and the turquoise surface.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Just a short distance from the quarry is the village of Drysice, where you can view the historic building of the local granary or the kostel Narození Panny Marie. For history lovers, the town of Vyškov with its zoopark and Dinopark is within accessible distance. If you are looking for further natural beauty, we recommend a visit to the Moravský kras with its caves, which is located west of the site, or the rozhledna Chocholík near Drnovice, which offers a view of the entire Vyškovská brána.

Natural monument with fossil findings in the Zlín Region

Kurovický lom, situated in the Zlín Region, is a former limestone quarry covering an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, which is now protected as a natural monument. The quarry is significant for its geological and paleontological findings, particularly for its unique examples of Jurassic sediments and the abundant occurrence of marine animal fossils. A smaller body of water has also formed here, serving as an important biotope for amphibians and dragonflies. The site is important for scientific research and education.

Access

Kurovický lom is located south of the village of Kurovice. Access by car is possible directly to the edge of the quarry via a local road, with limited-capacity free parking available. The nearest bus stop, Kurovice, is approximately 1 km away on foot. The nearest railway station, Hulín (line 330), is about 5 km away. Access to the quarry viewpoint is year-round and unrestricted, although entry into the quarry itself is limited for safety reasons.

What to see

In the immediate vicinity of Kurovický lom, visitors may explore the historic town of Kroměříž with the Arcibiskupský zámek and the extensive Květná zahrada and Podzámecká zahrada, which are on the UNESCO list. It is also possible to visit the town of Holešov with Zámek Holešov and a popular rope centre. Another point of interest is the Rozhledna Hostýn near the village of Bystřice pod Hostýnem, which offers a panoramic view of the Hostýnské vrchy.

The Vodní nádrž Karolinka can be found in the south of the town of the same name, in forested hilly terrain between the Vsetínské vrchy and Javorníky mountain ranges. It lies on the Velká Stanovnice river. For this reason, this area is sometimes also referred to as the Vodní nádrž Stanovnice. The town of Karolinka is interesting not only because of this reservoir, but tourists are also attracted by the local Skiareál Karolinka or the Valašské národní divadlo. It is certainly among the frequent destinations for travellers within the Vsetín district and the entire Zlínský kraj.

Construction of the dam began in June 1977 and was completed in 1985. Two years later, it was put into permanent operation. During the filling of the dam, several predominantly agricultural homesteads were flooded. These residents moved into several apartment buildings and family houses in Karolinka that were built for this purpose.

The main task of the Vodní nádrž Karolinka is to ensure a supply of drinking water for the inhabitants of the Vsetín, Klobouky, Valašsko, and Zlín regions, as well as to regulate the water flow of the river and protect the surroundings from potential floods. During warm and dry months, on the other hand, it serves to maintain at least the minimum flow.

The length of the Karolinka dam wall is 391.5 metres, its width is 5 metres, and its height above the riverbed is 35.5 metres. The water surface area is just under 51 hectares. In 1995, two turbine sets were installed at the bottom outlet closures, allowing for water extraction from three different depth levels in the reservoir, which enabled the construction of a small hydroelectric power plant.

In terms of water quality, the Vodní nádrž Karolinka is among the highest-quality reservoirs in the Morava river basin. This is mainly due to the purity of the Velká Stanovnice river, which rises directly on the slopes of the Javorníky. In the reservoir, the water neither overheats nor becomes polluted from the surroundings, as there are almost no villages or industrial or agricultural enterprises in its immediate vicinity. With its clear surface, it attracts people primarily in the summer for swimming and water sports. However, this is strictly prohibited due to the purpose of the dam.

Therefore, one should at least go for a walk around the water reservoir, which provides excellent living conditions for a large number of plants and animals. You can see various species of water birds, such as the mallard or the osprey. Among fish, graylings and pikes are represented. And if you are lucky, you may even encounter crayfish.

The easiest access to the Vodní nádrž Karolinka is by car, which you can park on the widened road shoulder by the dam wall. A marked cycle path or two hiking trails also lead nearby. You can follow these to reach other interesting places that Karolinka offers. In addition to the aforementioned ski resort and theatre, there is, for example, the Muzeum sklářství, which has had a rich history here since 1860. Other tourist routes will take you to further corners of the Chráněná krajinná oblast Beskydy.

If you plan to spend your holiday in this picturesque region, you will likely be looking for a place where you can relax after a day full of experiences and prepare for new adventures. Accommodation near the Vodní nádrž Karolinka is provided by cottages and chalets, picturesque log cabins, private accommodation, as well as high-quality apartments. A higher standard of lodging, including services, is offered by guesthouses and hotels. Conversely, a somewhat wilder but romantic type of accommodation is provided by campsites. Whatever you choose, we are sure that you will certainly enjoy your stay here.

On the upper reaches of the Rožnovská Bečva river, which flows through the Zlínský kraj, the Horní Bečva water reservoir was built during the Second World War. Although it is a relatively small dam in the village of Horní Bečva in the Vsetín district, over time it has gained the favour of a large number of tourists who spend their holidays domestically.

Construction of the Horní Bečva dam began as early as 1933, but it was not completed and put into operation until 1947. As is often the case with dams, the original intention was to prevent destructive floods in the Bečva river basin. Several similarly small reservoirs were planned for the area, but only the Bystřička dam was realised alongside Horní Bečva. An interesting fact is that a condition for the construction of the reservoir was the non-interruption of road traffic leading through the valley; therefore, the road first had to be diverted from the valley to the right slope of the future reservoir. The last reconstruction took place between 2005 and 2006, when Horní Bečva was drained.

When heading to the Horní Bečva waterworks, visitors should expect grassy beaches and a gradual sandy entry into the water. The maximum depth in the reservoir is around 7 metres, and the dam measures only 250 metres. If you are expecting crystal-clear water, you may be disappointed. The water in the Horní Bečva dam is naturally slightly turbid and tends to have a brownish-green colour. It is a popular spot for fishing, and there is also the possibility of engaging in water sports. Another advantage is the option of accommodation in the immediate vicinity of the dam.

If you wish to enjoy your holiday in peace, we recommend securing accommodation near the Horní Bečva water reservoir in advance. The best course of action is to check the offers of guesthouses, apartments, or campsites directly in the village of the same name. Larger groups will also find spacious cabins or cottages here, and even stylish dřevěnice (traditional wooden houses). Should it happen that everywhere is full during the peak season, the neighbouring Prostřední Bečva and Dolní Bečva, or perhaps Velké Karlovice, offer an equally varied range of accommodation. Regardless of your choice, your comfort is assured.

And now, we may look around the surroundings to see where else you might set off. If you are a dedicated nature lover and nothing attracts you more than peace and fresh air, take a trip to the Miloňová lookout tower or the Kněhyně – Čertův mlýn nature reserve. And if you have never been to Radhošť, you should stop by on your way past the Radegast statue. In unfavourable weather, you may visit, for example, the Muzeum sklářství Karolinka or the Valašské národní divadlo. And if you are heading to Severní Morava with children, they will surely be thrilled by a visit to the Tarzanie rope park in nearby Trojanovice. Simply choose your dates and accommodation. So, feel free to get started.

Home of crayfish beneath Žulový vrch

The dense forest growth on the northern foothills of Žulový vrch in the Rychlebské hory conceals the quiet water surface of a former quarry, whose impressive surroundings faithfully remind us of the industrial past of this region to this day. Arcibiskupský lom (sometimes also called Biskupský lom) is located in the cadastral area of the village of Vápenná in the Olomouc Region in Czechia. This interesting natural location was created in an area where high-quality building stone was intensively mined in the past. After the definitive end of all mining operations, the area naturally filled with water and today forms a picturesque and harmonious part of the deep forest environment.

What you will find at the quarry

The main attraction of the site is a deep flooded water body with crystal-clear water, surrounded by rock walls and the adjacent forest growth. In addition to its strong natural character, this place is immensely significant from a strictly ecological perspective, as it is one of the important locations for the regular occurrence of the protected noble crayfish. Given that the quarry is located completely off the main tourist routes and a strict ban on motor vehicles applies here, it constantly maintains its rare, peaceful, and undisturbed atmosphere.

Who the place is suitable for

This location is ideally suited for perceptive tourists, lovers of quiet nature, and hiking enthusiasts who purposefully seek out quieter corners without any signs of commercial tourism. Due to the forest access without the direct option of parking right by the water and the complete absence of any tourist infrastructure, it is designed for visitors who prefer moving through nature on their own two feet.

Where to go for a trip in the surroundings

In the immediate vicinity of the village of Vápenná, there are other well-known flooded quarries, such as the popular lom Vycpálek, or diverse historical and natural points of interest scattered throughout the entire Jeseníky region. Parking for visitors is available in designated parking areas in the village of Vápenná, from where pleasant forest paths and quiet hiking trails lead to the quarry itself.

Accommodation options in the village and surroundings

Since Arcibiskupský lom represents a freely accessible natural location deep in the forest, a wider and more comfortable range of accommodation facilities, such as cozy guesthouses, traditional cottages, chalets, or apartments, can be found directly in the village of Vápenná, in the neighboring Černá Voda, or throughout the region of the Rychlebské hory and Jeseníky, which are easily accessible by car.

The wild water oasis of the Rychlebské hory

The forests of the Rychlebské hory conceal an impressive flooded granite quarry with a high vertical wall, which faithfully reflects the fascinating industrial past of this region. Lom Rampa is located in the cadastral area of the village of Černá Voda in the Olomouc Region in Czechia and rightfully belongs among the most sought-after natural locations far and wide. The site was created as a result of intensive granite mining, which took place in this area before the beginning of the twentieth century and continued throughout it. After mining operations ended, the space naturally filled with crystal-clear water and transformed into a popular destination for summer trips.

What you will find at the quarry

The main visual element of the site is a massive rock wall reaching a respectable height of approximately 16.5 meters above the water level, in which characteristic notches and traces of mining work are still clearly visible today. The deep water surface itself invites you to refreshing natural swimming at your own risk. However, it is important to know that the area does not provide any sanitary facilities or refreshment stands, as it is a freely accessible flooded quarry completely without a lifeguard or organized services.

Who the place is suitable for

This location is ideal for more experienced swimmers, lovers of wild natural swimming, and enthusiastic photographers. Given that deep water begins almost immediately at the shore and there is no gradual entry whatsoever, the place is not suitable for small children and non-swimmers.

Where to go for a trip in the surroundings

In close proximity are other well-known flooded quarries, such as the picturesque lom Vycpálek u Vápenné or lom Transgranit u Žulové. Directly in the village of Černá Voda, the world-famous Rychlebské stezky also begin, which are a paradise for mountain biking and trail riding enthusiasts. Parking for visitors is possible in designated parking areas around the access roads.

Accommodation options in the village and surroundings

Since Lom Rampa represents a freely accessible natural location without its own accommodation capacities, a wider range of accommodation facilities, such as cozy guesthouses, cottages, chalets, or apartments, can be found directly in the village of Černá Voda, in the nearby town of Žulová, or throughout the region of the Rychlebské hory, which are accessible by passenger car.