Natural swimming spots, from lakes and reservoirs
Whether you’re a backpacking adventurer, a quiet nature observer, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to swim, paddle or unwind, Czechia will surprise you with its water treasures.
Rapids from the game Kingdom Come
The Stvořidla Rapids are a real treat for canoeing enthusiasts. Water rolling over smooth boulders, along with the stunning natural surroundings, make for a romantic trip for lovers of both water and nature — if you’re lucky, you might even spot a kingfisher. The Stvořidla Nature Reserve lies near the historic town of Ledeč nad Sázavou, in the very region where the popular game Kingdom Come: Deliverance is set. This area, about an hour from Prague, is crisscrossed with canoeing routes along the Sázava River, as well as campsites, castles and camping spots, and is also served by the famous Posázaví Pacific railway line.
Peace and Quiet in the heart of the Vysočina region
A little further on, you’ll find a beautiful spot for swimming. In summer, the water in the Velké Dářko pond near Žďár nad Sázavou tends to be pleasantly warm, thanks in part to its shallow depth. Surrounded by pine forests and heathlands, the pond is a popular destination for windsurfers and nature lovers alike. You can camp there, rent boats, and or walk along an educational trail nearby, with wooden walkways through wetlands full of protected plant species.
FYI: In the east of Czechia, near the Luhačovice spa, which received the 2025 Grand Award for Spa Inspiration for the restoration of the Sun Spa, you can enjoy swimming in the reservoir. It’s an ideal place for both active and leisurely recreation.
Romance, by Charles IV
One of the most picturesque and iconic natural swimming spots in Czechia is Lake Mácha, founded in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV. It draws visitors with its sandy beaches, pine groves, and an atmosphere reminiscent of seaside resorts. Boat trips, paddleboarding, cycle paths and views of the majestic Bezděz Castle provide the perfect backdrop for a summer escape in the heart of the Czech landscape.
A modern oasis from a former mine
Lake Milada in North Bohemia is a prime example of successful ecological transformation. It was created by flooding a former brown coal mine. Today, it offers not only swimming in crystal-clear water, but also paddleboarding and birdwatching. Walking paths around the lake reveal an open landscape with views of the impressive Central Bohemian Uplands.
Glacial gems of the Šumava
In the heart of the Šumava National Park, beyond Lipno — a vast reservoir ideal for water-oriented tourism — lie two mysterious glacial lakes. They are called Černé (Black) and Čertovo (Devil´s), and you can visit both on a hiking trip (swimming is prohibited due to the protected status of the area). A moderately challenging, eight-kilometer circular route from the Špičácké sedlo parking lot takes you past rocky outcrops, streams, and spots offering beautiful views of the river canyon.
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Where wild waters write their own story
Tucked into the heart of the Czech Highlands, the Stvořidla Nature Reserve near Ledeč nad Sázavou is nature at its most untamed.
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Trade the crowds for calm
Just beyond the well-trodden paths of Central Europe, Velké Dářko Lake invites the curious to uncover the unexpected.
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Step into sunshine, shaped by genius
In the heart of Luhačovice, tradition meets tranquility at the newly restored Jurkovič Hydrotherapy Institute—a masterpiece of folk architecture and wellness reborn.
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Where legend floats on the water
At Máchovo jezero, yachts rock gently on a wooden dock, their reflections shimmering in the stillness of the lake.
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Lake Lipno
On Lake Lipno, sailboats glide across glassy waters framed by South Bohemia’s whispering forests. This is where adventure doesn’t rush—it floats.
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Šumava National Park
Tucked deep within the wild heart of Šumava National Park, the glacial waters of Black Lake (Černé jezero) lie silent and still—framed by spruce forest and steep, untamed slopes.
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