Where to Swim this Summer in Czechia? Best Lakes Around Czechia

Czechia is home to a collection of water bodies, from historic ponds and lakes to scenic quarries, each offering opportunities for swimming, boating, and relaxing.

Machovo Lake

Lake Machová is actually the largest lake in Bohemia, created during the reign of Charles IV. In summer, visitors can swim, fish, ride boats and catamarans, and rent paddleboats. There are also 30-minute sightseeing water excursions available. The shores boast four large sandy beaches, a water park, and an indoor pool for bad weather. In winter, Lake Machová freezes over, transforming into a natural ice rink.

Location: Near the town of Doksy, Liberec region

Lake Konetopi

Lake Konetopi is a flooded sand pit that was opened for swimming relatively recently. It features a grassy and small sandy beach on one side. The water is clean and clear, but vacationers might spot freshwater jellyfish during the season. Note that dogs are not allowed on the beaches.

Location: Between the villages of Konotopy and Drzysy, Central Bohemia region

Lake Lhota

Located 20 km from Prague, Lake Lhota is a large body of water on the site of a former sand pit. Some areas are as deep as 14 meters, but the water heats up well. The lake has well-equipped beaches with all conveniences, including the country’s oldest nudist beach. During the summer, lifeguards are on duty. The site offers parking for 2,500 cars, indicating its popularity.

Visitors can reach Lake Lhota from the Černý Most area toward Brandýs nad Labem. On weekends, a shuttle bus from Prague stops 300 meters from the lake.

Slapy

This lake offers excellent conditions for yachting, windsurfing, and water skiing. Swimming and sunbathing are also popular activities. The coast features numerous campsites and paid sand and grassy beaches connected by hiking trails and bike paths. Popular holiday destinations include Nová Rabyně, Ždáň, Měřín, and both Stará and Nová Živohošť.

Slapy is the sixth largest dam in the Czech Republic, standing 60 meters high and 260 meters long. During summer weekends, the historic steamer “Vltava” and the ship “Cecilia” run between Prague and Slapy.

Location: Near the village of Slapy, 33 km south of Prague

Harasov Baths in the Kokořín Valley

The Harasov Pond, with its grassy shore and two sandy beaches, is nestled among sandstone rocks. Although the water is quite cold, it is always clear with a sandy bottom. The Przowka River flows into the pond.

Location: 12 km from Mělník, Central Bohemia Region

Probošťské Lakes

These lakes are former quarries where gravel was mined. The best spot for swimming is a paid sandy beach in a fenced campsite 1.5 km north of Brandis nad Labem. The lakes also host music and cultural events and are popular with windsurfers.

Location: Near Brandýs nad Labem-Stara Boleslav, Central Bohemia Region

Hřímeždice Quarry

Once used for army diver training, this flooded granite pit is now an attraction for extreme sports enthusiasts who dive from heights of 10 meters. Others can enjoy swimming, playing beach volleyball, or sunbathing on the breakwater. Dogs are not allowed.

Location: Near Příbram, Central Bohemia Region

 

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