8 best swimming spots near Prague: lakes, quarries and beaches within an hour of the capital

Prague summers heat up fast, and Czechia has no sea — but around the capital you'll find dozens of former sand and gravel quarries turned into turquoise lakes, along with forest ponds and large reservoirs. This roundup is for anyone tired of chlorinated pools who wants to spend a day at a proper beach with pine trees, sand and (sometimes) a volleyball net — reachable from Prague by car, bus or even train. We've included landmarks and details for each spot so you can just type the name straight into your GPS.

Jezero Lhota

One of the most popular lakes in the region, about 20 km from Prague near the village of Lhota (Prague-East district). The lake formed on the site of a former sand quarry, which flooded after sand extraction ended in 1983. The spot is known for its huge size and clean, warm water — a massive body of water just outside Prague, with clear, warm water, the scent of pine trees, and sandy beaches, more than a quarter of which belong to nudists. On site there's parking, toilets, changing rooms, a kids' slide and several food stalls, and fishing and diving are allowed in designated zones. Entry is paid (around 120 CZK during the day, cheaper after 16:00), with a separate parking fee.

Proboštská jezera

These lakes sit right next to Stará Boleslav, about 28–30 km from Prague, near Brandýs nad Labem. Proboštská jezera are located right by Stará Boleslav and are a favorite spot not just for anglers but also for lovers of open-water swimming. The best beach is a paid one, part of a campsite — it offers by far the best swimming and the most beautiful views, thanks to its sandy beaches within the campground. Entry costs 70 CZK. Besides swimming, there's a tennis court, playground, restaurant and a large floating dock you can jump off into the water.

Jezero Konětopy

Right next to Lhota lies this lake near the village of Konětopy (Mělník district), also a former quarry. Just 20 minutes from Prague, you can swim in a former sand quarry, sunbathe, or relax in the shade of pine trees. It's a family-friendly spot, and dogs can access the water freely. There's a volleyball court and a separate beach for naturists. In summer you can also try windsurfing and kitesurfing here, and parking outside the site is free.

Koupaliště Harasov

A picturesque pond in the Kokořínsko valley, 12 km from Mělník, surrounded by sandstone cliffs — the ruins of a 14th-century castle are visible above the water. It's a natural pond with a sandy bottom, two sandy beaches and a grassy shore. The Harasov pond with its sandy bottom lies in the Kokořín valley on the Pšovka stream. Swimming itself is free — you only pay for parking by the road; the water is colder than in the quarries, but always clean. There's a café called "Rybářská bašta" nearby.

Jezero Lipence

A new beach complex that's already become popular with Praguers, on the city's southwestern edge near a golf course between Radotín and Černošice, on the banks of the Berounka. This natural park, within reach of the Berounka (and also next to the golf course), offers not just a refreshing dip in a lake with a sandy beach, but also a variety of events, glamping accommodation, and space for corporate functions. It's also accessible by public transport — get off at the Škola Lipence stop. Swimming is available Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00–22:00.

Přírodní koupaliště Vyžlovka

A forest fishing pond about 30 km southeast of Prague, past Říčany, surrounded by the Voděradské bučiny nature reserve. Swimming takes place in the Vyžlovka breeding pond, which has a sandy, very gently sloping shore (ideal for kids). On site you can play beach volleyball, table tennis or skittles, and there's a food kiosk; entry is paid (around 30–70 CZK depending on the season and source), and you can get there by suburban bus from Praha-Háje station.

Plovárna Jureček, Říčany

An atmospheric First Republic-era bathing spot on the outskirts of Říčany, on a pond fed by the Rokytka stream. The pond was built at a cost of half a million crowns in the 1920s by the municipality of Radošovice, aiming to develop the area as a resort. A bathing area opened here in August 1934. Both the swimming spot and the restaurant are named after Antonín Jureček, who ran the place until 1958; actor Oldřich Nový was known to drop by. Today it's a grassy beach with a playground, a zip line, table tennis and a restaurant; entry costs around 40–50 CZK, and the season runs from May to September.

Vodní nádrž Slapy, Nová Rabyně area

If you want the real "seaside" experience, head to this large reservoir on the Vltava, about 30–40 km south of Prague. It sits on the Vltava River, roughly an hour's drive from Prague, and is part of the Vltava Cascade. With a length of 43 km, an area of 1,162.6 hectares and depths of up to 58 meters, it offers great opportunities for swimming, water sports, fishing and beach relaxation. The most family-friendly area is Nová Rabyně: a grassy beach with a gentle entry into the water, boat and pedalo rental, a playground with a carousel and slides, a beach volleyball court, a dirt court, a sand tennis court, and table tennis. Naturally, there are restrooms and changing rooms too. A campsite operates nearby, and there's a separate beach area for dogs.

What all these spots have in common is natural water without chlorine, fresh air, and the chance to spend a whole day away from Prague's scorching asphalt. For a quiet family outing, Jureček or Vyžlovka are your best bets; for an active crowd with volleyball and wakeboarding, try Jezero Lhota or Proboštská jezera; and if you want a full "seaside" experience with boats and sailing, head straight for the Slapy dam. Before you go, it's worth checking the water quality map at koupacivody.cz — conditions at individual sites can change over a hot summer.