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 seaside — but scattered around the capital are dozens of former sand and gravel quarries turned into azure 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 real beach with pines, sand and (sometimes) a volleyball net — reachable by car, bus or even train from Prague. We've included landmarks and key details for each spot so you can plug the name straight into your GPS.

Jezero Lhota

One of the region's most popular lakes, about 20 km from Prague near the village of Lhota (Prague-East). The lake formed in a former sand quarry after mining there ended in 1983. It's known for its huge size and clean, warm water — a vast expanse of water just outside Prague, with the scent of pines and sandy beaches, more than a quarter of which belong to naturists. The site has parking, toilets, changing rooms, a children's slide and several food stalls, and fishing and diving are allowed in designated zones. Admission is paid (around 120 CZK during the day, cheaper after 4 pm), with a separate parking fee.

Proboštská jezera

These lakes lie near Stará Boleslav, roughly 28–30 km from Prague, close to Brandýs nad Labem. Proboštská jezera sit right next to Stará Boleslav and are a favourite with anglers as well as fans of wild swimming. The best beach is a paid one, inside the campsite — with unbeatable swimming conditions and the most beautiful views thanks to its sandy shore. Entry costs 70 CZK. Besides swimming, there's a tennis court, a playground, a restaurant and a large floating jetty you can dive off.

Jezero Konětopy

Neighbouring Lhota, near the village of Konětopy (Mělník district), is another lake formed in a former quarry. Twenty minutes from Prague, you can swim in this old sand pit, sunbathe or relax in the shade of the pines. It's great for families, and there are no restrictions on dogs entering the water. There's a volleyball court and a separate beach for naturists. In summer you'll also find 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 rise above the water. You can use the natural sandy-bottomed pond, two sandy beaches and a grassy bank. The Harasov pond, with its sandy bottom, lies in the Kokořín valley on the Pšovka stream. Swimming itself is free; you only pay for roadside parking. The water is colder than in the quarries, but it's always clean. The "Rybářská bašta" café operates nearby.

Jezero Lipence

A new beach complex that's already become a favourite among Praguers, on the south-western edge of the city near the golf course between Radotín and Černošice, on the banks of the Berounka. This natural park within reach of the Berounka (and right by 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 gatherings. You can also get there by public transport, to the Škola Lipence stop; swimming is available Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 10 pm.

Přírodní koupaliště Vyžlovka

A forest fish pond about 30 km south-east of Prague, beyond Říčany, surrounded by the Voděradské bučiny nature reserve. Swimming takes place in the Vyžlovka breeding pond, which has a sandy, very gently sloping shore (great for kids). On site you can play beach volleyball, table tennis or skittles, and there's a food kiosk. Admission is paid (about 30–70 CZK depending on the season and source), and you can get there by suburban bus from the 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 in the 1920s by the Radošovice municipality at a cost of half a million crowns, in an effort to further develop the resort. A bathing area opened here in August 1934. Both the bathing spot and the restaurant are named after Antonín Jureček, who ran the place until 1958; actor Oldřich Nový was fond of stopping 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 a real "sea," head for this large reservoir on the Vltava, about 30–40 km south of Prague. It lies on the Vltava River, roughly an hour's drive from Prague, and forms part of the Vltava Cascade. Stretching 43 km, covering 1,162.6 hectares and reaching depths of up to 58 metres, it offers excellent conditions for swimming, water sports, fishing and beach relaxation. The most family-friendly spot 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 tennis court, a sand tennis court and table tennis. Naturally, there are toilets and changing rooms too. A campsite operates nearby, and there's a separate beach area for dogs.

What unites all these spots is natural water without chlorine, fresh air, and the chance to spend a whole day away from Prague's baking 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're after a full "seaside" experience with boats and sails, 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.