8 of the most beautiful lakes in Czechia for swimming: from Máchovo Lake to quiet quarries near Prague

Czechia has no sea coast, but it makes up for it with dozens of lakes, reservoirs and flooded quarries where the water warms up to perfectly comfortable temperatures — and the scenery around them can sometimes rival any seaside resort. This roundup is for anyone planning a day trip out of Prague for the weekend, families with kids, fans of wild swimming, and anyone who wants to combine a beach day with a walk through a forest or a nearby castle. We've gathered both famous spots like Lipno and Máchovo Lake and lesser-known quarries right on Prague's doorstep.

Máchovo Lake (Doksy, Liberec Region)

The country's most famous lake, located 65 km from Prague, has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful spots in Czechia. It's the largest body of water in the Liberec Region, created on the orders of King Charles IV. The shore has four sandy beaches, boat and pedalo rentals are available, and in winter the lake turns into a natural skating rink. You can get there from Prague by car or by bus, which stops just 300 m from the water.

Lipno (South Bohemia, near the Austrian border)

The country's largest reservoir sits right next to the Šumava National Park. It stretches 48 km in length, with the widest point between its shores measuring 10 km; the average depth is around 6.5 m, reaching 21.5 m at its deepest point. Swimming is far from the only activity here — the reservoir is considered one of the best spots in the country for sailing and windsurfing, and cycling paths run along the shoreline. The banks are dotted with resort villages, campsites and apartments to suit every taste.

Slapy (33 km south of Prague)

A reservoir on the Vltava River and part of the famous Vltava Cascades. It's the sixth-largest reservoir in Czechia by surface area, and its dam — 60 m high and 260 m long — remains the tallest in the country to this day. In summer, on weekends, the historic steamboat "Vltava" and the ship "Cecilia" run between Prague and Slapy, and swimming on the wild beaches is free. A great option for a day trip combined with a boat ride.

Milada Lake (near Ústí nad Labem, Ústí Region)

A young lake formed on the site of a former coal mine: Milada Lake — also known as Habařov Lake — spreads out west of the center of Ústí nad Labem, created by flooding an old open-pit coal mine. By size, it's the third-largest lake of its kind in Czechia after Most Lake and Medard Lake, covering 252 hectares with a maximum depth of 24.7 m. Swimming spots include the main beach, Trmice beach, Roudníky beach and several other points along the shoreline, all with gently sloping entries into the water. It's an easy drive from Prague via the D8 highway.

Lhota Lake (Central Bohemia, ~20–40 km from Prague)

One of the most popular swimming spots among Prague locals: the lake lies 40 km from Prague, reaching depths of up to 14 m in places, with a large sandy beach lined with conifer trees. The infrastructure is built to handle crowds — there's parking for 1,500 cars and lifeguards on duty throughout the summer. The lake was formed in 1983 on the site of a flooded sand quarry and remains a favorite swimming spot for the capital's residents to this day.

Konětopy Lake (between the villages of Konětopy and Držíce, Prague-East)

An atmospheric quarry with crystal-clear water set in a pine forest; locals call this area Hoboty. This man-made lake, formed from a flooded sand quarry, lies right by the main road between the villages of Konětopy and Držíce, and offers both a grassy and a sandy beach. The site's real highlight — besides its grassy and small sandy beach — is a rarity for Czechia: freshwater jellyfish. Admission is paid, there's parking at the entrance, and dogs aren't allowed.

Lipence Lake (Prague-West, between Zbraslav and Radotín)

An urban option for those who don't want to travel far: the "Lipence Lake" swimming spot sits in a flooded sand quarry next to a golf course in Lipence, between Zbraslav and Radotín — a natural swimming area, park and beach in Prague-West offering lovely swimming and plenty of summer fun. Cycling route No. 8100, running from Černošice to Zbraslav, passes right nearby — perfect for combining a swim with a bike ride.

Šeberák (Prague 4, Kunratice)

A classic spot for wild swimming right on the city's edge: Šeberák, or the Šeberov pond, is the largest pond by area in Kunratice on the southern outskirts of Prague 4, known above all as one of Prague's biggest natural swimming areas, complete with a section set aside as a nudist beach. The pond has a paid zone with a sandy beach, sun loungers and boat rentals, as well as a free grassy shore. Šeberák covers 9 hectares and stretches roughly half a kilometer in length. It's easily reached by bus from the Budějovická or Háje metro stations.

You don't need to head to southern Europe for a proper swim — Czechia has lakes, flooded quarries and reservoirs scattered everywhere from the Austrian border to the outskirts of Prague itself. Pick one to match your mood: a lively family day out at Máchovo Lake, sailing and watersports at Lipno, a wild beach at Šeberák, or a quiet quarry with jellyfish near Konětopy — just remember to pack a towel, sunscreen and a good mood.