Top 12 Lakes around Prague

Several lakes near Prague are ideal for families. Džbán Reservoir offers a grassy-sandy beach and ball games. Rokytka Park and Lake is a green area with trails, perfect for a family outing. Hostivař Lake has a paved path suitable for strollers and pedestrians. Motol Lake, while smaller, is known for its shallow, sandy areas and a playground, making it very child-friendly.

For swimming, Hostivař Reservoir is a popular choice, known as Prague's largest outdoor swimming area with clean water and sandy beaches. Lake Lhota, less than 20 km from Prague, also boasts exceptionally clean water and a sandy beach. Within the city, Džbán Reservoir provides a grassy-sandy beach and unimproved access to the water. Motol Lake offers a warm-water swimming spot with shallow, sandy areas.

Yes, many lakes offer excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling. Hostivař Reservoir is surrounded by woodlands with hiking and biking trails. Hostivař Lake features a paved road along its right bank, shared by cyclists, runners, and pedestrians. Rokytka Park and Lake also has trails. For more extensive routes, you can explore options like the 'Gravel biking around Prague' guide, which includes routes near Rokytka Park and Lake and Hostivař Lake. You can find more details on these routes in the Gravel biking around Prague guide.

The lakes around Prague offer diverse natural features. You'll find serene woodlands surrounding Hostivař Reservoir, picturesque coves and forested hills at Slapy Water Reservoir, and sandy beaches at Lake Lhota and Džbán Reservoir. Some areas, like Jezírko Lake in Prokopské Údolí Nature Reserve, are part of natural monuments, offering unique geological formations and viewpoints.

Hostivař Reservoir is well-connected to Prague's public transport network, making it a convenient option. Motol Lake is also relatively close to the city center and accessible. For other lakes, public transport options may vary, often requiring a combination of bus or train and a short walk.

Yes, several lakes are great for water sports. Hostivař Reservoir is a popular spot for windsurfing and paddle boating. Slapy Water Reservoir is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering sailing, water skiing, swimming, and windsurfing. Džbán Reservoir also provides boat rentals.

The best time to visit the lakes for swimming and water activities is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and the water is refreshing. For hiking and cycling, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery without the summer crowds.

Yes, especially around the more popular lakes. Hostivař Reservoir has various refreshment stalls. The area around Slapy Water Reservoir provides numerous accommodation options, including campsites and pensions, with popular holiday destinations like Nová Rabyně and Ždáň. Motol Lake also has a snack bar. Máchovo Jezero, being a larger resort, offers extensive camping and other facilities.

Motol Lake is often described as a secluded and pleasantly relaxed spot, less crowded than some of the larger reservoirs, making it a good choice for a quieter visit. Asuán Retention Reservoir is also noted as a very nice place for a break or a picnic, suggesting a more tranquil atmosphere.

Around the lakes, you can find various points of interest. Rokytka Park and Lake features a bridge and viewpoints. Waterfall and pond in Havlíčkovy Sady offers a beautiful waterfall with a bridge. Further afield, near Máchovo Jezero, you can explore historic sites like Bezděz Castle and Houska Castle.

Many natural areas around Prague's lakes are generally dog-friendly, especially on trails and in parks. However, specific rules regarding dogs on beaches or in designated swimming areas can vary. For instance, Hostivař Reservoir has specific areas, including a nudist beach, but it's always best to check local signage for dog restrictions, especially during peak season. Always keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.

Máchovo Jezero, while about 80 kilometers north of Prague, is a significant destination. It offers swimming, fishing, boating, and paddleboats, with four large sandy beaches and even a water park. In winter, it transforms into a natural ice rink. Its lively atmosphere and nearby castles like Bezděz and Houska make it a popular day trip or weekend getaway.