There are numerous places in the Czech Republic (such as water dams, artificial water reservoirs and lakes), which offer excellent conditions for various water sports. Sport equipment for yachting and windsurfing can be rented in local sport clubs and camping sites. Water sports have a long traditions in the CR. The Czech Railways introduced transportation of boats in the summer season, called “Vltavské linky”. These special railway lines transport sport equipment from many places of the country to the area of Lipno Water Dam and the Lužnice River. During the summer holidays special steam trains called “Posázavské linky” transport boats from Prague to the Posázaví area. Recommended: www.cdrail.cz
Yachting and windsurfing
The natural water areas and dam reservoirs in the Czech Republic offer excellent opportunities for bathing, recreational swimming, windsurfing or yachting. Water sports fans can find ideal conditions for this sport – with an exception of prohibited water motor sports – especially on the valley dam lakes, the largest of which is Lipno. The banks of the lakes are dotted with recreational centres with hotel, guest houses, chalet camps and camp sites offering various categories of accommodation and catering as well as sport equipment rentals.
The most popular water areas
Lipno
Lipno is located in the southern Bohemia on the Vltava River. This valley dam reservoir offers excellent conditions for water sports, camping sport angling. The lake is located near the Šumava national park and numerous significant architectural sights (Vyšší Brod, Český Krumlov). In particular the left bank of the lake between the villages Lipno and Horní Planá is used for recreation and summer sports; boat and pedal-boat rentals, the port for regular shipping transportation and the large Marina Lipno yacht anchorage are available here. A long-distance cyclists trail, linked up with the Šumava Cyclists Highway, runs around the Lipno Lake.
Orlík
A trough shaped reservoir cut into a deep valley enclosed with steep wooded slopes and rock precipices. The lake is surrounded by picturesque serene landscape of the central Povltaví area. It provides excellent conditions for bathing, windsurfing, yachting, rowing (the dam is equipped with a lift for sports boats) and sports angling.
Between the reservoir and Podolsko operates transportation by ships from April till October.
Slapy
This valley dam reservoir on the Vltava River, located 18 km to the west from Benešov, offers plentiful opportunities for bathing, yachting, rowing, water skiing and windsurfing. Bathing is restricted within the distance of 50 metres from the banks (applied to the entire lake). Regular shipping transportation is operated from the dam via Kamýk to Solenice.
Jesenice
Located 7 km from Cheb on the Odrava River, this dam reservoir gives opportunities for recreation as well as all kinds of water sports. The lush natural environment and the proximity of spa towns and historical towns (Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, Cheb) offer unusual tourist and cultural experiences.
Hracholusky
This valley reservoir on the Mže River is located in a charming landscape, less than 19km west of the western metropolis Plzeň. It is easily accessible, has its own shipping transportation and is favoured especially by windsurfing, yachting and rowing enthusiasts.
Skalka
Skalka is a valley reservoir west of Cheb in the plain, wooded and protected valley, not far from Františkovy Lázně and the border crossing with Germany in Pomezí nad Ohří. It offers good conditions for sports angling and nearly all kinds of water sports. The best suitable area for bathing is situated in Podhoří, where recreational shipping transportation is operated and a boat and sports equipment rental is to disposal.
Nechranice
This dam reservoir on the Ohře River is ideal for bathing, yachting, water skiing and angling. Nearby the reservoir there are archaeological localities with finds dated from the 4th millennium BC.
Máchovo jezero (Mácha´s Lake)
This natural lake is very popular recreation area. It is located in the northern Bohemia. Large sandy beaches, woods and romantic environs (the Doksy Chateau, the Bezděz Castle) surround it. It has plentiful support facilities indispensable for water sports (several yacht clubs, boat rentals) and tennis. Summer festivities and social events take place here during the whole tourist season.
Vranov
Vranov is located in the deep narrow valley of the Dyje River, less than 15 km north-west of Znojmo. It stretches in a beautiful hilly landscape with numerous bays, which are ideal for sports angling. The lake has good conditions for yachting, rowing, windsurfing; regular shipping transportation operates here. Above the dam reservoir are situated ruins of the Cornštejn Castle; below the lake is the recreational resort Vranov nad Dyjí with a monumental chateau.
Nové Mlýny
This cascade of three reservoirs on the Dyje River offers ideal conditions for yachting (an open windy water area). The reservoirs are located in a plain landscape of vineyards with warm climate and rich cultural background (Mikulčice, Pálava, wine cellars).
Žermanice
A flat reservoir on the Lučina River with grassy beaches is located in a shallow sheltered sun-lit valley, 5 km south of Havířov. It is used for bathing, yachting, windsurfing and sports angling. A boat and paddle-boat rental, a restaurant and a chalet camp are to disposal.
