Lake Most is one of the most striking places in the Czech Republic — a shimmering blue lake that now covers the site of a medieval royal town demolished decades ago to make way for brown coal mining. The lake was named in tribute to that lost town, and today it offers a peaceful, scenic escape where an industrial wound once scarred the land.

The atmosphere here is a fascinating blend of raw industrial history and newfound tranquility. In summer, the shores buzz with walkers, cyclists and sailing enthusiasts enjoying the open water, while in winter the lake transforms into one of the country's most important wintering sites for waterfowl. The view toward Hněvín hill rising above the water is memorable in any season.

How to get there

• From the town of Most — approx. 1.5 km, easy walk or bike ride
• Since May 2021, also reachable by public transport, city bus line 16

Practical information

• The lake was officially opened to the public on 12 September 2020
• Nearby stands a relocated Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
• Since 2025, the Střimická výsypka Bird Park — the largest of its kind in the Czech Republic — has opened on the lake's eastern shore

A lovely detail: on the spot where the old deanery church once stood, chestnut, cherry and mulberry trees have been planted, with paths laid out to trace the exact outline of the vanished building.