Kyjovská přehrada is a small dam lake tucked into a narrow valley right where the Lusatian Mountains meet Bohemian Switzerland. It's the kind of spot you stumble upon and instantly want to jump into on a hot summer day.

Covering roughly 2 hectares, the reservoir sits at about 390 m above sea level, fed by the Sýrový stream and its unnamed tributary. In summer the place gets lively — locals and visitors from abroad come here to swim, and there's a refreshment stand right by the water. In spring, keep an eye out for a black stork passing through, while the water itself is home to trout, carp, tench and other fish. Outside the peak season the valley turns quiet and peaceful, with forested slopes reflecting on the water's surface — a lovely stop on a longer forest walk.

How to get there

• From Krásná Lípa or the village of Kyjov — local roads and paths, easy walk, suitable for families
• Can also be reached on foot as part of a longer hike through Bohemian Switzerland or the Lusatian Mountains

Practical information

• Swimming spot with a refreshment stand open in summer
• Muskrats live around the reservoir, and otters occasionally pass through

Interesting fact: the original dam on this site burst during a torrential downpour in 1971. It was rebuilt, but today's water level sits about 2 metres lower than before.