Tucked away in the Hamerské Valley of the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory), Janov Reservoir is a striking mix of engineering heritage and quiet forest scenery. Built between 1911 and 1913, its dam ranks among the tallest masonry dams in the Czech Republic — a protected technical monument rising from a peaceful wooded valley.

The reservoir sits at the confluence of the Loupnice stream and Klínský potok, surrounded by steep, forested slopes typical of the Krušné hory. In summer the water mirrors the greenery above, autumn brings rich color to the valley, and winter dusts the stone dam with snow, giving it an almost fortress-like presence. It's a spot for those who appreciate solitude and industrial history over crowds — a walk along its edges feels remote, even though Most and Litvínov are not far away.

• From the settlement of Křížatky — local trail, approx. 30-40 minutes, easy difficulty
• From Janov (part of Litvínov, after which the reservoir is named) — moderate route through forest

• The dam lies within the first zone of sanitary water protection — the dam crest itself is closed to visitors
• Roads and areas near the reservoir are closed to public traffic
• As a drinking water reservoir, swimming and water sports are not permitted

Fun fact: when completed in 1913, the Janov dam was the tallest dam in the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire — today it stands as a quiet monument to the region's industrial past, framed by the scenic hills of the Ore Mountains.