Nechranice Reservoir is one of the Czech Republic's largest lakes — a sweeping 13.4 km² expanse of water nestled among the gentle hills of northern Bohemia. It holds a remarkable record: its dam is the longest earthfill embankment dam in Central Europe, stretching an impressive 3,280 metres from bank to bank.
The landscape here is wide and open, with flat grassy shores, long views across the water, and a sense of peaceful remoteness. In spring and autumn the reservoir transforms into a birdwatcher's paradise — thousands of Bean Geese and other wintering waterfowl descend on the protected waters, making it one of the most important wetland stopover points in the region. Summer brings a more relaxed atmosphere, with anglers, cyclists and walkers enjoying the shore paths and fresh air.
Walking the full length of the dam is a highlight in itself: the views stretch across the blue reservoir on one side and the open Bohemian lowlands on the other, with the distant silhouette of the Ore Mountains on the horizon.
How to get thereIn 2015, when water levels dropped unusually low, archaeologists uncovered 48 medieval graves dating to the 12th century on the southern shore near Poláky — experts believe up to 200 more burials and the remains of a small chapel may still lie hidden beneath the water.