Tucked deep into the Moravian-Silesian Beskids, the Šance Reservoir is one of the most scenic water bodies in the Czech mountains — a vast mirror of water cradled between forested ridges and steep valley slopes along the upper Ostravice River. If you are looking for unspoilt mountain scenery with a touch of dramatic engineering, this is absolutely worth the detour.

Built between 1964 and 1969, the reservoir takes its name from the nearby hill Šance (576 m) on the left bank close to the dam. The surrounding landscape is quintessentially Beskids — dense mixed forests tumble down almost to the waterline, and on misty mornings the lake seems to float in the clouds. Spring and autumn bring spectacular reflections of colourful hillsides in the calm water, while winter transforms the valley into a hushed, snow-dusted wilderness. The dam wall itself is an impressive sight: 342 metres long at the crest and built with over 1.3 million cubic metres of material.

• Frýdlant nad Ostravicí — follow the road along the Ostravice River towards Staré Hamry; drive to the dam area and explore on foot — easy
• Bílá village (eastern approach) — the road runs on a viaduct above the left bank, offering excellent views of the reservoir and dam — easy access

• The reservoir is a protected drinking water source — swimming and all water-based recreational activities are strictly prohibited.
• An active landslide called Řečice is monitored on the slope of Čupel hill above the reservoir due to the risk of collapse — exercise caution on trails in that area.

When the dam was built, the central part of the village of Staré Hamry was flooded, and the local railway line from Frýdlant nad Ostravicí to Bílá had to be closed — making this reservoir a place where nature and submerged history share the same quiet depths.