Top 6 Lakes in Chko Žďárské Vrchy

For swimming and water sports, Velké Dářko is an excellent choice, often called the 'Vysočina Sea,' offering good water quality for swimming, windsurfing, yachting, and boating. Rybník Medlov and Rybník Řeka are also popular, providing conditions for swimming, windsurfing, surfing, and boating with their grassy and sandy beaches.

Yes, Veselský rybník near Nové Veselí is ideal for families. It features a 2.5 km educational water trail with interactive elements, a water mill for children, a 'water goblin' figure, and a bird observatory. The trail is accessible for strollers. Additionally, the Pilák Recreation Area offers a lake, a cycle way, and a sports area, making it suitable for families.

Many lakes in Chko Žďárské Vrchy are surrounded by trails. Velké Dářko has a 12 km educational trail passing through nature reserves, perfect for hiking and cycling. Rybník Medlov is connected to the 'Po stopách posledního vlka' nature trail, which continues to Sykovec pond. The Cycle path at Pilská Reservoir provides a scenic route along the Sazava river. For more hiking options, you can explore routes in the region like those found in the Easy hikes in Chko Žďárské Vrchy guide.

Accommodation options are available near several lakes. Rybník Medlov has an auto camp and a hotel. By Rybník Řeka, the 'Moře' campsite offers accommodation and dining. The Pilák Recreation Area also includes a campsite. Near Milovy Pond, you'll find a hotel and car-camping facilities, while Sykovec Pond has recreation centers, guesthouses, and cottages on its west bank.

The region is known for its valuable peat bogs and protected natural areas. Around Velké Dářko, the educational trail passes through the Dářko and Radostínské rašeliniště national nature reserves, which resemble a northern taiga landscape. Rybník Řeka has a nature reserve at the inflow of the Doubrava River, protecting valuable peat meadows and wetlands. The educational trail at Veselský rybník focuses on aquatic animals and the local environment.

Sykovec Pond is an excellent choice for a quiet retreat, as it is surrounded by forests and offers a peaceful atmosphere for recreation. Its sandy and grassy beaches provide a serene setting.

The lakes are generally best visited from spring to autumn for water activities, hiking, and cycling. The summer months are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The educational trails and natural reserves offer beautiful scenery throughout these seasons, with autumn providing vibrant foliage.

While specific regulations for each lake may vary, the natural trails and open spaces around many lakes in Chko Žďárské Vrchy are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves, and to clean up after them to preserve the natural environment.

Milovy Pond is considered a good starting point for exploring the highest parts of Žďárské vrchy, offering access to more challenging terrain and scenic views.

The settlement of Nové Veselí, near Veselský rybník, has a rich history with its first written report dating back to 1377. While the lakes themselves are primarily natural attractions, the surrounding villages and towns often hold historical significance.

Beyond water sports, the region offers extensive opportunities for hiking, cycling, and mushroom picking, especially around Rybník Řeka. The educational trails around Velké Dářko and Veselský rybník are also great for leisurely walks. You can find various hiking routes in the area, including those in the Hiking in Chko Žďárské Vrchy guide.

While popular spots like Velké Dářko can attract many visitors, Sykovec Pond is known for being a quieter place for recreation, surrounded by forests, offering a more peaceful experience compared to larger recreational hubs.