Highlight • Lake
Hiking
4.9
(200)
Cycling
4.8
(26)
Mountain biking
5.0
(13)
Naděje Dam, or Přehrada Naděje in Czech, is a picturesque reservoir nestled in the deep, forested valley of the Hamerský Brook within the Lusatian Mountains. Located near the town of Cvikov in the Liberec Region of the Czech Republic, this man-made lake sits at an elevation of 503 metres. It is renowned for its distinctive blue-green water and the tranquil natural surroundings that make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitors are consistently drawn to the dam's idyllic setting, praising its peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding forest. The area offers a perfect escape for rest and relaxation, with the dam itself providing a serene focal point. Many appreciate the opportunity to explore the dam's unique construction and the natural attractions nearby, including a rare ice cave, the only one of its kind in Bohemia.
Before heading out, it's good to know that while the water in Naděje Dam is inviting, it remains quite cold even during summer. The area is well-suited for outdoor activities, so comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring the forest paths. Parking is available nearby, and a forest path leads directly to the dam, though vehicle access to the immediate vicinity is restricted.
The best time to visit Naděje Dam depends on your preferred activities. During warm summer days, it's a popular spot for swimming and enjoying the cool water, despite its temperature. In winter, the area transforms into a wonderfully quiet place, offering a different kind of serene beauty for those seeking peaceful walks. The surrounding landscape is crisscrossed with numerous hiking and cycling trails, making it ideal for year-round exploration.
Many hikers enjoy the easy hikes around Naděje Dam lake, which offer beautiful views of the water and the dense forest. A popular choice is a circular walk that allows you to fully appreciate the dam from various angles. These Naděje Dam hiking routes are generally considered family-friendly, providing accessible options for all ages to enjoy the natural beauty.
Beyond the dam itself, visitors often discover charming details like the remnants of a former summer camp further down the valley. The stream below the dam provides a refreshing spot for splashing feet, and a small shelter above offers a convenient place to rest. For those looking for refreshments, a small restaurant can be found in the nearby village of Hamr, typically open during the summer months.
Whether you're interested in a leisurely stroll, a refreshing swim, or exploring the unique natural attractions, Naděje Dam offers a variety of experiences. You can find numerous Naděje Dam lake trails and plan your visit using komoot, which provides detailed maps and route options for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor pursuits in this beautiful part of the Lusatian Mountains.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
CHKO Lužické hory
Tips
December 30, 2017
Hiking
April 13, 2021
Hiking

Sign up for a free komoot account to get 9 more insider tips and takes.
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Naděje Reservoir

4.6
(27)
80
hikers
16.6km
05:07
530m
530m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.4
(17)
49
hikers
20.0km
05:53
550m
550m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(20)
69
hikers
12.8km
03:38
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 500 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Monday 29 June
23°C
16°C
70 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Naděje Dam is situated in the deep, forested valley of the Hamerský Brook, beneath the northern slopes of Suchý vrch. It lies within the administrative district of Cvikov, near the border with Mařenice, in the Česká Lípa District of the Liberec Region, Czech Republic. It's approximately 2.7 km south of Luže.
The trails around Naděje Dam are generally considered easy to intermediate, making them suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families. Many popular routes are circular walks that allow you to explore the dam from various angles. While specific lengths vary, you can find options for leisurely strolls lasting an hour or two, as well as longer routes that connect to the broader network of trails in the Lusatian Mountains.
Naděje Dam is notable for its construction from local quartz and phonolite, rising 9.5 meters above the rocky bottom. Its crest is 92 meters long and features a concrete overflow channel. A particularly unique natural feature nearby is an ice cave, which is the only one of its kind in Bohemia, offering a fascinating geological attraction.
Yes, the dam's idyllic setting in the forest provides numerous picturesque spots. Many visitors find excellent photographic opportunities from the forest paths that lead to and around the dam, capturing its distinctive blue-green water against the lush woodland. Exploring the circular walks will naturally lead you to various angles and elevations for diverse shots.
Parking is available nearby, typically at designated spots before the forest path leading to the dam. While parking is generally accessible, vehicle access to the immediate vicinity of the dam is restricted. During warm summer days and weekends, parking areas can fill up quickly, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable to secure a spot.
Yes, Naděje Dam is a wonderfully quiet place in winter. The landscape transforms, offering a serene and peaceful experience. Visitors should expect cold temperatures and potentially snowy or icy conditions on trails, so appropriate winter gear, including warm clothing and sturdy, waterproof footwear with good grip, is essential. The small restaurant in Hamr is typically closed in winter.
The trails around Naděje Dam are generally family-friendly, with many easy hiking options. Children can enjoy exploring the forest paths, and the stream below the dam provides a refreshing spot for splashing feet. The unique ice cave nearby also offers an exciting point of interest for curious young explorers.
Yes, Naděje Dam and its surrounding trails are generally dog-friendly. Many hikers bring their dogs to enjoy the forest walks. It is always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in protected natural areas or when encountering other visitors, and to clean up after them to maintain the natural beauty of the area.
A small restaurant can be found in the nearby village of Hamr, which is typically open during the summer months. For other dining or refreshment options, you would need to venture further into nearby towns like Cvikov, which offer a broader selection of cafes and pubs.
Naděje Dam was constructed between 1937 and 1938. Its original purpose was to serve as a water reservoir to power a local mill (Hamerský mlýn) and a sawmill in Hamr, utilizing a Francis turbine. Water was conveyed via an 8-kilometer-long underground pipeline. After 1948, both the mill and sawmill ceased operations, and the dam now primarily functions for water retention.
Direct accommodations immediately adjacent to Naděje Dam are limited, as it is located in a deep, forested valley. However, you can find various accommodation options, such as guesthouses or hotels, in the nearby towns and villages within the Lusatian Mountains, including Cvikov or Mařenice, which are a short drive away.