Lipno Reservoir

Reservoir Large South Bohemian reservoir popular for water sports

In South Bohemia, Lipno Reservoir stretches along the Vltava for boating, windsurfing and cycling; winter sports at Lipno nad Vltavou add year-round activity.

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Lipno Reservoir is the largest man-made lake in the Czech Republic, formed on the Vltava river in the Bohemian Forest foothills to provide hydroelectric power, flood control and recreational water space.

The reservoir supplies a mix of recreational activities - sailing, windsurfing and lakeside tourism - and is fringed by towns and marinas that serve as access points for water sports and cycle routes.

Constructed in the mid-20th century, the reservoir altered the local river system to create a managed lake and associated hydroelectric infrastructure.

The reservoir lies in South Bohemia near the border of the Šumava (Bohemian Forest) region, with principal access via the towns of Lipno nad Vltavou and Frymburk.

  • Largest Czech reservoir: It is the largest reservoir in the Czech Republic, created to regulate the Vltava river and supply hydroelectric power.
  • Treetop walkway nearby: A treetop walkway and forest attractions near Lipno nad Vltavou provide elevated views over the lake and surrounding forested hills.

What to See #

  • Dam and hydroelectric plant: The hydroelectric dam and power plant at the reservoir's outflow control water levels and generate electricity from the Vltava river system.
  • Lakeside towns and recreation: Recreational centres and lakeside towns such as Lipno nad Vltavou and Frymburk provide marinas, rental services and access points for sailing and windsurfing.
Lipno Reservoir
Lipno Reservoir (Lipno nad Vltavou), South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
48.6890, 14.0869
Free (public reservoir and shoreline). Boat rentals, water-sports and some facilities are paid.

How to Get to Lipno Reservoir #

Lipno Reservoir (Lipno nad Vltavou) is in South Bohemia near the village of Lipno nad Vltavou. By car it’s about a 40-50 km drive south from České Budějovice and roughly 140-170 km from Prague depending on route; follow regional roads toward Český Krumlov and then local roads up to Lipno. There is parking in the Lipno village/resort areas and short walks to lakeside attractions.

Regional buses connect Lipno nad Vltavou with Český Krumlov and České Budějovice (check current schedules); the bus stop in the village is typically a short walk to the reservoir shore.

Tips for Visiting Lipno Reservoir #

  • Use Lipno nad Vltavou as your base-most amenities, boat rentals and trailheads (including the cable-car area at Kramolín) are based there, and it's the easiest place to book activities.
  • Go early in calm weather if you want smooth reflections and better conditions for photography or SUP/kayak; afternoons bring more wind and active watersports.
  • Take some time to cycle part of the lakeside path or ride the Kramolín lift for panoramic views-many day visitors stick to the beach strip and miss the scenic viewpoints and quieter villages around the reservoir.

Best Time to Visit Lipno Reservoir #

Best in summer for water sports, cycling and outdoor activities around the reservoir.

Summer (best)
June - August · 15 - 25 °C
Warmer weather ideal for boating, swimming, cycling and other water‑based recreation.
Spring / Autumn
April - May; September - October · 5 - 15 °C
Quieter than peak summer with good conditions for hiking and fishing; shoulder seasons can be pleasantly uncrowded.
Winter
December - February · -10 - 5 °C
Cold; the reservoir area is much quieter and may offer winter sports if ice and conditions are suitable.

Weather & Climate near Lipno Reservoir #

Climate

Lipno Reservoir's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1023 mm/year), wettest in July.

Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
-26°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

30 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.6h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

34 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.5
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
13.5h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
15.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
15.8h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (124 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
15.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
14.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.1h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

30 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.2h daylight

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