Lipno Reservoir Reservoir

Address: Lipno Reservoir (Lipno nad Vltavou), South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic

Website: https://www.lipno.info

Admission: Free (public reservoir and shoreline). Boat rentals, water-sports and some facilities are paid.

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 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.

• 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.