Švihov Reservoir Reservoir

Švihov Reservoir is a major artificial reservoir on the Želivka River in the Czech Republic and an important source of drinking water for Prague and surrounding areas. It is one of the larger engineered water-storage facilities in the region.

Because the reservoir serves as a protected drinking-water supply, shoreline access and recreational use are limited; visitors usually view the site from designated observation points near the dam. The visible highlights are the dam structure and the reservoir surface set into the surrounding upland landscape.

The reservoir was created in the 20th century to regulate river flows and secure a reliable public water supply for central Bohemia. Engineering works around the dam and intake systems are the primary human-made features.

Švihov Reservoir lies in the central Czech highlands, on the Želivka River, in the general area southeast of Prague in the Vysočina/Pelhřimov region.

• Drinking water supply: Serves as a principal supply source of treated drinking water for Prague and parts of Central Bohemia, with restricted shoreline access for water protection reasons.
• Access and viewpoints: Public access to the reservoir shore is limited; good viewpoints are available near the dam and at designated observation points.

What to See#

• Dam and intake: The dam and intake structures form the engineered core of the reservoir and are the main visible technical installations for water control and supply.

Accessible by road from nearby towns in the Vysočina and Pardubice regions; the reservoir is signposted from main regional routes and offers parking at designated viewpoints.

• If visiting the dam area, note that swimming is prohibited in some zones - local signage will indicate safe spots.
• Combine a visit with nearby historic towns such as Žďár nad Sázavou for a full day out.
• Best viewed from a vantage point on the dam for broad water views.