Bajkal (Pardubice)

Bajkal (Pardubice) is an artificial water body in the Polabiny V district of Pardubice, formed as a leftover from sand and gravel extraction carried out in the late 1980s during construction of the neighboring Polabiny V housing estate. Once the excavation pit stopped being worked, it filled with water and became a lake that today serves as a local spot for fishing and short recreation.

Where exactly is Bajkal located?

The lake sits below Hradecká street, along the route running from the Wonka bridge toward Hradec Králové. It borders directly on the Polabiny V housing estate, making it the closest body of water for residents of this part of Pardubice — a place for a walk along the shore or a short break without leaving the city.

What is the lake used for today?

Bajkal functions primarily as a fishing ground, managed by the local branch of the Czech Anglers' Union (Český rybářský svaz), which stocks the water and organizes regular fishing here. Beyond angling, the lake serves as a spot for everyday short-term recreation for people living in the adjacent estate — walking around the shore or sitting by the water. It is not a designated bathing area with beach infrastructure, but rather a green, water-based patch within the city fabric, used by local residents as part of daily life.

Is the city investing in the area?

A significant part of Bajkal's water surface has recently passed into the ownership of the city of Pardubice, which acquired it free of charge from the state through the Office for Government Representation in Property Affairs (ÚZSVM). This has given the municipality room to plan the surroundings of the lake without having to negotiate with private landowners. As part of this process, a further stage of works around the lake — referred to as "stage 2" — is underway, aimed at tidying up the area around the water.

Is it worth a visit as a tourist?

Bajkal is not a conventional tourist attraction in the sense of a monument or a scenic viewpoint — it's more of a place for visitors curious about everyday life in Pardubice outside the historic core, or for anglers looking for a local fishing spot during a longer stay in the city. For those exploring the historic center or Pardubice Castle, it can make a quiet, low-key addition to the itinerary — a walk by the water, away from the tourist crowds.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Bajkal? The lake is not an officially designated bathing area with beach facilities — it functions mainly as a fishing ground and a place for short recreation for residents of the nearby estate.

Where does the lake come from? Bajkal was created by sand and gravel extraction in the late 1980s, carried out in connection with the construction of the Polabiny V housing estate. Once mining ended, the resulting pit filled with water.

Who manages the area? Fishing on the lake is organized by the local branch of the Czech Anglers' Union. Most of the water surface now belongs to the city of Pardubice, which took it over free of charge from the state via ÚZSVM.

How do you get to Bajkal? The lake lies in the Polabiny V district, below Hradecká street, along the route from the Wonka bridge toward Hradec Králové — easily reachable from central Pardubice.

Are there any facilities by the lake? The city is carrying out a further stage of work to tidy up the surroundings, but Bajkal remains primarily a natural, green neighborhood recreation spot rather than a fully developed waterside park.