Horusická pískovna

Horusická pískovna is a flooded former gravel-and-sand pit located right next to Veselí nad Lužnicí in South Bohemia, Czech Republic. It belongs to a wider cluster known as the Veselské pískovny – a group of lakes formed by gravel and sand extraction carried out between 1952 and 1986 in the area stretching between Veselí nad Lužnicí and the villages of Horusice and Vlkov. Once mining stopped, the pits gradually filled with water, creating today's extensive water complex covering roughly 240 hectares within the Třeboň Basin, a region famous across South Bohemia for its ponds and wetlands.

What can you do at Horusická pískovna?

The lake is one of the most popular swimming spots near Veselí nad Lužnicí. Its sandy and gravelly bottom, typical of former extraction pits, gives the water unusually good clarity, and locals often liken the experience to bathing at the seaside. The shoreline mixes open sandy beaches with grassy patches and stands of trees, making it a relaxed destination for swimming, sunbathing, or simply walking along the water in the warmer months.

Are there other lakes nearby?

Horusická pískovna is one of five lakes that together make up the Veselské pískovny complex, alongside Jezero Veselí, Veselí I, and the neighboring Jezero Horusice. The best-known of the group is Vlkovská pískovna, though all of the lakes share the same origin story and a similarly natural, low-key atmosphere. Worth noting: the adjacent Jezero Horusice is known locally as a naturist swimming spot, which sets it apart from the more family-oriented character of Horusická pískovna itself.

Can you fish here?

The lake is registered as an official fishing water, managed by the local branch of the Czech Fishing Association. This means it is regularly stocked with fish and used by anglers who belong to the local association, adding another layer of use beyond summer bathing.

How do you get there and where can you park?

Horusická pískovna is easiest to reach on foot or by bicycle directly from Veselí nad Lužnicí, since the short distance from the town center makes it a popular destination for a walk or a short ride. Visitors arriving by car can use a paid parking area near the lake, and the town itself is well connected by rail, making the site reachable without a car as well.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Horusická pískovna? Yes, it is one of the most popular swimming spots in the Veselí nad Lužnicí area, thanks to its sandy-gravelly bottom and clear water.

Is the lake suitable for fishing? Yes, Horusická pískovna is an officially registered fishing water managed by the local branch of the Czech Fishing Association.

How do you get to the site? The easiest way is on foot or by bicycle from Veselí nad Lužnicí. Drivers can use a paid parking area near the lake, and the town also has a train connection.

How did this lake form? It was created by gravel and sand extraction carried out between 1952 and 1986; once mining ended, the pit gradually filled with water.

Is Horusická pískovna the only lake of its kind in the area? No – it is one of five lakes forming the Veselské pískovny complex, which together cover roughly 240 hectares within the Třeboň Basin.