Jezero Lhota

Jezero Lhota is a natural swimming lake in the village of Lhota, in the Mělník district of Central Bohemia, roughly 30 km north of Prague. The nearly 25-hectare lake occupies a former sand pit that was opened in 1965 to supply sand for the construction of the D1 motorway and the Prague metro. Mining ended in 1983, after which the pit filled with water and gradually turned into one of Central Bohemia's most popular natural bathing spots.

How do you get to Jezero Lhota?

The lake sits in the southeastern corner of the Mělník district, on the cadastral territory of Lhota, close to the village of Dřísy. Driving is the most practical option — a large car park of about 2.8 hectares, with room for roughly 1,400 vehicles, sits right next to the lake, which says a lot about how busy the place gets in summer.

What is there to see and do at the lake?

The main draw is the water itself: clear and transparent enough that visitors often compare it, on a sunny day, to a Caribbean beach. Depths reach up to 14 meters in places, and the sandy shoreline is framed by pine forest that provides shade and shelter from the wind.

Beyond swimming and sunbathing, visitors can try windsurfing or paddleboarding, and kayak or pedal-boat rentals are available for a slower pace. On-site facilities include a beach volleyball court, food stalls and sanitary facilities.

Jezero Lhota is also known nationwide as one of the few Czech lakes with a designated naturist beach, which draws an additional group of visitors from outside the region.

When is the best time to visit?

The bathing season runs from late spring to early autumn, peaking during the summer holidays (July–August), when the lake gets crowded, especially on weekends. Anyone after a quieter visit should aim for weekdays or the morning hours. Water quality is monitored regularly, keeping the lake safe for swimming throughout the season.

Who is this destination for?

Jezero Lhota makes an easy day trip for families, couples and groups of friends looking for a lake close to Prague but away from the city bustle. The sports infrastructure — windsurfing, paddleboarding, volleyball — also appeals to more active visitors, while the naturist section makes it a specific reference point for that audience in the region.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Jezero Lhota? The lake covers roughly 25 hectares, with depths reaching up to 14 meters in the deepest spots.

Where did the lake come from? It was originally a sand pit, worked from 1965 to supply the D1 motorway and Prague metro construction projects. Mining stopped in 1983 and the pit later filled with water.

Is there a naturist beach at the lake? Yes, Jezero Lhota is known across the Czech Republic as one of the few natural swimming spots with a designated naturist beach.

What activities are available on site? Besides swimming and sunbathing on the sandy beaches, visitors can try windsurfing and paddleboarding, rent kayaks or pedal boats, play beach volleyball, and use the food stalls and large parking area.