Koupaliště Zákupy

Koupaliště Zákupy is a natural swimming spot built on the Great Zákupy Pond (Velký zákupský rybník), on the southern edge of the small town of Zákupy in the Máchův kraj region of the Czech Republic. It sits roughly 8 km east of Česká Lípa and 7 km west of Mimoň, and the nearest railway stop — Božíkov, on the Česká Lípa–Liberec line — is only a few hundred meters from the beach entrance, making the site easy to reach even without a car.

How did the swimming pool come to be?

The tradition of bathing at the Great Zákupy Pond dates back to 1933, when the first organized swimming facility was set up here. Since then the pond has served a double purpose — as a water reservoir and as a summer recreation spot for locals and visitors touring the Máchův kraj region. Above the Great Pond lies a smaller reservoir, the Small Zákupy Pond, also known as Štefanův.

What is there to see and do?

The swimming area has a sandy-grassy beach with a sandy bottom and a gentle, gradual entry into the water, making it well suited to non-swimmers and families with young children. Attractions include a water slide 9 meters high and 95 meters long, plus a beach volleyball court. On-site facilities include toilets, showers, changing rooms and a first-aid room, so visitors can spend the whole day here without needing to head into town.

Who is this place for?

Zákupy's swimming pond is a typical Czech "přírodní koupaliště" — a natural bathing spot by a pond, popular across the Máchův kraj region as an alternative to the larger, busier lakes nearby. The gentle water entry and basic beach infrastructure make it a good fit both for families with children and for anyone looking for a quieter, less commercial bathing spot than the region's bigger resorts.

How to get there

The site's biggest advantage is its proximity to Božíkov railway station, about 300 meters from the beach — travelers on the Liberec–Česká Lípa line can get off there and walk to the pond in just a few minutes. That makes it a convenient option for tourists without a car planning a day trip from Česká Lípa, Mimoň or Liberec.

Frequently asked questions

Is the swimming pond suitable for children? Yes, the sandy beach and gentle, gradual water entry make it a safe spot for families with young children.

How can I get there without a car? The easiest way is by train — Božíkov station on the Česká Lípa–Liberec line is about 300 meters from the swimming area.

What attractions does the site offer? A water slide (9 m high, 95 m long), a beach volleyball court, and basic amenities: toilets, showers, changing rooms and a first-aid room.

Since when has this swimming pond existed? The traditional bathing spot at the Great Zákupy Pond has operated since 1933.