Lom Borek

Lom Borek is a flooded serpentinite quarry near the village of Borek in the Vysočina region of the Czech Republic, in the Havlíčkův Brod district, between Chotěboří and Golčův Jeníkov. It's not the surrounding scenery that draws visitors here, but what lies beneath the surface of the water.

What was mined at the Borek quarry?

The roughly 2-hectare pit was worked from the Second World War until 1992, when it was excavated for serpentinite (locally called "hadec"), a magnesium-rich rock typical of the Vysočina's geology. Once quarrying stopped, the old pit gradually filled with water, leaving behind a small lake ringed by rocky walls.

How deep is the flooded quarry?

The water now reaches a depth of around 30 metres, and it keeps rising by a few centimetres every year as groundwater slowly fills the old workings. That depth, combined with decent underwater visibility, has turned Lom Borek into a well-known destination for divers from across the Czech Republic.

What can you find underwater?

The quarry floor has effectively become an underwater curiosity museum. In 2003, an articulated Ikarus bus was lowered into the water — it has since lost its windows and engine, but otherwise keeps its shape intact. Divers can also come across a stripped Wartburg car wreck and an object locals call "Stejskánek," a former tank shaped a little like a submarine, resting at around 15 metres. A patch of drowned forest survives underwater as well, and the lake is home to perch, carp, pike up to 1.2 metres long, catfish, and crayfish.

What rules apply on site?

Access to the water is possible only from one designated spot, reached via a dirt path. Swimming and fishing are both prohibited, and climbing onto the quarry's rocky banks is forbidden too, since the walls are unstable and pose a real risk. Diving here is done at one's own risk, and in many cases requires prior arrangement with whoever manages the site.

Can you camp nearby?

A modest camping area sits close to the quarry, with space for a tent, a car, or a small caravan that can sleep up to four people. Facilities are minimal — there's no electricity or drinking water on site, so it's worth bringing your own supplies.

How do you get to Lom Borek?

The easiest way is by train or bus to the nearest town (check connections via the IDOS timetable system), followed by a walk along a dirt path straight to the quarry. It sits in a quiet, rural area away from any major towns, which only adds to its low-key, niche appeal.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim recreationally at Lom Borek? No — swimming and fishing are both banned here; the site is used almost exclusively by divers.

How deep is the Borek quarry? Around 30 metres, and that depth increases slightly each year.

What's the most interesting thing on the lake bed? An articulated Ikarus bus sunk in 2003, a stripped Wartburg car wreck, a submarine-like object called "Stejskánek," and a patch of drowned forest.

Is camping possible on site? Yes, there's a simple camping area nearby with room for a caravan, though it has no electricity or drinking water.