Malá Amerika

Malá Amerika is a flooded limestone quarry hidden in the forest near the town of Karlštejn, in the Beroun district, right in the heart of the Bohemian Karst (Český kras). It's one of the most photographed spots in the region — despite being entirely man-made, it now looks like a wild, secluded lake tucked among rock walls and trees.

How did the lake form?

Malá Amerika was once an active limestone quarry. After extraction stopped, the pit gradually filled with groundwater, forming what locals also call the Rešeň lake. The resulting lake is about 165 meters long, with its bottom sitting at an elevation of 348 meters above sea level and a maximum depth of 13 meters. It has no natural surface inflow or outflow, which helps keep the water remarkably clear and transparent against the dramatic backdrop of bare rock.

Nature and protection

Small as it is, Malá Amerika holds real ecological value. Strictly protected crayfish live in its waters, and nearby natural caves shelter bats — the site ranks among the most important bat hibernation spots in central Bohemia. Because of this, swimming and bathing are officially prohibited here, even though the turquoise water looks inviting; protecting this fragile ecosystem takes priority over recreation.

How to get to Malá Amerika

There's no road access — the only way in is on foot. The most common starting point is Karlštejn Castle, from where a forest path leads down to the main road before joining a yellow-marked tourist trail that passes the landmark "Seven Brothers" oak tree. The full one-way walk takes around 45 minutes. The trail isn't wheelchair accessible, and several sections are steep, making it difficult with a stroller as well.

What else is nearby?

Malá Amerika is just one stop along a trail connecting several former quarries in the area. The yellow trail continues through a smaller quarry known as "Mexiko," tied to the site's history involving political prisoners, before reaching the much larger and better-known Velká Amerika quarry — sometimes nicknamed the "Czech Grand Canyon." Reaching it takes roughly another 30 minutes on foot.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Malá Amerika? Swimming is officially banned to protect the local ecosystem — the lake is home to strictly protected crayfish, and nearby caves serve as an important bat hibernation site.

How do you get to Malá Amerika? There's no car access. Visitors walk in, most commonly starting from Karlštejn Castle and following the yellow-marked trail, a hike of about 45 minutes.

What's the difference between Malá Amerika and Velká Amerika? Malá Amerika is the smaller, quieter flooded quarry, while Velká Amerika is a much larger and deeper canyon-like quarry located about 30 minutes further along the same trail.

Is the trail suitable for children or strollers? The path is walkable but includes steep, uneven sections that make it difficult with a stroller, and it is not accessible for wheelchair users.