Matiční jezero

Matiční jezero is a small lake in Pardubice, Czech Republic, formed in 1910 out of a bend of the Chrudimka river that was cut off from the main channel. Today it works as a local recreation spot — a fishing hole in summer and a natural skating area in winter — with a name and history stretching back to the early 20th century.

How did the lake come to be?

Around the turn of the 20th century, the Chrudimka river underwent repeated regulation work, prompted by serious flooding in June 1886 and again between March and May 1895, as well as by the construction of a nearby railway line. As part of this work, in 1910 one of the river's meanders was severed from the main course, leaving behind a standalone, still body of water — today's Matiční jezero.

Where does the lake's name come from?

A wooden restaurant once stood on the lake's shore, run by the Pardubice branch of Matice školská, a Czech educational association. The restaurant's name was carried over to the surrounding park, known as Matiční ostrov (Matiční Island), and from there passed on to the lake itself.

What role did the lake play in local hockey history?

On February 2, 1913, the first ice hockey match ever played in Pardubice took place on the frozen surface of Matiční jezero, with a local team facing off against Český sportovní klub Praha (Czech Sports Club Prague). Through the 1920s the lake remained a popular natural rink and also served as a training ground for hockey players.

How is the lake used today?

These days the lake is used mainly by anglers from the local branch of the Czech Fishing Union, who fish its waters through the warmer months. In winter, once the surface freezes over, the lake reverts to its old role as a neighborhood skating spot, much as it did a century ago.

Why was the lake dredged recently?

From its creation in 1910 until recently, the lake had never been dredged, and over more than a hundred years roughly 14,000 cubic meters of sediment built up on its bed. A comprehensive desilting and revitalization project was carried out in recent years to restore the lake's ecological condition. The removed sediment was packed into geotextile bags, which were then used to reinforce the lake's banks. As a result, the lake now covers a smaller surface area than before, but is noticeably deeper.

Frequently asked questions

When was Matiční jezero formed?

It was formed in 1910, when a bend of the Chrudimka river was cut off from the main channel during a regulation project.

Where does the lake's name come from?

From Matice školská, a Czech educational association whose Pardubice branch ran a restaurant on the shore; the name passed first to the surrounding Matiční ostrov park, and later to the lake itself.

What is the lake's connection to hockey?

The first ice hockey match in Pardubice's history was played here, on February 2, 1913.

Can you fish at Matiční jezero?

Yes, the lake is managed by the local branch of the Czech Fishing Union and is used for angling throughout the warmer season.

What restoration work has the lake undergone?

After more than a century without dredging, the lake was desilted; the removed sediment was packed into geotextile bags used to reinforce the banks, leaving the lake smaller in area but noticeably deeper.