Odlezly Lake

Odlezly Lake is the youngest lake in the Czech Republic — a small but remarkable body of water tucked away in western Bohemia, within the municipality of Žihle, right next to the village that gave the lake its name. Unlike most Czech lakes, which are either glacial relics or the result of mining activity, Odlezly Lake was formed by a sudden natural disaster in the 19th century, making it one of the more unusual natural features in the region.

How was Odlezly Lake formed?

The lake's story begins in May 1872. Following a period of heavy rainfall, the western slope of Potvorov hill collapsed, forming a natural dam that blocked a stream flowing through the valley. The landslide took shape over just a few days — between 25 and 28 May — and water backing up behind the newly formed barrier gradually filled the resulting basin, giving rise to the lake that survives to this day. This is exactly why Odlezly Lake carries the title of the youngest lake in the country: its age is measured in decades rather than the thousands of years typical of most natural lakes in the region.

How big is the lake?

Odlezly Lake is modest in size but clearly visible in the landscape. It covers an area of roughly 4.5 hectares, stretches about 500 meters in length, and its width varies between 70 and 100 meters. The lake's elongated shape is a direct trace of the former streambed that was flooded after the landslide — a detail that's easy to miss today when looking at the calm surface of the water framed by surrounding vegetation.

Is the lake protected?

Yes. Because of its unique origin and ecological value, Odlezly Lake and its surroundings were placed under protection on 7 March 1975 as a national nature monument. The protected area extends well beyond the lake itself, covering roughly 70.7 hectares in total, including the surrounding forests and wetlands that provide a habitat for local wildlife and plant life.

What is happening to the lake today?

Despite its ongoing appeal to visitors, Odlezly Lake is slowly undergoing a natural process of silting up and overgrowing with vegetation. Without human intervention, the basin would gradually fill with sediment and plant matter, potentially disappearing from the landscape entirely within a few decades. This makes the site's protected status important not just historically, but practically — it helps slow down natural processes that would otherwise lead to the loss of one of the most unusual bodies of water in the Czech Republic.

Why visit Odlezly Lake?

The site combines an unusual geological backstory with the quiet, intimate scenery typical of western Bohemia. Its small size and secluded location mean the lake doesn't draw large crowds, making it a good choice for travelers looking for peace, contact with nature, and lesser-known spots off the main tourist routes. The surrounding forests and the area's protected status further highlight the ecological value of this corner of the country.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Odlezly Lake different from other Czech lakes? Most lakes in the Czech Republic are either glacial in origin or the result of mining activity. Odlezly Lake is an exception — it was created when a landslide blocked a stream, making it the youngest lake in the country.

When was the lake formed? In May 1872, after the western slope of Potvorov hill collapsed following heavy rainfall.

How large is the lake? It covers about 4.5 hectares, is roughly 500 meters long, and ranges from 70 to 100 meters in width.

Is the area around the lake protected? Yes, since 1975 the lake and its surroundings have held the status of a national nature monument, with a total protected area of about 70.7 hectares.

Is the lake under any threat? Yes — a natural process of silting up and overgrowth means that without human intervention, the lake could disappear within a few decades.