Písník Hrádek

Písník Hrádek is a sizeable lake in the municipality of Stéblová, Pardubice district, formed after sand and gravel extraction ended here in the 1990s. Covering roughly 50 hectares, it sits right in the middle of the Hradec Králové–Pardubice conurbation, which is why it draws large crowds from both cities every summer.

Where exactly is Písník Hrádek?

The lake lies less than 2 km from the center of the village of Hrádek, along road II/333 that connects Lázně Bohdaneč with Hradec Králové, at an elevation of about 219 meters above sea level. It is separated from the neighboring lake Oplatil I by nothing more than a narrow sandy embankment, so from above the two can look like a single body of water even though they function as separate sites with distinct histories.

How does it differ from the neighboring lakes?

Nearby lie Oplatil I, Oplatil II and Malá Čeperka, former quarry pits that together form a wider cluster of reclaimed gravel-pit lakes in this part of eastern Bohemia. While the Oplatil lakes are known mainly as quiet fishing spots, Písník Hrádek has a noticeably livelier, more social atmosphere: it has hosted music festivals in the past, and its beaches are popular with nudists and naturists. There are no formal barriers separating naturist areas from the rest of the swimming spots, so visitors should keep that in mind.

What can you do at Písník Hrádek?

In summer the lake works as a natural swimming area, with clean, open water that attracts both families and people looking for a more relaxed beach scene. Písník Hrádek also regularly hosts triathlon competitions, which use its open stretch of water for the swimming leg. Anglers rate it as a good fishing spot, and the surrounding area is well suited to longer walks or bike rides through the wider network of former sand pits, including toward Lake Čeperka.

Who manages the lake, and what is changing here?

Since 2012 the site has been owned by the company Marina Kemp Stéblová, which signaled plans early on to build a sailing center here. Today the site operates recreational infrastructure that includes a peninsula dedicated to water sports, a sailing school for children and adults, and parking and overnight spots for campers and caravans. That sets Písník Hrádek apart from its quieter neighbors: the focus here is on water-sports infrastructure and sailing rather than purely on peaceful fishing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Písník Hrádek the same lake as Oplatil I? No. They are two separate lakes divided only by a narrow sandy embankment — neighbors, but with different ownership histories and different recreational profiles.

How big is Písník Hrádek? The lake covers roughly 50 hectares.

Are nudists common at Písník Hrádek? Yes, some of its beaches are popular with nudists and naturists, and the swimming areas are not formally separated.

How do you get to Písník Hrádek? It lies along road II/333 between Lázně Bohdaneč and Hradec Králové, less than 2 km from the center of the village of Hrádek in the Stéblová municipality.

Does the lake host any sporting events? Yes, it regularly hosts triathlon competitions that use the lake for the swimming leg, and it has also been a venue for music festivals in the past.