Písník Rusek

Písník Rusek is an 18.34-hectare lake on the western edge of Rusek, a district of Hradec Králové, right next to the local airport. It formed in a former gravel and sand pit — extraction here ended in the late 20th century, and the abandoned quarry gradually filled with water, creating a large artificial lake. It's one of several similar flooded gravel pits around Hradec Králové, where former quarrying sites have been repurposed for recreation.

What does the lake look like?

Písník Rusek splits clearly into two parts. The southern section has grown over with reeds and rushes, forming a dense belt of vegetation along the shore that provides a natural habitat for waterfowl and a quieter spot for watching wildlife. The northern, larger part is open water with no major obstructions, and it's this section that draws most of the people who come here to swim.

Can you swim here?

Swimming at Písník Rusek is not prohibited, and locals from Hradec Králové and the surrounding area regard it as a popular spot for natural, open-water swimming. There's no organized infrastructure typical of guarded bathing areas — no beach facilities, jetties, or lifeguard on duty. Worth keeping in mind before heading out, and standard caution applies, especially in the deeper, open part of the lake.

Can you fish here?

Yes — Písník Rusek is an official fishing ground of the Czech Fishing Union (Český rybářský svaz), so angling is fully permitted for anyone holding the relevant permit. That makes the site a draw not just for people relaxing by the water but also for local anglers, for whom it's one of the established fishing spots in the region.

Where exactly is it?

The lake sits on the western edge of Rusek, part of the city of Hradec Králové, right next to the local airport. Its coordinates are approximately 50.2588° N, 15.8464° E. That position — close to the city yet surrounded by open, less built-up land — explains why the lake has become a local recreation spot rather than a draw for visitors from further afield.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Písník Rusek? It covers 18.34 hectares.

How did this lake form? It formed on the site of a former gravel and sand pit. Extraction ended in the late 20th century, and the empty pit was gradually flooded with water.

Is Písník Rusek suitable for swimming? Yes, swimming isn't banned here, though the lake has no beach infrastructure or lifeguard — it's a spot for natural, unsupervised swimming.

Is there anything to do besides swimming? Yes, the area is an official fishing ground of the Czech Fishing Union, popular among local anglers.

How do you get to Písník Rusek? The lake lies on the western edge of Rusek, a district of Hradec Králové, right next to the city's airport.