Těžební jezero

Těžební jezero is the largest of four lakes forming the local complex known as Slovácké moře ("Slovácko Sea"), located in the municipality of Ostrožská Nová Ves in the Uherské Hradiště district of the Zlín Region, in the eastern part of the Czech Republic. The lake formed in a former gravel and sand pit and is now one of the region's key recreational spots.

How did Těžební jezero form?

The lake is the result of flooding a site where large-scale gravel and sand extraction took place from the 1950s onward, driven by the needs of heavy industry. Once mining ended, the abandoned pit gradually filled with water, creating the wide body of water visible today. This shared origin links Těžební jezero to the other lakes of the complex, even though each one now has its own character and use.

What is Slovácké moře and where does the lake fit in?

Slovácké moře is the popular name for the four lakes created by former gravel and sand mining around Ostrožská Nová Ves. The total area once flooded by this mining activity reaches roughly 355 hectares, with water depths of up to 15 metres. Alongside Těžební jezero, the largest of the four, the complex includes the Vodárenská nádrž reservoir and the Albatros natural bathing area, a roughly 4.6-hectare site equipped with changing rooms, showers, water slides, and courts for volleyball, football, and badminton.

What can visitors do at the lake?

Thanks to its large surface area and relatively clear water, Těžební jezero is popular among canoeists and dragon boat crews, with dragon boat races held in the area. The surroundings also attract birdwatchers, as the partly natural shoreline provides good habitat for waterfowl and wading birds. In summer, the whole Ostrožská lakes complex, including Těžební jezero, draws thousands of visitors looking to cool off and relax by the water, and a designated fishing ground also operates within the complex.

Are there any restrictions to know about?

Part of the area around the Ostrožská lakes lies within a protection zone for drinking water sources, which comes with additional requirements aimed at safeguarding water quality. Local media have reported that some visitors do not follow the rules in place for the site, so it is worth checking current regulations and on-site signage before a visit, particularly regarding interference with the shoreline or activities that could affect water quality.

Frequently asked questions

What is Slovácké moře? It is the popular name for a complex of four lakes formed by former gravel and sand mining in the municipality of Ostrožská Nová Ves, of which Těžební jezero is the largest.

How did Těžební jezero form? The lake formed after gravel and sand extraction, carried out from the 1950s onward, came to an end and the abandoned pit filled with water.

What can you do at the lake? It is a popular spot for canoeing, dragon boat paddling, birdwatching, fishing, and general summer recreation by the water.

Is there a supervised bathing area nearby? Yes, the complex includes the Albatros natural bathing area, which has sanitary facilities and sports courts.

Are there any restrictions in place? Yes, part of the area lies within a drinking water protection zone, so visitors should follow local rules regarding the shoreline and water quality.