About this place
Velká pískovna (Tušť) is a large flooded former sand quarry right next to the village of Tušť, about 1.5 km southeast of the town of Suchdol nad Lužnicí in South Bohemia, Czech Republic. Unlike the smaller sand pit next door, this one is not open for recreation — the site is currently closed to visitors.
What is this place?
Sand and gravel extraction around Suchdol nad Lužnicí began in 1966. Over the following decades, several of the worked-out pits gradually filled with water, creating the large ponds that now shape the landscape of this part of the Třeboňsko region. Velká pískovna is the larger of two such water-filled pits that formed right by the village of Tušť — hence its name ("Velká" meaning "large"), used to distinguish it from the neighboring, smaller Malá pískovna.
Why is it closed to visitors?
Velká pískovna remains closed because sand extraction at the site is still ongoing. Entry and swimming are banned, and warning signs mark the area. Given the active mining equipment, unstable banks, and deep water, visitors should respect the signage and stay out of the quarry grounds for safety reasons.
Anyone looking to swim or spend time by the water in this area can instead head to the neighboring Malá pískovna, which is set up for recreation — with a beach, a kiosk, a beach volleyball court, and paddleboard rental — and remains free to enter.
How to get there?
Tušť, the village next to Velká pískovna, is reached from Suchdol nad Lužnicí, roughly 1.5 km to the southeast. Cars should be parked only in the designated parking areas in the village, without driving up close to the quarry itself.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Velká pískovna? No. Entry and swimming are banned because sand extraction is still active at the site.
Why is the pit closed? Because gravel and sand mining is still ongoing there — it remains an active quarry, not a recreational site.
Where can you swim in the area instead? The neighboring, smaller Malá pískovna is set up for swimming and recreation, with a beach and related facilities.
How far is Tušť from Suchdol nad Lužnicí? The village lies about 1.5 km southeast of the town.
Since when has sand been mined in this area? Sand and gravel extraction around Suchdol nad Lužnicí started in 1966.
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