Vlkovská pískovna

Vlkovská pískovna is a flooded sand pit turned lake, located right next to the village of Vlkov, about two kilometers south of Veselí nad Lužnicí, in the Tábor District of the southern Czech Republic. The lake was formed as a result of sand extraction carried out between 1952 and 1986, and after mining ended, the pit naturally filled with water, becoming one of the country's most recognized natural bathing spots.

Where exactly is Vlkovská pískovna located?

The lake lies within the municipality of Vlkov, right next to the town of Veselí nad Lužnicí. It's part of a larger group of water bodies known as the Veselské pískovny (Veselí Sandpits) — a cluster of five lakes formed during the same sand-mining period, covering roughly 240 hectares in total. Besides Vlkovská pískovna, the system includes Lake Veselí, Lake Veselí I, Lake Horusice, and Lake Horusice I.

Why is this particular lake so popular?

Among all the lakes that make up the Veselské pískovny system, Vlkovská pískovna is the best known and most sought-after by visitors. It regularly ranks among the cleanest natural bathing sites in the Czech Republic, which draws both locals from the region and travelers looking for an alternative to crowded, developed municipal swimming areas.

What's on the eastern shore?

The eastern shore is defined by extensive sandy beaches, the main draw for visitors during the warmer months. A dedicated area for windsurfing has been set up here, and several refreshment stands line the shore, serving snacks and drinks — making it possible to spend an entire day by the water without leaving the site.

And what about the western side?

The western shore has a distinctly different character, dominated by small, grassy beaches that feel more low-key than the sandy stretches on the opposite side. On the northern side of the lake there's a parking area for visitors arriving by car, along with a seasonal restaurant open during the summer months, making this part of the lake a convenient base for families and groups.

Is there a spot for naturists?

Yes — Vlkovská pískovna has a separate beach designated for naturists, kept apart from the main, publicly accessible shoreline. This kind of arrangement, found at several Czech natural bathing sites, allows the lake to accommodate different visitor preferences within a single, large body of water.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Vlkovská pískovna? The lake is located about two kilometers south of Veselí nad Lužnicí, within the municipality of Vlkov, in the Tábor District. Arriving by car is the most convenient option — there's a parking area on the northern shore.

Is there anywhere to eat at Vlkovská pískovna? Yes. Several refreshment stands operate along the eastern shore, and a seasonal restaurant is open on the northern side of the lake during summer.

Is the water at Vlkovská pískovna clean? The lake regularly ranks among the cleanest natural bathing spots in the Czech Republic, which is one of the main reasons for its popularity.

Can you windsurf here? Yes, a dedicated windsurfing area has been designated on the eastern shore.

Is Vlkovská pískovna the only lake in the area? No — it's part of the larger Veselské pískovny system, made up of five lakes in total (including Lake Veselí, Lake Veselí I, Lake Horusice, and Lake Horusice I) covering about 240 hectares, all formed by sand extraction between 1952 and 1986.