Water sports on Lake Lipno attract crowds of sports-loving tourists who want to experience what it’s like at sea—but right here in the Czech Republic. With an area of over 4,800 hectares, the Lipno Dam is the largest reservoir in the Czech Republic. And that size really shows. The horizon disappears into the distance, the wind blows from the southwest, and on every July afternoon, there are so many boats on the water that Lipno resembles a small sea rather than a reservoir in the middle of the Šumava Mountains. For families, kayakers, and anyone who just wants to lie back on an inflatable mattress and let the current carry them along, this is a place that’s hard to beat.
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Steamboat cruises: the most relaxing way to see Lake Lipno
A regular ferry service has been operating on Lake Lipno since the beginning of summer. Steamboats and motorboats connect Lipno nad Vltavou with the ports in Frymburk, Černá v Pošumaví, and Horní Planá, and during the season they run from morning until evening. The trip from one end to the other takes about an hour and a quarter, but most passengers don’t get off; they just sit back and enjoy the beauty of the reservoir.
Bicycles can be brought on board for an additional fee, making the boat service a perfect addition to a cycling trip: ride from Lipno to Frymburk along the trail and return by boat, or vice versa. In July and August, evening sightseeing cruises are also available every Wednesday and Friday, departing from Lipno nad Vltavou at 6:00 p.m. In July and August, it’s worth buying tickets in advance, as capacity is limited and lines at the pier at noon can be surprisingly long. You can find the current schedule, price list, and online booking at lipno-line.com.
Pedal boats, kayaks, and paddleboards: what to rent and where
Taking a walk along the shore or enjoying the view from a bench is one thing; being out on the water is quite anejsteher. Lipno has a fairly extensive network of rental shops located along the entire length of the reservoir, and the selection grows wider every year.
Pedal boats are a timeless classic and are ideal for families with young children, since no one is in a hurry and you can enjoy the view in every direction. Kayaks and canoes are a bit more active, but on calm waters they’re perfectly manageable even without prior experience. Paddleboarding, or SUP, is today’s most popular new activity: just stand on the board and paddle, and although your first attempts usually look comical, after ten minutes it comes naturally. Rental shops are located throughout Lipno; you can find a list of all current locations at lipno.info. There is a rental shop right in Lipno nad Vltavou Lipno Centrum with prices starting at 150 CZK/hour, and in Dolní Vltavice Mokrý pedál with a focus on pedal boats and paddleboards. Always check current price lists directly with the specific rental company.
The Top 5 Beaches for Swimming at Lipno
Lake Lipno has dozens of kilometers of shoreline and plenty of places to get into the water, but nejste all spots are the same. Here are five that are worth visiting.
Frymburk is one of the most popular family beaches on the entire reservoir. The water is shallow and the slope is gentle, the bottom is sandy, and the facilities are excellent: you’ll find food stands, restrooms, and boat rentals here. Frymburk is also a stop on the boat line, so you can take a steamboat there and cycle back along the trail.
Černá in the Pošumaví region offers a larger beach with more amenities for water sports. If you’re interested in paddleboarding or kayaking and don’t want to go to the trouble of searching for a rental shop, Černá is the place to go. The water is clean, and the surface is usually calm.
Lipno nad Vltavou, the central part of the reservoir, offers access to the water at several locations within walking distance of the main tourist areas. The advantage is its proximity to all attractions; the disadvantage is the higher concentration of visitors during the high season.
Dolní Vltavice and the surrounding stretch of riverbank are less crowded with tourists and will appeal to those seeking peace and quiet. The natural setting here is more authentic, the amenities more modest—exactly the kind of beach where you bring your own blanket and picnic basket.
Horní Planá rounds out the list as anejsteher lakeside town with a beautiful waterfront, popular with sailboats and larger motorboats. The water is calm, and the surroundings are picturesque.
Swimming with Children: What to Keep in Mind
The Lipno Dam is popular with families with children, but there are a few things worth keeping in mind. The depth of the dam changes relatively quickly: it’s shallow near the shore, but just a few meters from the edge, the bottom can be nejsteiceably deeper. With younger children, it’s always a good idea to find designated swimming areas with a lifeguard or at least clearly marked shallow areas.
The wind on Lake Lipno tends to be stronger than it appears from the shore, especially in the afternoon. Inflatable toys and floating objects can drift away quickly, and the reservoir is large. The rule “stay within waist-deep water” applies to children regardless of age.
The cold water because Lipno warms up more slowly than natural lakes, poses anejsteher risk for young children. Brief contact is fine, but longer stays in the water can cool a child down surprisingly quickly.
Fishing on Lake Lipno
Lipno is a fisherman’s paradise. Grayling, pike, zander, perch, and carp. The variety of fish reflects the fact that the reservoir lies on the border between the Šumava Mountains and the lowlands. A valid fishing license issued by The Czech Fishing Association, or a local permit for a specific fishing area. Permits can be obtained online or at ČRS branches. The most popular spots are in the quieter parts of the reservoir, specifically near Černá v Pošumaví, in the bays near Frymburk, or along the tributaries. Night fishing is permitted in designated sections and is popular among more experienced anglers. Current information on fishing areas and conditions is published by lipensko.cz and local sporting goods stores.
Windsurfing a kitesurfing
Lipno is considered the best place in Bohemia for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and this reputation is well deserved. The south-westerly wind, which blows regularly here and is usually quite strong, is exactly what these sports need. The main centre is in Černá v Pošumaví, where Lipno Windsurfing with a rental shop and a school offering lessons that has been in operation for over thirty years. Conditions are best from May through September, with the wind blowing most reliably in the afternoon.
For experienced riders, Lipno is one of the few places in the Czech Republic where you can experience truly challenging conditions, as the length of the reservoir provides a space that no pond or smaller body of water can offer. Lessons are recommended for beginners, as it is nejste impossible to be blown out onto the open water without experience at Lipno.
Water skiing and wakeboarding: Adventure Park Frymburk
For those looking for more than just paddleboarding, Lipno offers an adventure park in Frymburk. Adventure Park Frymburk offers wakeboarding, water skiing, and wakeskating using a cable system, meaning no motorboat is required. The advantages over motorboats include a constant speed, safer operation, and a significantly lower price.
Even those who have never stood on a board before can handle the beginner lessons; the staff is used to this. You can find the current opening hours and price list directly on the website adventurepark.cz.
What to do in wind and rain
Strong winds can be a nuisance for paddleboards and pedal boats, but they’re a blessing for windsurfers. However, if the weather makes even that difficult,
Lipno has a backup plan right by the water. Aquaworld Lipno The indoor pool is open year-round, on weekdays from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on weekends from 10:00 AM. On rainy days, it serves as a natural alternative to the outdoor beach, and for families with children, it’s often a more pleasant option than a crowded outdoor pool on a sunny day. You can find more tips for rainy days in the article Things to Do at Lipno When It Rains.
Where to stay by the water
Most water activities are concentrated around Lipno nad Vltavou, where you’ll find the highest concentration of rental shops, steamboats, and beach access. Camping Panorama is located 50 meters from the beach, so you can wake up in the morning, walk down to the water, and decide what to do first: a pedal boat, paddleboarding, or just coffee with a view. The campground offers spots for tents and RVs as well as covered cabins, so you can choose the level of comfort that suits you.
