The dam's design was inspired by the aesthetics of medieval romanticism, intended to blend the massive concrete and sandstone structure with the surrounding forest.
It is the oldest dam in the Czech Republic that has continuously served its original purpose without major structural overhaul.
The control building at the crest of the dam looks like a small gatehouse with a spire, complete with a dwelling for the former dam keeper.
The structure survived several major flooding events in the 20th century, proving the effectiveness of its original 1910s engineering design.
The reservoir area is a popular nesting site for diverse bird species, including the grey heron and several types of kingfishers.
The dam was built as a direct response to the catastrophic flooding of the Elbe River in 1897.
The sandstone used for the decorative elements of the dam was sourced from local quarries in the Podkrkonoší region.
In 1920, the dam was integrated into a larger system of water management works intended to improve the navigability of the Elbe downstream.
The Les Království dam (Royal Forest Dam) is a Neo-Gothic masonry arch gravity dam located on the Elbe River, constructed between 1910 and 1919. Designed by Z. Bažant, the structure features distinctive castle-like turrets and stone-arched footbridges that mimic a fairy-tale fortress. It was declared a national cultural monument in 1964 due to its unique architectural integration into the surrounding landscape. The dam wall stands 41 meters high and spans 218 meters in length, serving both as a functional flood-control facility and a hydroelectric power plant. It features a unique spillway system consisting of six arched openings designed to manage river discharge. The dam reservoir extends 5 kilometers upstream toward the town of Hostinné. The surrounding area is part of a protected forest landscape, which provides a natural setting for the stone structures. The dam remains fully operational today under the management of the Elbe River Basin authority.
The perspective from the bridge located just downstream, capturing the full face of the dam with the towers and arches reflected in the river.
Walk across the top of the dam to experience the architectural detailing of the stone arches and towers from close range.
Combine your visit with a hike along the marked trails leading into the surrounding Royal Forest (Les Království).
View the dam from the downstream side via the path leading from the parking area to see the full elevation of the spillways.
Do not attempt to climb onto the decorative stone structures or the dam's outer masonry walls.
Maintain caution on the pedestrian walkway as the top of the dam is narrow; remain behind designated railings at all times.
