The lake was formed by the systematic flooding of a decommissioned coal mine that operated from 1977 until 1996.
Water from the Bílina River was redirected into the pit to facilitate the filling process, which took nearly a decade to complete.
The entire lake basin contains approximately 35 million cubic meters of water.
The project is considered one of the most successful examples of post-mining land restoration in the Czech Republic.
Motorized watercraft are prohibited on the lake to preserve water quality and provide a quiet environment for swimmers and non-motorized vessels.
Underwater structures from the mining era were largely removed, though some remain at depths that pose hazards to unauthorized diving.
The site is part of a larger ecological corridor intended to reconnect local wildlife habitats fragmented by industrial mining.
Lake Milada is a post-mining landscape project created by the reclamation of the Chabařovice open-cast brown coal mine near Ústí nad Labem. Spanning approximately 252 hectares, the lake reached its maximum depth of 24.7 meters after being flooded between 2001 and 2010. The water quality is maintained at a level suitable for swimming and recreational activities due to active environmental monitoring. The surrounding area features rehabilitated ecosystems including meadows, forests, and designated recreational paths for cycling and inline skating. Unlike natural glacial lakes, the shoreline is entirely artificial, designed to stabilize the terrain of the former mining pit. It functions as a significant regional hub for water sports and outdoor activities in the Ústí Region.
The northern ridge overlooking the lake provides a panoramic view of the entire basin against the backdrop of the Krušné hory mountains.
Bring your own shade equipment, as the newly planted trees along the shoreline are still maturing and provide limited cover.
Use the dedicated inline skating paths that loop around the perimeter of the lake for a smooth, scenic workout.
Verify the current water quality reports on the official regional hygiene station website before swimming, especially after heavy rainfall.
Do not attempt to swim or boat in restricted areas marked for ecological protection or slope stabilization.
The site is open year-round, but water-based amenities and refreshment stands only operate during the summer season.
Respect designated swimming zones and keep dogs on leashes in crowded recreational areas.
