The dam is named after Orlík Castle, which stood on a high cliff above the river valley before the dam's construction raised the water level.
During construction, several historical buildings and villages, including the village of Žďákov, were intentionally submerged beneath the reservoir.
The Žďákov Bridge, crossing the reservoir, was once the largest single-arch steel bridge in the world upon its completion in 1967.
The reservoir reaches a maximum depth of 74 meters directly at the dam wall.
Orlík Dam is part of the Vltava Cascade, a series of nine dams along the river designed for energy production and flood protection.
The reservoir spans approximately 44 kilometers in length when at full capacity.
It is the largest reservoir by water volume in the Czech Republic, holding over 700 million cubic meters of water.
Orlík Dam is the largest reservoir in the Czech Republic, impounding the Vltava River with a concrete gravity dam that reaches 91 meters in height. The site functions as a major hydroelectric power station, utilizing four Kaplan turbines to generate electricity. The surrounding area features extensive forested shorelines popular for recreational swimming, camping, and water sports. Visitors can access pedal boat rentals, rowing boats, and motorboats to navigate the expansive reservoir arms. The reservoir serves as a critical flood control measure for the Vltava basin and the city of Prague. It is a central hub for summer tourism, offering developed campgrounds and designated beaches along the water. The surrounding hilly landscape provides numerous lookout points for panoramic views of the water surface. The reservoir's depth and scale make it a popular destination for long-distance swimming and recreational sailing.
The mid-point of the Žďákov Bridge for a clear, high-angle vista of the reservoir's main channel.
Bring water shoes, as many shoreline access points consist of rocky or steep terrain rather than sandy beaches.
Check local water quality reports online during peak summer months, as algae blooms can occasionally occur in stagnant bays.
Rent a boat to reach secluded coves that are inaccessible by foot through the dense forest.
Pack adequate sun protection, as the expansive water surface increases UV reflection.
Do not attempt to swim near the dam wall or power plant intake structures due to dangerous currents and restricted zones.
Water sports and boat rentals are restricted to the summer season; campgrounds typically operate from May through September.
Respect noise ordinances in campgrounds at night; follow water safety signage regarding designated swimming zones.
