Lipno - the Lipno Dam

The Lipno Dam is the largest expanse of water in the Czech Republic. The dam is surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Šumava Protected Landscape Area. Lipno and its surroundings are ideal for a family as well as sporting vacation but also for an undisturbed repose and relaxation.

Tourists will surely appreciate the short distance to many sights and interesting places, the hiking and biking trails, and of course the wide spectrum of water sports. In the winter season, the mountains of Šumava afford the opportunity to fans of skiing and other winter sports to enjoy their hobbies.

By and large, Lipno is the ideal place for your vacation.

Lipno in numbers
construction:	1959 (the first project dates back to 1899 though)
elevation:	726 meters above the sea level
length:	48 km
width:	10 km
levee height:	25 m
average depth:	6,5 m
maximum depth:	21 m
water surface:	approx. 48.500 m2
water capacity:	approx. 306 million m3 vody

The Lipno dam consists of two separate water reservoirs - Lipno I and Lipno II. Below the dam, there is a hydroelectric power plant. It is situated in a large, artificially created cave. From its bottom to the ceiling, one would measure almost 40 meters. Further under the ground, there is a 3.6 km long tunnel which drains away the spill water.

Put up at the bank of Lipno, put up at Hotel Frymburk. Accommodation can be booked online.

The Lipno Dam, also referred to as Valley Dam Lipno, should have been built originally at the end of the 19th century. However, the project was initiated as late as after World War II and the dam was finished in the year 1959. The construction of Lipno required extensive demolition and deforestation works, railway relaying, construction of a new road, and flooding of whole villages or at least parts of them. A 25 meters high and 285 meters long levee was built. The dam is watered by the River Vltava and its tributaries. The Lipno Dam is the largest artificial expanse of water in Bohemia. On the maximum upheaval, the water surface amounts to 726 meters above the sea level.

In the underground cave below the dam, a hydroelectric power plant is placed with two Francis turbines. The energy obtained from the power plant is mainly used for balancing energetic peaks. The plant is supplied with water by two vertical, 160 meters deep shafts. The water drains from the turbines through a tunnel, which is approximately 3.5 km long, all the way to Vyšší Brod. Above Vyšší Brod, it was necessary to build a smaller dam, Lipno II, which traps water during peak activities of the hydroelectric power plant and then drains it evenly into the river bed. The second reservoir is smaller, merely 1.5 km long and 10 meters deep at the most. There is also a water power plant here.

Lipno is one of the most visited places in South Bohemia. It is a frequent destination even to foreign tourists. Thanks to the sporting and recreational options, it is an ideal place for recreation and vacation. The left bank of the dam in particular is suitable for swimming, angling, and other activities. There, you will find many pools, beaches, camps, accommodation facilities, etc. In the main season, you can travel over Lipno by ship transport.