Velké Dářko
Rybník Velké Dářko
Water
Campsite
Velké Dářko, with its 206 hectares, is the largest pond in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, often called the 'Sea of Vysočina'. Located in the densely forested Žďárské vrchy, it is a popular recreational area offering extensive opportunities for water sports, cycling, and nature exploration.

📜 A vast pond nestled in the forested landscape of the Žďár Hills, often called the 'Sea of Vysočina'.
🔍 The largest pond in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (206 ha), it's a popular spot for water sports and nature activities at 612m above sea level.

Why Go

🌊 Perfect for water sports: yachting, windsurfing, kiting, paddleboarding, and boat rentals. Equipment available at the nearby yacht club.
🚴‍♀️ Enjoy hiking, cycling (including the European EuroVelo 4 route), mushroom picking, and horseback riding in the surrounding forests.
🚶‍♀️ Explore the 12 km educational trail with 15 stops, passing through two nature reserves (Dářko and Radostín Peat Bog), including the Dářská rašeliniště nature trail.
🏖️ Relax on beautiful sandy beaches with social facilities and refreshment stands.
🎶 Live music on some summer weekends.

🏊‍♀️Swimming

🏊‍♀️ Enjoy swimming from beautiful sandy beaches.
🌡️ Water is very warm in summer.
💧 Water is naturally brown due to peat bottom but is hygienically safe and generally good quality with limited algae and cyanobacteria, originating from acidic peatland areas.
🤫 There's a popular nudist beach on one of the sandy shores.

🏕️ Accommodation & Facilities

🏕️ Two auto camps are available by the beach and below the dam, with countless private cottages nearby.
🍽️ Refreshment stands are located directly by the pond's dam.

📜 History

🗓️ Established on January 15, 1480, by Viktorin of Münsterberg, it was part of an extensive pond system on the Sázava River.
⚙️ Historically, it supplied water for mills, hammer mills, and ironworks until 1874.
🌳 Since the early 20th century, it has been increasingly used for recreation due to its clean forest environment.

Why Avoid

🤫 The popular nudist beach might not be for everyone, but other areas are available.

Cost

💰 Entry to the pond is free.

Managed By

🤝 Managed by Velké Dářko s.r.o.

Checklist

⏱️ Plan for a visit duration of around 4 hours.

Tags
pondwindsurfingsailingswimminghikingcyclingnature trailhorse ridingmushroom pickingrecreationwater sportskitingpaddleboardingcampinghistoricaloutdoorfamily-friendly