Zlatá Ktiš
Water
Discover Zlatá Ktiš, the largest of eight historic timber floating sluices in the Novohradské forests, offering a blend of rich history, natural beauty, and refreshing swimming opportunities.

📜 Zlatá Ktiš is the largest of eight historic timber floating sluices in the Novohradské forests, founded in the late 18th century and restored multiple times after catastrophic floods.
🌊 This picturesque reservoir also serves as a tranquil oasis for recreation, surrounded by rich flora and fauna.

Why Go

🌲 Explore a significant historical reservoir and technical monument.
🚶‍♀️ Discover the site of the vanished Goldentisch settlement, marked by its poignant cast-iron cross.
🏊‍♀️ Enjoy the refreshing waters from a grassy beach on the southwest side of the lake.
🚴‍♀️ Ideal for hiking and cycling on comfortable, paved paths through the scenic Novohradské mountains.
🏞️ Relax in a quiet natural setting, perfect for observing diverse wildlife like beavers and otters.

History

🗓️ Established between 1789 and 1796 by the Buquoy family, it was crucial for timber floating.
🏘️ The Goldentisch settlement, founded around 1791, once housed up to 130 lumberjacks.
✝️ A cast-iron cross on the dam is the sole remaining trace of the vanished settlement.
🌊 The dam suffered breaches in 1794 and 2002 due to floods, but was rebuilt and improved in 2005 with a new, safer overflow system.

🏊‍♀️ Swimming

🏖️ A welcoming grassy beach with easy water entry is located on the southwest side of the lake.
💧 The reservoir provides a clean and refreshing spot for a summer swim.

Getting There

🚶‍♀️🚴‍♀️ Accessible to hikers and cyclists via a comfortable 2 km paved path from the village of Žofín.
🚗 Parking is available in Žofín or at the U Pralesa complex in Černé Údolí.

Nearby Attractions

🌳 Explore the Žofínský prales (Žofín Primeval Forest), one of Central Europe's oldest primeval forests.
🎣 Visit Huťský rybník, another historic timber floating sluice.
🏭 Discover Černé Údolí, the site of a former glassworks established in 1837.

Tags
naturehistoricaloutdoorreservoirtimber floatinghikingswimming