Natural swimmingFeatured

Lake Milada: clean swimming in a reclaimed landscape near Ústí nad Labem

Lake Milada is a large reclaimed lake near Ústí nad Labem, created after brown-coal mining. It offers free-style swimming access, pebble beaches, piers, cycling and inline routes, plus wide views of the surrounding hills.

Reading time:
6 min read
Verified on:
14/05/2026
Country:
Czechia
Region:
North Bohemia, Liberec and Bohemian Switzerland
Lake Milada near Chabařovice with views of the České středohoří hills
Photo: Jezero Milada.jpg by Vernaficaria, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Quick overview

Place type
natural swimming
Recommended stay
1–5 hours
Crowds
high in hot weather
Opening hours
Check before visiting according to the current season and operator.
Booking recommended
No
Tickets online only
No
Nudist beach
No
Water quality
DIAMO publishes current lake data including water transparency and a link to bathing-water quality. Check current status before swimming.
Best time
summer morning, late afternoon
Avoid if possible
hot weekend midday

Lake Milada is one of the most interesting examples of how a mining landscape can become a place for swimming, sport and relaxation. It was created in the former Chabařovice brown-coal mine and today feels surprisingly open: clear water, wide horizons, pebble banks and views towards the České středohoří hills.

It is not a classic swimming pool with a ticket office and a fence. Milada is more like a large recreational landscape. You can come for swimming, cycling, inline skating, running, paddleboarding or just sitting by the water.

Why visit

Milada is ideal if you want natural swimming with clean water and plenty of space. The main beach in the north-eastern part of the lake has the most facilities, refreshments and visitors. Other parts of the shore feel calmer.

Swimming, cycling and inline skating

The lake works well as an active trip. Paths around the water are suitable for cycling, inline skating, running and walking. You can do a loop, swim and then relax by the water.

The beaches are often pebbly, so water shoes can be useful. The main beach is the most comfortable; quieter spots offer more space but fewer services.

Practical tip

For a first visit, choose the main beach or an official access point. For a more active day, bring a bike or inline skates.

Summary

Lake Milada is a strong natural-swimming tip in northern Czechia: clean water, space, free access, sports routes and views in a landscape that has changed dramatically.

Sources and verification

Sources used to verify prices, opening details, rules, and practical information.

Information verified on: 14/05/2026