Natural swimmingFeatured

Seč Reservoir: swimming, island views, campsites and trips in the Iron Mountains

Seč Reservoir is one of the most popular summer water spots in the Pardubice Region, with swimming, campsites, pedal boat, rowing boat and paddleboard rental, water sports, fishing, island views, Oheb castle ruins, wooded Iron Mountains shores and trips around Seč, Hoješín and Ústupky.

Reading time:
6 min read
Verified on:
16/05/2026
Country:
Czechia
Region:
East Bohemia, Krkonoše and the Orlické Mountains
Seč Reservoir with its small island in the Iron Mountains
Photo: Seč - přehrada, ostrůvek.jpg by Roman Horník, CC BY 3.0 / GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 / GFDL, Wikimedia Commons

Quick overview

Place type
natural swimming
Recommended stay
1–6 hours
Crowds
very high in peak season
Opening hours
Autokemp Seč Pláž lists operation from 1 May to 29 September. In July and August, reception operates nonstop; in September Sun–Thu 8:00–18:00 and Fri–Sat 8:00–20:00. Vessel rental operates daily 9:00–19:00 in July and August, with shorter hours in June and September. Check current operation and water quality before visiting.
Booking recommended
No
Tickets online only
No
Nudist beach
No
Water quality
Seč Reservoir is among monitored bathing waters in the Pardubice Region. Quality can worsen during summer; in 2025, a temporary swimming ban was issued due to cyanobacteria. Check current water quality before every visit.
Best time
summer morning
Avoid if possible
hot weekend midday

Seč Reservoir is a classic East Bohemian summer spot: a large water area in the Iron Mountains, wooded shores, campsites, pedal boats, paddleboards, anglers, beaches, an island view and the Oheb castle ruins above the water.

The most practical first base is Autokemp Seč Pláž, with parking, beach facilities, vessel rental, sports areas, children’s activities, refreshments and accommodation.

Why visit

Seč combines swimming and landscape. You can swim, rent a pedal boat, paddleboard around the island, walk to Oheb or cycle through the Iron Mountains.

Swimming

The reservoir has several access points such as Seč Pláž, Hoješín, Ústupky and Semtín. For a first visit, Seč Pláž is the easiest because it has the most services.

Water quality

Water quality can worsen in summer. In 2025, a temporary swimming ban was issued due to cyanobacteria. Always check the current water-quality rating before swimming.

Trips

The island and Oheb castle ruins are the most memorable visual highlights. Oheb is a short but proper forest walk, so wear suitable shoes.

Summary

Seč Reservoir is a lively, well-equipped and scenic swimming destination in the Iron Mountains. It is excellent for a day by the water or a weekend, but water quality should always be checked first.

Sources and verification

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

Information verified on: 16/05/2026