The Slezská Harta Reservoir was created on the Moravice River between 1987 and 1997. Water shapes the experience, with sightseeing cruises, a ferry crossing, swimming and water sports; on land, a cycling route, walks, and cultural and landscape themes add to the picture. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Slezská Harta, you can plan your trip around whether you are more interested in the lake, outdoor activities or traces of the landscape’s history.
Boat trips and activities on the water
The seasonal sightseeing cruises call at interesting places and coves and offer insights into the reservoir’s history. The Santa Maria, a replica of an old wooden sailing ship, offers a one-hour guided cruise. Check the timetable before travelling, as the cruises operate seasonally. The Rouza ferry also crosses the lake seasonally between Roudno and Razová; check its current operating details in advance.
Yachting lessons and cabin sailboat rentals have been available at Slezská Harta since 1998. Confirm availability before booking. Water sports are also possible at the reservoir. Fishing is permitted too; check the regulations and approved areas in advance.
Cycling, swimming and lakeside routes
The paved cycling path at Slezská Harta is eleven kilometres long and runs between Razová Bay and Leskovec nad Moravicí. Along the way, cyclists can see coves, the Jeseníky ridge with Praděd, and the surrounding volcanoes. Check route conditions before setting off. The Slezská Harta Bike Marathon began in 2010 and is considered a traditional sporting event in the region; event dates vary from year to year.
At the VN Slezská Harta – Leskovec nad Moravicí bathing area, there is a grassy beach about 100 metres long with a gradual entry into the water. Check current conditions before visiting. Water quality at this monitoring site was rated excellent for the period 2019–2022. This rating applies to the stated period and is not a current-season assessment.
Nature walks are also possible around the reservoir. The educational trails around the lake include 15 information panels and ten rest stops. The volcanic educational trails around Slezská Harta are 25 kilometres long in total.
Discover the landscape and its history
The Zatopené osudy educational trail tells the stories of people who once lived in the valley that was flooded when the reservoir was built. The trail was inspired by a documentary series of the same name by Czech Television. The Zaniklé osady educational trail offers a different perspective: it passes the Baroque Church of St. Lawrence, which stands on the reservoir shore.
Geological features of the area include the nearby Razovské tufity. Tuffite outcrops are exposed in an abandoned quarry; they are an exposed remnant of the Velký Roudný basalt complex. The nearby Vápenná pec lime kiln adds a chapter of industrial history to the story of the landscape: it was built from coarse basalt in 1912, restored in 2001 and opened to the public that year.
Two different scales can help with planning your day: the guided Santa Maria cruise lasts one hour, while the cycling route is described by its length of eleven kilometres. This lets you choose between a water excursion with a defined duration and a route to cover by bike.
Discover more destinations: Dolni Moravice, Mala Moravka, Nova Plan, Svetla Hora, Brantice, Heřmanovice, Nové Heřminovy, Holčovice.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Bruntál.
