Horecký rybník, pond (reservoir) in Stráž pod Ralskem, Liberec Region, Czech Republic
Horecký rybník is an artificial reservoir near the town of Stráž pod Ralskem, built around 1914 on the Ploučnice river. The pond covers about 42 hectares and is managed by an earth dam with spillways that holds back flood waters and protects the areas downstream.
The pond was built in the early 1900s to control flooding in the region. After damage during the 20th century and repairs in the 1970s, the facility was completely rebuilt in the late 1990s with new spillways and reinforced structures for better water management.
The name Stráž pod Ralskem means 'guard under Ralsberg,' referring to old watchtowers that once stood on nearby hills. The area around the pond keeps this connection to its past as a defensive position, now serving as a place where locals and visitors come together for outdoor enjoyment.
A marked walking path runs along the southern edge of the pond and continues to the nearby village of Hamr na Jezeře. The route is suitable for cyclists as well, and the southwestern shore has small restaurants and shops plus a water sports center with boat rentals.
The water sports center on the southwestern shore operates a cable tow about 800 meters long for water skiers and wakeboarders, an unusual setup for the region. This facility draws visitors from across the country who come to practice their skills or watch the action from the shoreline.
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