Barbora Lake, lake in Hrob, Czech Republic
Barbora Lake is a large reservoir near Teplice in the foothills of the Bohemian Ore Mountains, created by flooding former open-pit coal mines in the 1970s. The water is clean and deep, exceeding 40 feet at some points, with two sandy beaches, changing facilities, restaurants, and moorings for sailboats and windsurfers.
The area was an active open-pit coal mine until the 1970s, when the pits were closed and subsequently filled with water to create the current lake. This transformation from an industrial mining site to a recreational reservoir reflects the region's shift from extractive industries to leisure and outdoor activities.
The lake serves as a gathering place where local families spend summer days swimming, picnicking, and enjoying water sports together. These everyday activities reflect how the lake has become woven into the community's seasonal rhythm and outdoor traditions.
The lake is accessible by regional buses from Teplice and Usti nad Labem, with a stop right at the water and parking areas nearby. The best time to visit is June through September when entry fees apply, though outside these months entry is free and facilities remain open throughout the year.
The lake retains visible traces of its former mining past, with fossils and stones from the old mines often found along the shore. These tangible remnants allow visitors to connect with the site's industrial history while witnessing how it has been repurposed into a place for rest and recreation.
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