Soběnov Reservoir, reservoir in Kaplice, Czech Republic

Soběnov Reservoir is a large water storage facility near Kaplice in southern Czech Republic, fed by the Cerna River. The dam holds water at a depth of about 5 meters on an open surface surrounded by forested areas and grasslands, with walking paths along the shoreline.

The dam on the Černá was completed in 1925, making it the oldest reservoir in the South Bohemian region. Its original design combined a masonry section with an earth-fill part, which gave way in the August 2002 flood; the dam was rebuilt by 2005, with the former earth-fill section now of stone-clad concrete.

The reservoir is a trout fishing ground, listed as fishing area 423010 Černá 2, where anglers fish for sport and recreation. Its water also drives two Francis turbines in the plant below the dam, and the drop of 59.34 m between water levels is what makes that possible.

The reservoir is easy to reach by car or public transport from Kaplice and sits in a rural area without nearby large restaurants. Bring your own food and drinks, and allow time for walks along the shoreline paths, which work well for families and hikers of all levels.

The reservoir uses an unusual tunnel system with an elevation drop of nearly 60 meters to direct water to a power plant for electricity generation. This historic engineering setup still operates today and shows how water power was traditionally used in the region.