Rozkoš Reservoir in Česká Skalice — Online Webcam
Rozkoš Reservoir — the Pearl of East Bohemia
The Rozkoš Reservoir you see on this webcam is one of the largest artificial bodies of water in the Czech Republic. With an area of 10.01 km², it ranks eighth largest in the country. Located in the Hradec Králové Region, in the Náchod District, the reservoir stretches along the Úpa River and has become a true magnet for tourists and water recreation enthusiasts.
The history of this place goes far back. As early as the beginning of the 19th century, the Nové Město estate had 748 artificial lakes, and the largest among them was Rozkoš itself — at that time it covered 141 hectares. The modern reservoir appeared in the 20th century: the dam project was drawn up in 1939, and construction began in 1951, although work was suspended just a year later.
Česká Skalice — a Town with a Centuries-Old History
The town of Česká Skalice, from which this online broadcast originates, sits on the shore of the reservoir. With a population of about 5,000 people, it is a quiet and cozy settlement whose history dates back to the early 13th century. The first written mentions of the parish church in Malá Skalice date back to 1350.
The region has weathered many historical upheavals. Velká Skalice became part of the Náchod estate as early as 1393, while Malá Skalice joined it much later — in 1575, when it was purchased for 4,100 groschen. In 1866, a large-scale battle between the Prussian and Austrian armies took place near the town, leaving its mark on the military history of the region.
Natural Wealth of the Reservoir
The Rozkoš Reservoir is not just a body of water — it is an important ornithological site. More than 270 bird species have been recorded here, with over 120 of them nesting on the shores and islands of the reservoir. For bird lovers, this is a true paradise — from the webcam you can observe the feathered inhabitants in their natural habitat.
The vegetation of the reservoir shows pronounced dynamics. During the filling period and the following five years, the aquatic flora underwent significant changes, especially among hydrophytes — aquatic plants that form underwater meadows. Today, the shores of Rozkoš are covered with dense thickets of trees and shrubs, creating a picturesque panorama.
Engineering Features of the Dam
The main dam of the Rozkoš Reservoir is not only a hydraulic structure but also a source of energy. It houses a small hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 675 kW, which generates electricity for the needs of the region. The reservoir serves an important flood protection function for the lower reaches of the Úpa and Metuje rivers.
In addition to its protective functions, Rozkoš is actively used for summer recreation, water sports, and fish farming. The narrow isthmus with vegetation visible in the center of the frame is a dam that divides the reservoir into two parts and creates a unique landscape.
How to Get to Česká Skalice
Česká Skalice is located in East Bohemia, in the Náchod District of the Hradec Králové Region. You can reach it by car from Prague — the distance is about 130 kilometers. The route passes through picturesque Czech landscapes, including hilly terrain and forested areas.
For those who prefer public transport, bus services are available from Trutnov and Náchod. The town is also connected by rail to other settlements in the region. If you plan to visit the Rozkoš Reservoir in person, the webcam will help you assess weather conditions and road situations in advance.
What You Can See on the Camera
This webcam in Česká Skalice broadcasts a panoramic view of the Rozkoš Reservoir in real time. In the center of the frame is a wide expanse of water with a characteristic narrow isthmus densely covered with vegetation. This isthmus serves as a kind of dam dividing the body of water.
In the foreground runs a road along which vehicles move — from passenger cars to trucks and vans. The lake shore is fringed with dense thickets of trees and shrubs, creating a picturesque green backdrop. In the background, gentle rolling hills characteristic of the East Bohemia landscape are visible.
In the upper left corner of the image, a digital timestamp is displayed, allowing you to pinpoint the exact moment of the broadcast. The online camera operates around the clock, so you can watch the Náchod Lake both day and night — at any time of day there is something to see here.
