Hracholusky: Dam, Cruises and Culture

During a stay in Hracholusky, you can explore a range of interests: the dam, a cruise or local cultural history. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, it helps to first decide which focus should shape your plans.

Hracholusky and the Dam

Hracholusky lies on gently sloping terrain on the shore of the Hracholusky Dam and is a major recreation destination in the Plzeň Region. The body of water stretches for 22 kilometres through the rocky valley of the Mže. The village and the landscape scale sit side by side: Hracholusky lies on the shore, while the dam extends through the valley.

Water Area, Swimming and Fishing

A water area has been designated parallel to the eastern shore. The corresponding official measure came into force on 24 March 2026 and permits operation until 15 October 2030. Swimming in the Hracholusky Dam is permitted; check the conditions before your trip.

Fishing is permitted around the clock in the Mže 4 fishing area at the dam. This information applies to the designated area. Before fishing, check the current local rules and permit requirements, as regulations and rules may change.

Cruises to the Pňovany Railway Bridge

Cruises that can be booked in advance depart from the Hracholusky or Transkemp landing stage, travel to the Pňovany Railway Bridge and return. The cruises operate seasonally; check before your trip whether a cruise is available on your chosen date. This lets you consider this option separately from a stay focused mainly on the shore.

The Pňovany Railway Bridge is 44 metres high and stands on two separate stone piers. Its height and the two piers describe two distinct structural features of the bridge. On a cruise, it is also the named destination before the boat returns to its respective landing stage.

Getting There and Seasonal Services

The Hracholusky Dam can be reached by train via Pňovany station. From there, you can continue on foot or by bicycle. Check train timetables separately if you are planning this route.

There is a water rescue station on the grounds of Kempu Keramika, which operates around the clock during the summer season. Confirm its seasonal availability before your trip.

The Chapel and the History of Dam Construction

The Chapel of St. Diviš in Hracholusky was built in 1682. It is a Baroque central-plan building with a hexagonal floor plan and an attached south tower. These terms complement one another: Baroque identifies the architectural style, the hexagonal floor plan describes the shape, and the tower is on the south side.

The history of the former village of Těchoděly is also part of the area's development: it disappeared during construction of the Hracholusky Dam. This brings together two distinct historical points—the chapel's construction date and the transformation of the landscape by the water engineering project.

Planning an Overnight Stay in the Area

Camping and bivouacking outside campsites are prohibited in the area around the Hracholusky Dam. If you are planning an overnight stay, check the applicable local regulations in advance.

Discover more destinations: Kaznějov, Líté, Holovousy, Studená, Ulice, Hvozd, Nýřany, Plešnice

For the broader travel overview: Plzeň-North District.