Discover Klabava: Reservoir and Mining History

There are several ways to explore Klabava: the reservoir as a place for recreation and a water-management facility, the history of mining, and local cultural history. Together, they provide a guide to deciding which aspect of the town interests you most. Its historical connections range from the medieval Starý zámek to the adit of Saint Anthony of Padua, built in 1670.

The reservoir: recreation and water management

The Klabava Reservoir was built in 1957 to protect the iron ore mine in Ejpovice from flooding. Today, it is used primarily for recreation, as well as to maintain the minimum flow and provide flood protection. This means the same facility serves both its original protective purpose and several present-day functions. Conditions for recreation can vary depending on the season; bear this in mind if the lake is the main focus of your stay. The dam is 403.6 metres long and 12.6 metres high. These measurements give a sense of the structure’s scale and draw attention to the reservoir’s water-management role.

Mining history and technical facilities

The history of mining can be seen in several different sites and structures. Starý zámek is the ruin of a medieval watch castle near Klabava railway station. It was used to monitor work in the local mines. The adit of Saint Anthony of Padua near Klabava was built in 1670 and became the main source of iron ore for the Klabava ironworks. The watch castle represents the monitoring of mining operations, while the adit represents the supply of ore to the ironworks—two different aspects of the same history.

The Ejpovice water tunnels add a water-management structure to the technical theme. They were completed in 1958 and are 1,500 metres long. A 2020 restoration report describes one of the tunnels being used as a water intake for a hydroelectric power station. The adit and water tunnels therefore represent different technical purposes: iron ore extraction and water management.

Nature and culture in Klabava

The landscape also has a designated protected area. A municipal planning overview from 2021 lists Pod Starým hradem as a natural monument in Klabava. The protected status of Pod Starým hradem and the recreational function of the reservoir offer two different perspectives on the landscape: a natural monument designation and a water-management facility with a recreational function.

Local cultural history adds another view of the past: the amateur theatre group “Mošna” was active in Klabava from 1898 to 1964 and performed in many places across the district. Its years of activity give a sense of the historical period, while its performances across the district broaden the picture beyond Klabava.

Plan your journey

Klabava is accessible by car and train. For practical planning, it is a good idea to check the relevant connection or route for your travel date. This lets you consider getting there as a separate part of your planning, alongside your historical and landscape interests.

Discover more destinations: Těškov, Vejvanov, Hůrky, Mirošov U Rokycan, Přívětice, Lhotka U Radnic, Těně, Trebnuska.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Rokycany.