The Ultimate Guide to Lipno Lake

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The Ultimate Guide to Lipno Lake in the South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic

lipno lake

Lipno Lake, also known as the Lipno Dam, is located in South Bohemian Region, in the Czech Republic. It’s about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from both Prague and Vienna. This artificial lake was created to prevent the frequent flooding of Český Krumlov, a city that used to suffer from the rising waters of the Vltava River. As the largest reservoir in the country, Lake Lipno is often called the “Czech Sea” due to its wide range of recreational activities. The area around the lake is active year-round, transforming into a ski resort in winter and offering a serene lakeside escape with plenty of activities in the summer.
The Ultimate Guide to Lipno Lake in the South Bohemian Region.

Psst: Planning a trip to Lipno nad Vltavou, Lipno Dam and Lipno Lake? Here are some other posts:
The Ultimate Guide to Lipno Lake in the South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
Things to do in Lipno nad Vltavou, Lipno Dam and Lipno Lake
Slideland Bobova Draha Lipno
The Forest Kingdom Lipno
Treetop Trail Lipno
Wasserfall St. Wolfgang

Essential information

lipno lake

Who is it For, and What to Expect:

Lake Lipno offers many activities, making it an excellent destination for singles, couples, and especially families. Think of it as a vacation town where you can enjoy relaxation and adventure. If you stay in one of the hotels close to the lake, you’ll have easy access to a classic outdoor vacation with activities like cycling around the lake, tobogganing down mountain slides, hiking trails, indoor swimming pools, and much more.

Location and Language:

Lake Lipno is situated on the Lake, near the Austrian border. Because of its location, you’ll hear a mix of Czech and German spoken around the area. You may only find menus in Czech or German at restaurants and activity centers. However, English is becoming more common due to an increasing number of English-speaking tourists, and some places currently offer English menus. Younger staff members are usually more likely to speak English, but having Google Translate handy can be helpful!

Currency:

The local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Some places accept Euros, but the exchange rate might not be favorable. It’s a good idea to come prepared with Czech Korunas. Also, remember to carry cash and coins, as some activities, kiosks, and smaller shops only accept cash payments, especially coins.

lipno lake

Weather in Lipno:

Lake Lipno is relatively cool throughout the year since it’s a popular ski town. Temperatures can reach 86-91°F (30-33°C) during the summer, but it can also be cooler or rainy days. During winter, the area is snow-covered and perfect for skiing. Spring and fall are cooler but pleasant, with all activities typically available by April. There are also many indoor pools, making it easy to enjoy a relaxing vacation no matter the weather.

How Many Days to Spend at Lake Lipno:

The area around Lake Lipno is filled with a variety of activities. If you’re traveling by car, you’ll have even more options. For a full experience, plan to stay for at least 3 days. However, to truly explore the surroundings and enjoy a relaxing vacation, aim for 6-7 days.

What Should You Prepare in Advance?

Download the Lipno Card:

Before arriving, download the Lipno Card to get discounts on activities. In some cases, you may still receive a discount even if it’s not officially listed. Alternatively, you can enter your email when purchasing tickets to access the same discounts.

Buy ingredients for cooking in advance:

The area is relatively pricey compared to other parts of the Czech Republic, and prices can sometimes be higher than in Prague. Most hotels offer kitchenettes, so consider grocery shopping in a nearby town to save on meals.

Bring Essential Gear:

Don’t forget to pack water gear such as binoculars, buoys, swimsuits, sunscreen, a cooler, and any other equipment you might need. Many people also bring hammocks and beach blankets.

Consider Bringing a Bicycle:

If you have a bike at home, it’s worth bringing along since biking is one of the easiest ways to get around Lake Lipno. Bike rental is also available at hotels and specialized shops.

How to Get to Lake Lipno

By Public Transport:

You can reach Lake Lipno from Prague by taking a bus to Cesky Krumlov, then transferring to another bus heading to the main town of Lipno – Lipno nad Vltavou. This town is close to most of the popular attractions and hotels, which are within walking distance from the bus station. Although this option is more affordable, the journey is lengthy, often taking over 4.5 hours.

Once in Lipno, you can explore on foot or rent a bicycle to nearby destinations. For day trips, additional bus travel may be needed.

By Car:

Renting a car is a faster and more convenient option, with the drive from Prague to Lipno taking about 3 hours. A car also offers flexibility for stopping at interesting spots in South Bohemia along the way, which can help break up the trip for families with children.

Car Rental Options in Prague:

AUTOEUROPE – We usually rent cars from BUDGET company from AUTOEUROPE official website.
Anytime CZ App – Rent a car for short or long periods. Use the code AQZYJN for a discount of 200 CZK. Availability for longer rentals can be limited.

Prague to Lipno – Where to stop

Family-Friendly Stops:

Blatna Castle

Castle Blatna: A castle with free-roaming deer in a forest park. You can also buy special food and feed them.

Guide to a Day Trip to Konopiste Castle

Konopiste Castle: Features a bear, children’s activities, and a train ride.

Read More: Guide to a Day Trip to Konopiste Castle: a perfect day trip from Prague

Science Museum Malthouse Pisek

Lake Novy rybnik: A swimmable lake.

Slapy Rope Park: An adventure park.

The Water House: Suitable for hot days. (Location)

Zazitkovy Park Zemeraj: A farm with animals and creative activities.

Adrenaline Park: Extreme activities for kids.

Beautiful Towns:

Tabor

Tabor: A charming town for a 2-3 hour visit.

Český Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov: A beautiful town, great for a day trip. Plan for 3 hours with kids or a full day without.

Ceske Budejovice: For a short stop to explore the main square and old town.

lipno lake amenity hotel

Personal Experience and Recommendations: Our stay at Lake Lipno was unforgettable. We stayed at the Amenity Hotel, ideal for families, with activities like an indoor/outdoor play area, bowling, a Lego exhibit, SUP surfing, and more. The hotel is close to the lake and features an indoor pool for cooler days.

Day 1: Stop at Tabor, then head to Lipno and check into the hotel. Enjoy a swim in the lake.
Day 2: Morning at the pool, lake, and play area. Afternoon in Lipno nad Vltavou, with a cable car ride to the Treetop Trail Lipno and the Forest Kingdom.
Third day: Morning walk to St. Wolfgang Falls, followed by a relaxing bike ride to the Lipno Dam.
Fourth day: Day trip to Cesky Krumlov.
Fifth day: Morning at the mountain slides and rope park, with a stop at Blatna Castle on the way back to Prague to feed the deer.

Lipno nad Vltavou

Where to Stay at Lake Lipno?

Lake Lipno is large, but most of the tourist activities are concentrated in the town of Lipno nad Vltavou, near the main cable car station (Rodinný areál Lipno). This area is ideal for families as it is close to the main attractions. However, it is also the most expensive area to stay in. For budget-friendly options, consider staying on other sides of the lake.

Recommended Hotels for Families

In Lipno nad Vltavou –
lipno lake amenity hotel

Amenity Hotel & Resort Lipno: Great for families, located a 3-minute drive or 10-minute bike ride from the main attractions, with family cabins, an indoor pool, lake equipment rentals, a playground, bowling, game rooms, and a Lego exhibit.

Lipno Lake Resort: Spacious apartments with private saunas, outdoor pools, and direct access to ski slopes and hiking trails.

Hotel Sunny Meadow: A cozy, family-friendly hotel with a large garden, playground, and easy access to the lake and local activities.

Landal Marina Lipno: A lakeside resort with fully equipped apartments, an indoor pool, a kids’ club, and water sports rentals.

Other Locations Around the Lake –

Lipno – Lakeside Village – Větrník: Charming lakeside cottages with private beach and bike rentals.

Aparthotel & Wellness Knížecí cesta: Offers wellness facilities, a restaurant, and spacious family apartments with stunning lake views.

For camping, you can also stay in a caravan or tent at various campsites, like Camping Lipno Modřín on the lake shore.

Click here for more hotels.

Things To Do in Lipno

Top of the Main Cable Car (Lipno nad Vltavou):

Treetop Trail Lipno

Treetop Trail Lipno: A scenic walkway among the treetops.

The Forest Kingdom Lipno

Forest Kingdom: A family-friendly adventure park.

Scooter Rentals: For a thrilling descent from the mountain.

The base of the Main Cable Car:

Mountain Slides (Slideland Bobova Draha Lipno)

Rope Park Lipno

Rope Park Lipno

Zipline

Trampolines

5-15 Minute Walk from the Main Cable Car (Southeast):

Water Park “Aquaworld Lipno” – This park is relatively small, with an indoor pool, a small kids’ slide, and a baby pool. We were at the water park ‘Aquapark Frymburk,’ which has a much larger range of facilities.

Read More: Aquapark Frymburk in Lipno Lake

the Butterfly House Lipno

Papilonia Butterfly House

Hopsarium Lipno

Pedal Boat Rentals

City Promenade: Restaurants, cycling paths, and lakeside rides.

River Cruise (Location)

Lipno Dam

Lipno Dam: A beautiful viewpoint, day and night. (Location)

3-5 Minutes by Car from the Main Cable Car (Westward):

Amenity Hotel: Offers activities like a Lego exhibit, bowling, playground, and an indoor pool.

Amenity Beach: Rentals for pedal boats and surfboards.

Water Skiing

Slide at Aquapark Frymburk next to Lake Lipno

Aquapark Frymburk

Fun Spot Lipno – mini golf

Day Trips from Lipno

Český Krumlov: A must-visit beautiful town.

Rafting on the Vltava River: Available in towns like Vyšší Brod (Ingetour rental service).

Rožmberk Castle and Surrounding Town

České Budějovice

Tabor

Wasserfall St. Wolfgang

Wolfgang Falls and Vyšší Brod Monastery

Devil’s Wall

Šumava National Park: A forest with wildlife like deer and wild cats.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Prague Itinerary (3, 4, or 5 Days)

Psst: Planning a trip to Lipno nad Vltavou, Lipno Dam and Lipno Lake? Here are some other posts:
The Ultimate Guide to Lipno Lake in the South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
Things to do in Lipno nad Vltavou, Lipno Dam and Lipno Lake
Slideland Bobova Draha Lipno
The Forest Kingdom Lipno
Treetop Trail Lipno
Wasserfall St. Wolfgang

DiscoverCars.com

3. Find your car
Find the perfect rental car for your trip. Offering a wide range of vehicles from economy to luxury, DiscoverCars ensures you’ll have the ideal car for your journey.

Kiwi.com

2. Find your flight
Plan your journey to Prague with Kiwi.com. Whether looking for flights, trains, or buses, Kiwi.com offers various travel options to suit your needs and budget.

Booking.com

1. Find your hotel
Plan your stay in Prague with Booking.com to find the perfect accommodation for your trip whether you’re looking for luxury hotels or budget-friendly options.


Checklist Before the Flight:

  • Air Ticket or Train Ticket to Prague: Ensure you have your travel tickets booked and ready. Find your next flight by Kiwi or Agoda.
  • Book your accommodation in advance, preferably in Prague 1.
  • Consider purchasing an eSIM card for easy internet access, using the Airalo app.
  • Download Applications for Easy Mobility: BOLT for taxis and the PID public transport card application.
  • Buy tickets to Popular Attractions in advance to avoid queues at major attractions.
  • If you plan to explore out of Prague, consider renting a car for easy mobility.

What questions can I answer? Let me know below!

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