All Aboard for a Nostalgic Getaway at Macha Lake
In the towns of Doksy and Staré Splavy, you can have a fantastic summer vacation that feels both nostalgic without needing a sea and yet provides modern amenities that Lake Macha has to offer. You’ll find beautiful beaches, thrilling waterslides, various water activities, a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, along with cruise boats traversing the waters. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, don’t forget about the tropical water park nearby!
The Historical Significance of the Great Pond
The idea to create the “lake” came from Charles IV himself, and it was originally named The Great Pond. Additionally, the Emperor advanced the settlement of Doksy from a village to a town and selected Bezděz as one of the royal castles.
The creation of the lake was set for October 1366, surrounded by tales that include Emperor Charles on a hunting trip, encountering sturdy deer in the swamps, and dreaming about a refreshing dip after a long day of hunting. However, Lake Macha didn’t actually appear until many years later, specifically in the 1930s. In 1936, the community celebrated 100 years since the publication of “May” (Mácha’s most famous lyrical-epic poem, written in Doksy, previously known as Hiršberk) along with the passing of its beloved poet. During this time, there was growing pressure from the Czech side to rename Velký rybník to Máchovo jezero. In 1930, they even put up a commemoration plaque for K. H. The route from Mělník through Kokořín, Houska, Bezděz, leading to Doksy and Česká Lípa was designated as Mácha’s Road, marked in red. After the Second World War, the Great Pond faded from memory, leaving behind only Lake Macha.
Reaching Lake Macha by Scenic Train
A nostalgic holiday wouldn’t be complete without a special way to travel. Take the opportunity to explore the Macha region by a direct train from Liberec to Doksy, which operates every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer! The train departs from Liberec at 9:41 a.m., allowing you to disembark at stops such as Jablonné v Podještědí and Mimon, as well as other locations along the route. The train heads back from the Dock railway station at 16:54. The train service will run until September 3, 2025.
The journey will be quicker than you might think, as the trains travel a direct route along a scenic line through the Christopher Valley and Podještědí after passing through the Žízník Junction, previously used only for freight. Then, it makes its way through Zákupy straight to Doksy. Even the train experience is unique; it’s operated by the German company Die Länderbahn, which runs Trilex trains. This means you will ride on an international passenger train that starts its journey from Dresden, passing through Zittau to Liberec and, ultimately, to Doksy. The modern Siemens Desiro air-conditioned sets will take you to Lake Macha in comfort.
Must-See Attractions
We’ve mentioned Bezděz, but we haven’t yet shared what events will take place there. So, mark your calendars for August 2 and 3, when “Swordplay Mischief” will bring excitement to the castle, followed shortly by a battle of brave knights on August 9. The castle will transform into a stage for fierce sword duels and demonstrations showcasing medieval weapons. You’ll even have the chance to see these weapons up close and feel their weight.
Don’t miss taking your kids to The Cloverleaf Museum in Třeskoprské, which is also easily accessible from Doksy, and consider going on an adventure around Blat’ák. Máchovo jezero is now the star of the show, and you can follow the yellow tourist trail where Pinďa, Bobík, Myšpulín, and Fifinka will greet children at all the information panels.
You can also explore the Swamp Nature Reserve and seek the remains of long-lost castles while following trails through Houska and Kokořín. Alternatively, take a trip to Broken Rocks and the walls of Hradčany, which feature unique rock formations. A pleasant option is to hop on a sightseeing boat with the Máchovo jezero Regatta. During July and August, the boat named Hynek sets sail daily from the dock in Doksy at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 16:30. On Tuesdays and Fridays, it departs from Staré Splavy at 14:45. The Regata Máchovo jezero also manages two sandy beaches by the lake and offers rentals for boats, pedal boats, and other sports gear. In addition, they operate the Klůček campsite.
