Top 8 Lakes in Národní Přírodní Rezervace Černé A Čertovo Jezero

The reserve is home to two prominent glacial lakes. Černé Jezero (Black Lake) is the largest and deepest natural glacial lake in the Czech Republic, known for its dark waters reflecting dense spruce forests and a dramatic 300-meter-high cliff of Jezerní hora. It's also unique for belonging to the Elbe water basin. Čertovo Jezero (Devil's Lake) is the second largest, also with dark waters, and is notable for the main European water divide running between it and Černé Jezero, draining into the Black Sea.

Černé Jezero, or Black Lake, gets its name from the seemingly dark color of its waters. This is an optical illusion caused by the reflection of the dense spruce forests surrounding it and a deep layer of conifer pollen sediment at its bottom. Čertovo Jezero, or Devil's Lake, is named after local folklore. Legends attribute its creation to a devil who was defeated and plunged into a pit, forming the lake, adding a mystical element to its natural beauty.

Yes, near Černé Jezero, you can find a significant historical technical monument: the oldest pumped-storage hydroelectric plant in the Czech Republic, built between 1929 and 1930, which utilizes Černé Jezero as its upper reservoir.

The Národní Přírodní Rezervace Černé A Čertovo Jezero is a protected nature reserve, home to natural forest communities and many rare and endangered plant and animal species. Visitors might spot wildlife such as the Eurasian lynx, three-toed woodpecker, and black grouse, among others.

Yes, the paths around Černé Jezero are well-maintained, making them accessible for hikers, cyclists, and even wheelchair users, offering a family-friendly experience. The highlight Černé Jezero (Black Lake) is categorized as family-friendly.

The area around the lakes offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy various hiking and cycling routes. For specific cycling tours, you can explore options like the "Pancir Peak – Černé Jezero (Black Lake) loop from Špičák" which is a challenging 49 km ride. More cycling routes can be found in the Cycling in Národní Přírodní Rezervace Černé A Čertovo Jezero guide.

Yes, there are several hiking trails. An easy option is the "Devil's Lake – Devil's Lake loop from Špičák," which is about 4.9 km. For more challenging mountain hikes, you can find routes like the "Svaroh Summit (1334 m) – Zwercheck Summit Cross loop from Svaroh." You can find more hiking options in the Easy hikes in Národní Přírodní Rezervace Černé A Čertovo Jezero and Mountain Hikes in Národní Přírodní Rezervace Černé A Čertovo Jezero guides.

The best times to visit are during the warmer months for hiking and cycling, or in autumn for spectacular foliage. Winter also offers a serene, snow-covered landscape for those equipped for winter activities, providing a different kind of tranquil experience.

No, swimming is strictly prohibited in both Černé Jezero and Čertovo Jezero. These lakes are part of a protected nature reserve, and this regulation is in place to preserve their natural state and ecological importance.

While both are glacial lakes, Čertovo Jezero is known for its captivating natural beauty and the rich folklore surrounding its creation, often attributed to a devil. Geographically, the main European water divide runs between it and Černé Jezero, with Čertovo Jezero draining into the Danube and subsequently the Black Sea. The hike to Čertovo Jezero is generally considered more demanding, leading to a pristine, almost untouched natural environment with primeval spruce forests.

Yes, for experienced trekkers, the hike to Čertovo Jezero from Špičácké sedlo is more demanding, involving a long ascent on a stony path. Additionally, the Mountain Hikes in Národní Přírodní Rezervace Černé A Čertovo Jezero guide lists several difficult routes, such as the "Border Trail Osser–Zwercheck – Stoamandl Stone Sculpture loop from Neuhütte" which is over 14 km.

Visitors are drawn to the mystical peace and stunning natural beauty of the lakes. Many appreciate the tranquil atmosphere framed by ancient forests and dramatic rock faces, such as the Jezerní stěna at Černé Jezero. The pristine, untouched nature and the folklore surrounding Čertovo Jezero also add to the captivating experience. The well-maintained paths make exploration enjoyable for many.

While the guide data does not explicitly state dog-friendly policies for all trails, access within the nature reserve is generally limited to marked tourist trails. It's advisable to check local signage or official park regulations regarding dogs before your visit, as rules can vary within protected areas.

Yes, both Černé Jezero and Čertovo Jezero offer stunning viewpoints. Černé Jezero is perfectly framed by a 320-meter high rock face, the Jezerní stěna, providing dramatic vistas. The highlight Teufelssee (another name for Čertovo Jezero) is also noted for its impressive sea wall behind it, offering picturesque views.