Jedovnice: Ponds, Swimming and the Best Day to Catch Your Breath

The market town of Jedovnice (population 2,810) is famous for its ponds — chiefly Olšovec, where the traditional autumn pond fishing has been carried out without interruption since 1900. In our itinerary, Jedovnice is the day when, after a run of demanding days underground, you finally get to slow down and have a swim.

QUICK LINKS 🏊 Why visit · 🚴 Things to do nearby · ❓ FAQ

Why visit

Jedovnice sits in a picturesque basin among the forests of the Drahany Highlands, right on the edge of the Moravian Karst. The Olšovec and Budkovan ponds have belonged to the town since 1931, when Olšovec was declared a recreational pond — and it remains the hub of leisure, tourism and water sports for the whole region to this day. Olšovec Campsite offers year-round accommodation and decent facilities, should you wish to stay longer.

Jedovnice has kept the character of a small town, with plenty of restaurants, shops and services used by locals and, increasingly, by visitors too. The neoclassical Church of St Peter and St Paul, dating from the late 18th century, is testament to the town’s rich history — a tradition that stretches back to the founding of one of the first Moravian National Societies in 1848.

Things to do nearby

The Jedovnice Ponds — Rudice Sink nature trail takes you past the ponds all the way to the Rudice Sink of the Jedovnický Stream, complete with caves and waterfalls — the water here plunges to a depth of up to 90 metres, making it the most powerful sinkhole in the whole Moravian Karst. Adrenaline seekers will appreciate the nearby singletrack trails. You’ll find a detailed account of this day in our Day 4 chapter.

Near Jedovnice runs the Jedovnice Avenue, 166 trees lining the road — see Notable Trees of the Moravian Karst.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is swimming at Olšovec suitable for families with children? Yes, the pond has recreational facilities and is a popular destination for family day trips from across the region.

Can you stay longer in Jedovnice? Yes, Olšovec Campsite offers year-round accommodation right by the pond.

What is the Rudice Sink? This is the place where the Jedovnický Stream disappears underground into a cave system — featuring waterfalls and the deepest sinkhole in the entire region (90 m).

Part of the series A Week in the Moravian Karst: The Complete 7-Day Itinerary. Sources: brochure by the Association for Rural Development of the Moravian Karst (published with support from the Ministry for Regional Development of the Czech Republic). Details about the town may change over time — for up-to-date information, visit jedovnice.cz.