Klabava – Reservoir and Mining History

Klabava combines a distinctive waterscape with traces of iron ore mining and a unique local history. Those who choose a stay not only for its landscape but also for its historical references and cultural connections will find several clearly distinguishable themes here: the Klabava Reservoir, the Pod Starým hradem nature monument, former mining facilities, and evidence of community and theatre life.

Waterscape and nature monument

Today, the Klabava Reservoir is used primarily for recreation, as well as maintaining the minimum flow and providing flood protection. Its creation is closely linked to the region’s industrial history: the reservoir was built in 1957 to protect the iron ore mine in Ejpovice from flooding. The dimensions of the structure have also been precisely documented. The dam is 403.6 metres long and 12.6 metres high. The reservoir is therefore both a body of water and an engineering structure. Pod Starým hradem represents a different connection with the landscape. The site is designated as a nature monument in Klabava. This designation places a natural-history reference alongside the technical facilities of the reservoir and water-management system. For choosing a travel destination, this creates a contrast between hydraulic engineering, industrial history and protected nature.

Mining history and technical traces

The history of iron ore can be experienced in several places. The St. Anthony of Padua adit near Klabava was created in 1670 and became the most important source of iron ore for the Klabava ironworks. It thus represents the historical importance of ore mining in the area and explains part of the economic background against which the later water-management facilities can also be understood. The technical heritage also includes the water tunnels of Ejpovice. They were completed in 1958 and are 1,500 metres long. One of the water tunnels is used as a water supply channel to a hydroelectric power station. The tunnels add another chapter on water conveyance and energy generation to the history of the reservoir. Together with the dam and the mining adit, they create a clear picture of Klabava as a place where natural surroundings, ore extraction and technical infrastructure are interconnected. Starý zámek also adds a historical layer to the local history. It is the ruin of a medieval watch fortress near Klabava railway station. It was used to monitor work in the local mines. Its location near the railway station and its former function as a watch fortress point to the connection between transport, protection and mining, without this necessarily implying a current visitor attraction.

Cultural tradition and getting there

In addition to its architectural and landscape-related themes, Klabava also has a documented theatre tradition. The amateur theatre ensemble “Mošna” existed from 1898 to 1964 and performed in many places throughout the district. The traditional celebration of Klabava Day was also scheduled for 8 August 2026 at the community centre of the municipal office; Brontosauři revival and Katapult Revival were due to play for dancing and listening. This date should be understood as a planning note, not as a general statement about an ongoing events programme. Klabava can be reached by car and by train. Travel planning therefore offers a basic choice between two documented means of arrival. Those looking for accommodation for their stay can initially assess Klabava according to the desired combination of waterscape, mining history, culture and transport connections. More places for your research: Přívětice, Busovice, Sebečice, Kamenný Újezd, Čilá, Mirošov U Rokycan, Skomelno, Hrádek U Rokycan.

For the higher-level travel overview: Rokycany District.