Kramolín: Reservoir, Technology and History

Kramolín brings together a range of travel interests: the Dalešice Reservoir, the history of technology, archaeological traces and a historic lookout tower. The harbor and several cycling routes are central to the area around the water; there is also the information center at the Dalešice pumped-storage power plant and the Dřínová hora Nature Reserve. If you are considering a stay, you can weigh up whether water, cultural history or nature is the deciding factor. The themes range from trips on the reservoir to a construction history dating back to the 19th century.

Harbor, Reservoir and Routes

Kramolín Harbor is about 200 meters from the dam of the Dalešice Reservoir and about 50 meters from the Kramolín Information Center. This means the harbor is closer to the information center than to the dam. The Horáčko excursion boat is based here and departs from Kramolín for trips on the Dalešice Reservoir. If you are planning a trip, it is best to check the schedule in advance.

Cycling and hiking routes are also part of the surrounding area. There are several cycling and hiking routes near the Dalešice Reservoir. Cycling route 5107 runs along the reservoir to the dam and Kramolín. Cycling route 5108 continues through Popůvky to Kramolín. The two numbered routes therefore have different stated reference points. Check their markings and conditions on site.

The History of Technology at the Dalešice Power Plant

The Dalešice pumped-storage power plant was built between 1970 and 1978 in the area of the municipality of Kramolín, on the Jihlava River. The power plant has an information center that is open to the public. Its main attraction is an illuminated model of the pumped-storage power plant. The construction period and the model offer two concrete points of reference for the subject of technology: the history of the structure and its representation as a model. The information center makes a visit its own topic, alongside the routes and boating on the reservoir.

Archaeological Traces and Natural Environment

Hradisko Kramolín represents a much older history than the power plant. Its settlement traces date from the Neolithic to the Middle and Later Hillfort periods. Today, Hradisko lies beneath the waters of the Dalešice Reservoir. The long span of the settlement traces and the site's present location beneath the reservoir give it a distinctive archaeological and landscape context.

The new Dřínová hora Nature Reserve lies within the cadastral area of the municipality of Kramolín. The decision to designate it as a protected area was approved on June 2, 2025. The area is a significant example of a mosaic of thermophilous woodland communities and rock-steppe vegetation. A report dated August 12, 2025, states that tourist infrastructure such as cycling routes or rest areas cannot be built at Dřínová hora; walks through the forest are compatible with the area. These conditions distinguish the nature-related topic from the named cycling routes by the reservoir.

The Babylon Lookout Tower

The stone Babylon lookout tower, built in the Empire style, stands near Kramolín and is one of the oldest lookout towers in Czechia. Count Jindřich Vilém Haugwitz, owner of the Náměšť estate, had it built in 1831 for surveying work. Its original purpose gives the structure a clear historical connection; the tower is therefore a different chapter in regional history from the pumped-storage power plant.

The observation room is 18 meters high and has windows and a telescope. A ceiling decorated with zodiac signs completes its features. The year of construction, Empire style and interior describe different aspects of Babylon: its origins as a structure for surveying work and the design of the elevated room. Thus, alongside the history of technology at Dalešice, there is a single historic structure with its own history of construction and features.

Discover more destinations: Martínkov, Okříšky, Krokočín, Biskupice-Pulkov, Pyšel, Stropešín, Rokytnice Nad Rokytnou, Hroznatín

For the broader travel overview: Okres Třebíč.