Krakovec: Castle, history and hotels

Krakovec combines a cultural and historical focus with opportunities to reach the area on foot. The main attraction is Krakovec Castle: construction is dated to 1381, and it is one of the few transitional types between a castle and a château built under Václav IV. Krakovec is also connected to the history of Jan Hus. Marked hiking trails maintained by the Klub českých turistů lead to Krakovec. This offers different perspectives for planning your visit: the castle’s architecture and history, and how you would like to reach the area on foot.

Krakovec Castle and its architectural style

The castle stands on a low spur of land above the confluence of two streams. Its location can therefore be described using two specific reference points: the spur and the waterways that meet here. Construction is dated to 1381. Krakovec is also one of the few transitional types between a castle and a château built during the reign of Václav IV. The date and architectural classification answer different questions: the date identifies when construction began, while the term “transitional type” describes its distinctive architectural category.

The surviving chapel adds a clearly identifiable feature to this picture. Its presbytery is pentagonal and shaped like a large projecting bay. If you are interested in historic architecture, this detail offers a specific point of interest during your visit.

Jan Hus and his legacy

In 1414, Jan Lefl z Lažan gave Jan Hus refuge at Krakovec. In the autumn of that same year, Hus set out from Krakovec for Constance. These events link two stages: the refuge and the subsequent departure. This gives the castle a specific connection to the history of Jan Hus in addition to its architectural history.

A monument to Mistr Jan Hus also commemorates him in Krakovec itself. It was erected in 2011 and is the work of sculptor Milan Vácha and architect Rostislav Říha. The castle and the monument represent different aspects of local remembrance: the castle’s historical connection to Hus, and a monument created specifically in his honor.

Other cultural and landscape connections

The castle served as a filming location for the children’s film musical “Ať žijí duchové” and for individual scenes in the fairy tale “Princ a Večernice.” For the latter title, the connection specifically concerns individual scenes. For travelers interested in film history as well as medieval architecture, this is another cultural point of interest.

Another point of interest is the registered significant landscape feature of Nový Dvůr. It includes a shallow valley containing a source branch of the Krakovský potok, as well as two unmaintained ponds. In addition to the castle, a valley, a watercourse, and the ponds are among Krakovec’s named landscape features.

Visiting and getting there on foot

The entire castle ruin site is open for independent or guided visits. Access may vary by season, so check current opening times before your visit.

The nearest railway station to Krakovec is Všesulov. From there, an approximately five-kilometer route continues on foot along a waymarked trail. This approximate distance provides a general idea of the journey by train followed by a walk. Marked hiking trails maintained by the Klub českých turistů also lead to Krakovec. These details offer two different points of reference for planning a walk: the route from the railway station and the marked hiking trails leading to Krakovec.

Discover more destinations: Karlova Ves, Senec, Chotěšov, Krakov, Cista U Rakovnika, Krty, Řevničov, Oráčov

View the broader travel overview: Okres Rakovník.