Rakovník: Culture, Architecture and Cycling

Rakovník combines cultural history with opportunities to spend time outdoors. Notable buildings include the late Gothic Church of St. Bartholomew, the synagogue and the Vysoká brána town tower. Exhibitions are the focus at Muzeum Rakovník and the Rabasova Gallery. The surrounding area is also suitable for walks and cycling. This makes it easy to plan your stay around specific interests: architecture, collections, a concert or a cycling route.

Churches, Towers and Concert Hall

The Church of St. Bartholomew is a late Gothic, three-aisled stone building with a richly decorated interior. The bell tower stands directly beside the church. It was built in 1495 and houses two bells. The dates of the bell tower and the synagogue provide two specific historical reference points; at the church, its architectural style, floor plan and interior furnishings shape the impression.

The 46-metre-high Vysoká brána now serves as an observation tower. As access arrangements may vary, check before your visit whether the tower is open to visitors. The synagogue was built in 1763, is a Jewish cultural monument and is now used as a concert hall. If you are planning to attend a concert, check the current programme in advance.

Museum, Gallery and Cultural Monument

The main building of Muzeum Rakovník features permanent exhibitions, two halls for temporary projects and a lecture hall. There is also an outdoor geological exhibition at Parkan. The museum is currently undergoing renovation, so check which areas are open to visitors before you go.

Lechnýřovna is a listed cultural monument and is used as an exhibition space. Lectures and other events for a limited number of visitors are also held there. The Rabasova Gallery features a permanent exhibition of works by landscape painter Václav Rabas. These include the paintings “Vzpomínka na maminku” and “Včelařské zátiší”. If you plan to visit the gallery, check its current opening hours in advance.

Brewery and Theatre

Rakovník’s brewing tradition dates back to the brewery founded in 1454; Bakalář beer is still brewed there today. This links a specific founding year with a product that continues to be brewed in the town. Rakovník also hosts Popelka Rakovník, a national showcase of amateur theatre for children. Rakovník is listed as the host for the 2026 edition. If theatre is part of your travel plans, check the specific event dates.

Cycling in the Surrounding Area

The 14-kilometre Rakovník–Křivoklát cycling route starts at Husovo náměstí and follows the Rakovnický potok. The route is easy and also suitable for families with children. Signposting and surface conditions may change, so check both before setting off.

With its stated length, the cycling route offers a specific basis for choosing a route. The area around Rakovník is also suitable for walks and cycling in an appealing natural landscape. If you prefer to get around on foot, you can plan your outings around this more general landscape; for a cycling trip, the route to Křivoklát offers both a named starting point and a set distance. This puts a specific cycling route alongside the general option of walking as two different ways to spend time outdoors.

Discover more destinations: Řeřichy, Krupá, Kolešov, Mutějovice, Krakov, Pustověty, Skryje, Kalivody

Go to the main travel overview: Okres Rakovník.