Rataje Nad Sázavou: Pirkštejn Castle, chateau and routes

Rataje nad Sázavou can be explored through several distinct themes: remnants of fortifications, Pirkštejn Castle, a guided tour of the historic chateau, and routes on foot or by bike. For travelers looking for a hotel while also planning excursions, the focus is clearly on cultural history and specific routes. Local points of interest range from historic buildings to a regional cycling loop.

Promontory, town fortifications and castle

The town lies on the plateau of a promontory, with the town fortifications running along its edge. The Lower Gate and part of the eastern moat have survived. Pirkštejn Castle stands on a spur projecting from a larger promontory that slopes down toward Rataje nad Sázavou. Different topographical features meet here: the fortifications on the edge of the plateau and the projecting site of the castle.

The area, where archaeological finds have been made, is identified as a medieval town with two castles. The Lords of Lipé built the lower castle, Pirkštejn. Today, Pirkštejn is a preserved ruin; during the Baroque period, the palace, tower and outbuildings served the local parish. The construction and later use of these buildings form two distinct chapters in the town’s history.

Chateau rooms and local history

On a guided tour of the historic rooms of Rataje nad Sázavou Chateau, visitors see several formal and private interiors. These include furnishings dating from the second half of the 18th century to the first third of the 20th century. If you would like to explore historic interiors as well as the fortification remains and the ruin, the tour offers a focus of its own.

The chateau also houses a long-term art exhibition about Jiří Václav Hampl and Marie Uchytilová. Exhibition details may change, so check the information before your visit. Another datable chapter in the town’s history is the Church of St. Matthew: it was rebuilt and consecrated on September 21, 1691.

Compare the cycling loop and the walk

Cycling loop 3/C is about 30 km long. It runs from Sázava via Talmberk and Rataje nad Sázavou, as well as other places, and back to Sázava. Rataje is therefore part of a longer loop connecting several places.

The walk following in the footsteps of Jindřich from Kingdom Come: Deliverance starts in Rataje nad Sázavou and is 14 km long. It is estimated to take 4.5 hours; stops and conditions may affect the actual duration. The route leads from the Sázava valley into the town, through a stone gate and to a view of Pirkštejn Castle. Check the route again before setting off.

The difference between the routes is useful for planning: at about 30 km, the cycling loop is more than twice as long as the 14 km walk, and only the walk has an estimated duration of 4.5 hours. The cycling loop returns to Sázava; the walk is characterized by its route from the valley into the town and the view of Pirkštejn. You can choose your excursions based on distance, mode of travel and the historical setting you would like to explore.

Discover more destinations: Chabeřice, Úmonín, Vodranty, Vlačice, Čejkovice, Černíny, Caslav, Rašovice

For the broader travel overview: Okres Kutná Hora.