Rataje: Chapel, Routes and Nature

Rataje lies in a valley that slopes down to the east, about five kilometres from Vlašim. The chapel, tourist routes and the Ratajský potok give the village a range of attractions: local art and heritage preservation sit alongside trails through fields and forests, as well as opportunities to observe nature. If you’re looking for a hotel in Rataje, you can tailor your trip to your interests, whether culture, walking routes or nature.

Chapel and local culture

The chapel in Rataje is a cultural monument and a distinctive local landmark. It houses a protected altar. Its furnishings also include a folk nativity scene with about 50 human and animal figures. A smaller model of Blaník depicts knights, folk figures and animals. Kupsův Blaník was installed in the chapel with the help of other residents. Sacred furnishings, folk representations and the Blaník theme thus stand side by side as distinct cultural features of the village.

Routes and nature along the Ratajský potok

A municipal planning document from 2021 describes the tourist routes in Rataje as following existing service roads as well as field and forest paths. A tourist route from Vlašim towards Želivka and Posázaví passes through Rataje. Taken together, this information gives an impression of the types of paths in the area as well as a specific route through the village towards Želivka and Posázaví.

Below Rataje, a report dated 14 October 2013 describes the revitalised Ratajský potok and its pond as a place for walks by locals and day-trippers arriving in Rataje along the hiking trail. The report mentions alders, willows and native plant species along the banks. Dragonflies and interesting bird species can also be observed by the stream. The vegetation along the banks and wildlife observations add to the experience of the paths and landscape.

The sv. Anny spring is on a forest path between Rataje and Trhový Štěpánov; a green-marked tourist route follows this path. Check local conditions at the spring before your visit.

Village centre, travel and planning

Green spaces and benches have been created in the centre of Rataje as places to rest and meet. Information boards for tourists have been installed on the village green. The village centre thus brings together a landscaped resting area and information for travellers.

A municipal planning document from 2021 identifies Zdislavice as the nearest railway stop to Rataje. Check connections for your travel dates before setting off. According to information updated on 16 March 2022, admission to the Kalamajka observation tower is free; however, the tower is locked. You can only enter if you first borrow a key from one of the six municipal offices. One of them is in Rataje. Check the current key-borrowing arrangements before your visit.

The Ratajský pohár is a recurring nohejbal tournament in Rataje; municipal listings include it for 2019 and 2026. If the tournament is important to your trip, check whether a date falls within your travel period.

Discover more destinations: Olbramovice, Krivacek, Načeradec, Zdislavice, Rabyne, Šetějovice, Chrást Nad Sázavou, Krcmy.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Benešov.