Račice-Pístovice: Hiking and castle history

Two highlights stand out when deciding whether to stay in Račice-Pístovice: walks and hikes through the countryside, and the cultural history surrounding Zámek Račice. The details can help you plan your trip around your own interests; visitor access is also a factor for the main palace.

Countryside and the Rakovec nature trail

Relatively high, densely wooded hills surround Račice. The Rakovecké údolí is used for walks all year round and is considered a popular area for hiking and cycling. The Rakovec nature trail offers a distinct, themed experience: it is 7 km long and has ten information panels on the area's history, geology, flora and fauna. The main difference between a walk in the valley and the nature trail is the trail's explicitly defined subject matter.

The nature trail begins about 2 km beyond Račice, in the direction of Ruprechtov, at the Jermak Memorial. Check the signage and local conditions when planning where to start. The memorial commemorates the landing of a parachute group in 1944. It is therefore not only the named starting point of the nature trail, but also a memorial site with a specific historical connection.

Castle history across several building phases

Zámek Račice is the dominant landmark in the southwestern part of Račice. Its development spans a Gothic castle dating from the mid-13th century and its later transformation into a Renaissance château. Hanuš Haugvic had it rebuilt between 1568 and 1585; in the 1830s, Baron Mundy altered the château in the Empire style. Its history therefore extends beyond a single period, offering culturally minded travellers several points of reference.

Visitor access matters when planning an interior visit: when checked on 24 August 2026, the main palace was being renovated; all visitor tours were temporarily closed and guided tours were not taking place at that time. Because this status is temporary, check again before visiting.

Other historical sites

Other historical points of interest include statues of Saint Florian and Saint Wendelin. They stand on the road bridge over the main road near the entrance to Račice. The statues date from the mid-18th century, belong to the High Baroque period and come from the workshop of the renowned Olomouc sculptor J. A. Heinze. Their exact location and art-historical classification make them a different point of interest from the castle's architectural history.

The Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary is part of the Zámek Račice grounds. It can be visited during services or on special occasions announced by the municipality.

Czech cuisine with a seasonal focus

EFI Hostinec Konírna at Zámek Račice focuses on traditional Czech cuisine made with local ingredients and an eye to seasonality. For travellers who also factor cuisine into their choice of destination, it is a specific local highlight. The food and service may change; ask about the current offering if you are interested.

Discover more destinations: Orlovice, Medlovice, Podbřežice, Kojátky, Dětkovice, Nemochovice, Prusy-Boškůvky, Zbýšov U Slavkova

For the broader travel overview: Vyškov District.