Rakovnik

Rakovník is a city of approximately 16,000 inhabitants in Central Bohemia, located 40 km west of Prague. The historic town centre is well preserved and protected as an urban monument zone. Rakovník is home to the Rakovník Brewery, founded in 1454, one of the oldest breweries in the Czech Republic, producing beer under the Bakalář brand.

The town's centrepiece is Husovo Square, the second longest square in the Czech Republic at 400 metres. The surrounding area includes the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area, a UNESCO biosphere reserve with ancient forests along the Berounka River valley.

The climate follows the continental pattern. The area is ideal for nature lovers seeking quiet forests and castle ruins away from tourist crowds.

By Plane

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is approximately 50 km east.

By Train

Rakovník is the terminus of railway lines from Prague, Kladno, Beroun, and other towns. Regular trains run from Prague's Masarykovo nádraží. Journey time is approximately 70 minutes.

By Car / Road

Driving from Prague takes approximately 50 minutes. The city is 40 km west of Prague and 45 km northeast of Plzeň.

Rakovník's historic centre is compact and walkable. The 400-metre Husovo Square is the main thoroughfare.

• Husovo Square – The second longest square in the Czech Republic (400 metres), with a 16th-century town hall featuring a late Baroque façade. Interior ceiling fresco depicts the town 250 years ago.
• Church of St. Bartholomew (Kostel svatého Bartoloměje) – A high Gothic church from the 14th century with an adjacent bell tower from 1495. The tower is considered the most precious Gothic bell tower in the Czech Republic, with a bell diameter of 1.6 metres.
• Church of Holy Trinity (Kostel Nejsvětější Trojice) – A Renaissance church completed in 1588 with Gothic elements, 22 metres long and 7.5 metres wide.
• Former Synagogue (Synagoga), Vysoká 232 – Completed 1763–1764, now serving cultural purposes. Contains the Václav Rabas Gallery.
• Křivoklát Castle – A 12th-century castle in the Křivoklátsko forests with collections of hunting weapons, Gothic paintings, and books. Theatrical exhibitions held several times a year.
• Krakovec Castle – A medieval castle ruin in the forests.

Hiking and nature walks in the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area. Čertova skála and Vůznice nature reserves offer forest trails. The Skryjský waterfall is a scenic natural attraction.

Rakovník restaurants serve traditional Czech cuisine. Pubs on Husovo Square offer svíčková, guláš, and local Bakalář beer. Lunch menus typically cost 100–150 Kč.

The Rakovník Brewery produces Bakalář beer, one of the oldest brands in the Czech Republic. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget: Guesthouses from approximately 500–700 Kč per night.
• Mid-range: Hotels in the city centre from 800–1,200 Kč.

Bakalář beer from the local brewery is the main specialty.

• Prague – 40 km east. The capital city.
• Beroun – 30 km southeast. Gateway to the Bohemian Karst and Karlštejn.
• Křivoklát – 20 km south. A medieval royal hunting castle.
• Kladno – 30 km east. Central Bohemia's largest city.