An easy ‘one way’ walk from Rakovník to Křivoklát along the Rakovnický potok valley: 17 km
- The medieval royal castle of Křivoklát is a popular destination for day trips from Prague. First constructed by the Přemyslid rulers in the 12th century, it was a favorite hunting location for several Bohemian kings. The castle may be toured throughout the year (only at weekends in winter). It is definitely worth exploring for its rich medieval and Renaissance history, and varied architecture.
- For those wanting a walk in the area before or after visiting the castle, there are a couple of nice options. One possibility is to walk the 7 km terrace path above the Berounka river to Zbečno and then catch the train back to Křivoklát. This walk is described here (although in reverse).
- The second option involves a very nice (and mostly flat) path along the valley created by the Rakovnický stream. This is marked on maps as a cycle trail, but it is equally good for walkers. A route can be created starting and finishing in Křivoklát, traversing the village of Pustověty at the halfway point, where there is a pleasant pub with a summer terrace area. This walk is described here.
- A good alternative for an easy medium length walk finishing in Křivoklát is to start in Rakovník, where there is extensive free parking at the station and take the cycle path all the way to Křivoklát, then take the (relatively frequent) train back to Rakovník. This 17 km journey is mostly on a dedicated asphalt path, so it is an unusually good long walk with a stroller. The path follows the lovely valley, so is mostly flat (there is one very short steep section, which requires care if icy).
- With some extra time, take a moment to explore the town of Rakovník, which has a long and colourful history. It is not the most beautiful town in Bohemia – it was ravaged more than most by traversing armies through into the the 19th century – but there is an attractive town square and some fine monuments survived, including two of the town gates which formed part of the town fortifications.
- For refreshments on the route, in addition to the pub in Pustověty (Hostinec Na Ostrově, at map point 3), there are a number of restaurants along the main street in Křivoklát as well as the excellent new café Egon (map point 8). Rakovník has a number of good spots too – try the Hejlík recommendations: Ella’s burger (just off the main square) or Bistro u holiče, just down the street from the town museum. There is also good ice cream in the Gelato café on the main square.
Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’ to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.
Directions
- Starting at Rakoník train station join the RED trail, which runs beside the stream at the Aquapark trail junction. Head in the direction of Křivoklát
- The RED trail shortly joins up with the 39 cycle path. Follow this cycle trail all the way to Křivoklát (do not bother to follow the RED trail when it diverts from the cycle path – this short excursion into the forest is unnecessary)
