Řitka – Hřebeny Nature Park and Local History

Řitka combines the beginning of Hřebeny Nature Park with local history, water, and a unique equestrian legacy. The place appeals to you if, when travelling, you do not view the landscape in isolation but also include local traditions and specific opportunities to visit. Between the chapel, its connection to the château, the fishpond, and organised activities, several distinct focal points emerge for travel planning.

Local History and Lata Brandisová

The history of Řitka is closely connected with Lata Brandisová. She spent part of her life at Řitka Château and remains the only female winner of the Velká Pardubická to date. The Lata Brandis Museum can be visited by prior telephone appointment. The stables and facilities of Jezdecký klub Norma can also be visited by prior arrangement.

The local history dates back to the Middle Ages: in 1387, the settlement was called "villa Lhotka, dikta Rzitka"; by 1416 at the latest, it was associated with the name Řitka. A chapel dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk has stood on Řitka village square since around the beginning of the 19th century. In more recent times, devotions in honour of Saint John of Nepomuk have traditionally been held in the chapel in May.

Řitka thus combines a local religious custom with the equestrian history surrounding Lata Brandisová. This gives your visit several different cultural focal points: you can explore a historical figure, the development of the village, or the tradition surrounding the chapel that is still maintained today.

Nature, Water, and Local Activities

Hřebeny Nature Park begins in Řitka. Recreational fishing is available to the public at Rybník Řitka. The grassy banks provide convenient access right down to the water. The nature park and pond thus connect the landscape with a specific activity by the water.

The Pochod Pičín–Řitka is organised by the municipalities of Řitka and Pičín together with the town of Dobříš, TJ Sokol Dobříš, and the municipality of Kytín. This activity complements an independent stay in nature with a firmly established local event. For your travel planning, the topics can be divided into different focal points: local history with its dates and chapel, places associated with Lata Brandisová, nature park and water, and the organised activity.

Getting There from Prague

Suburban bus lines 317, 321, 318, and 320 connect Řitka with Prague; they are operated by the transport company Martin Uher. From Prague, you can take the train to Dobřichovice railway station and then continue by bus 448.

This gives you a bus connection and a train-and-bus combination as two different options for your arrival. The two routes can be considered separately when planning your journey, while the cultural and natural themes determine the actual character of your stay in Řitka.

More Destinations

If you would like to compare other destinations alongside Řitka in your search, you can also find Knezeves, Ohrobec, Lichoceves, Hvozdnice, Rudná U Prahy, Horoměřice, Trnová, and Cernolice here as well.

For the broader travel overview: Praha-Západ District.