Rataje: Chapel, Valley and Ratajský Stream

Rataje brings together a distinctive cultural monument and a landscape of valleys, streams and tourist trails. The chapel is a defining feature of the municipality; below the village, the Ratajský Stream and its pond add to the appeal for walks and nature. This offers two concrete themes for planning a trip: local imagery and the landscape around the stream.

Chapel and folk imagery

The chapel in Rataje is a cultural monument and a defining landmark of the municipality. Its furnishings include a protected altar. The chapel also houses a folk nativity scene with around 50 human and animal figures. This specific number and the mix of human and animal figures provide a vivid motif in the local cultural heritage.

Other works are also associated with the chapel: Kupsův Blaník was installed there with the help of other residents. A smaller model of Blaník was also created in the chapel, featuring knights, folk figures, a depiction of a new observation tower and forest animals. Together, these motifs show how religious furnishings and folk depictions have coexisted in local history.

Valley, stream and tourist trails

Rataje lies in a valley that slopes gently eastward, about five kilometres from Vlašim. Below the village, the Ratajský Stream and its pond offer a place for a walk. Locals and day-trippers arriving in Rataje via the tourist trail use the area for this purpose. Alders, willows and native plant species grow along the banks; dragonflies and interesting bird species can be seen by the stream.

There are different types of routes for an active stay: the municipal plan for 2021 describes tourist routes along existing purpose-built roads as well as field and forest paths. A route from Vlašim towards Želivka and Posázaví passes through Rataje. The approximate distance to Vlašim and this route’s direction provide two different points of reference for orientation, without specifying a particular route length.

Village centre and visitor information

The village centre renewal created green spaces and benches for relaxation and socialising. There are information boards for tourists on the village green. Thus, both places to spend time and tourist information are among the described features of the village centre.

The Kalamajka observation tower is located in Javorník, near Rataje. Access information updated on 16 March 2022 states that admission is free; however, the tower is locked. A key must be borrowed in advance from one of the municipal offices in Javorník, Chlum, Zdislavice, Rataje, Kladruby or Tichonice, preferably after arranging it by phone. Check the access information locally before your visit.

Events and accommodation search

The Ratajský pohár is a nohejbal tournament in Rataje, listed for 2019 and 2026. For 2026, the municipality also announced the 8th Ratajská traktoriáda for 5 September and beer festivals for 15 August. These dates point to different event themes without promising an annual schedule.

When choosing your accommodation, you can consider whether you want to focus your stay primarily on the chapel and village centre, the trails or nature by the Ratajský Stream.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Chotýšany, Olbramovice, Zdislavice, Miličín, Javorník U Vlašimi, Heřmaničky, Lštění and Neustupov.

See the main travel overview: Okres Benešov.