Rynholec – Local History and Landscape on the Edge of the Křivoklátské lesy

Rynholec between Forest Landscape and Local History

Rynholec lies on the northern edge of the Křivoklátské lesy. The town brings together several clearly distinguishable impressions: protected landscape features, preserved historic structures and paths leading through the town and the surrounding landscape. Those who are looking for more than a single attraction when choosing a travel destination, but instead want a variety of discoveries, will find here a manageable town with a remarkably diverse range of themes.

Protected Nature around Rynholec

The Rynholec cadastral area is home to the protected individual linden tree Lípa v Rynholci, which is protected by law. Its estimated age is 220 years (as of December 1, 2009). The height of its crown was recorded as 19 m (as of December 1, 2009), and the height of the tree as 20 m (as of January 16, 2020). Another distinctive natural area is the registered significant landscape element VKP Stráňky Rynholec, with xerothermic grasslands and meadows.

The landscape on the western and southwestern edges of the built-up area is also clearly defined: the agricultural hinterland landscape has been very well preserved there. The registered significant landscape element VKP Remíz u trati forms a structured valley along the railway line in a landscape shaped by mining near Rynholec. These different landscapes make the town interesting for travelers who want to discover natural features and traces of regional land use side by side during their outings.

Historic Town Center and Notable Buildings

Regular development has been preserved in the northern and southeastern parts of the historic town center. The houses and farmsteads are positioned with their gables facing the street and are grouped around a clearly elongated rectangular village green. The historic Rynholecký dvůr is located on the southern edge of the municipality. It has been preserved and successfully revitalized.

Among the smaller structures is the Chapel of St. Isidore, a small rendered masonry building with a rectangular floor plan and a gabled roof covered with slate. About 2 km south of Rynholec, on the wooded Starý zámek hill, there is a hillfort where a comparatively extensive medieval fortification from Sobín, with a rectangular ground plan measuring 70 × 100 m, has been preserved. The massive ramparts are visible on three sides; the ditches have mostly been filled in today.

A Marked Educational Trail through the Town and Landscape

For exploration on foot, there is a marked educational trail about 10 kilometers long. It runs along field and forest roads as well as paths through the town and landscape. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the town with different landscape areas without limiting the trip to a single historic destination. When looking for a hotel, you can therefore consider whether the historic town center, protected landscapes or the route of the educational trail should be the focus of your stay.

If you would like to extend your travel plans beyond Rynholec, you can also discover Velká Chmelištná, Městečko, Hracholusky, Svinařov, Jesenice U Rakovníka, Janov, Roztoky and Krakov as well.

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Rakovník.