Rajnochovice brings together the history of timber transport, ecclesiastical heritage and nearby hiking destinations. The forest railway offers a chance to compare its former purpose with a short ride today; marked trails around Kelčský Javorník and the Sochová Nature Reserve are also a major attraction. When planning your visit, therefore, consider both the different themes and the conditions for visiting: opening dates, seasonal access and weather all matter, depending on the destination.

Forest Railway: Timber Transport in the Past and Rides Today

The Archbishop’s Forest Railway, “Arcibiskupská lesní železnice,” transported logs from the Kelčský Javorník area and the Podhradní Lhota forest district to the steam sawmill in Rajnochovice from 1905 to 1921. The Rajnochovice Forest Railway runs along a 300-metre route, and the ride takes about ten minutes. Outside advertised public events, individuals and groups can arrange visits to the site and rides. Contact the operator in advance to agree on dates and operating hours. This clearly distinguishes the railway’s former transport role from what visitors can experience today.

Church Visits and Cultural Heritage

As part of the “Otevřené brány” cultural project, the parish church “Kostel Narození Panny Marie Rajnochovice” offers free guided tours of the nave and presbytery. Access arrangements are seasonal and may change; check before travelling whether a tour is available on your chosen date. The church “Kostel Narození Panny Marie a sv. Anny” is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic and was built between 1711 and 1716 following the decision of Cardinal Wolfgang ze Schrattenbachů. This places ecclesiastical architectural history alongside the technical history of timber as two distinct ways to explore the area.

Hiking Destinations Nearby

There are hiking destinations to suit different interests. A green-marked trail leads from Rajnochovice to the summit of Kelčský Javorník. The Kelčský Javorník lookout tower is 35 metres high and offers panoramic views in every direction. Admission is free year-round, subject to current weather conditions. In severe weather, it is best to check before visiting whether access is possible.

The Sochová Nature Reserve lies about three kilometres south-southwest of Rajnochovice and can be reached from Rajnochovice via a red-marked trail. It contains fir-beech forests, geological formations and pseudokarst features. Fire salamanders and common frogs also live there, though sightings are not guaranteed. The nature destinations differ in focus: Kelčský Javorník is about the summit and panoramic views, while Sochová offers a protected forest and rocky landscape.

The Klauza as a Technical Landmark

Another trace of the area’s technical history is the restored Klauza water-retaining structure in Rajnochovice. Historically, it held back water for timber rafting. Together, the forest railway and the Klauza illustrate two different roles in timber transport: the railway carried logs to the steam sawmill, while the structure held back water for timber rafting. For those interested in technology, this comparison offers another perspective on timber work: transporting logs to the sawmill, and holding back water to transport timber.

Discover more destinations: Břest, Vrbka, Honětice, Loukov, Koryčany, Rataje U Kroměříže, Blazice, Mrlínek

For the regional travel overview: Kroměříž District.