Rumcajsova ševcovna

Rumcajsova ševcovna is a small themed museum in Jičín dedicated to Bohemia's best-loved fairy-tale outlaw — a shoemaker who lived deep in the forest and stood up for the poor. It sits right at the edge of the historic old town, making it an easy stop for families and anyone curious about Czech popular culture.

Who is Rumcajs, and why does he have a house here?

Rumcajs is a fictional character created by writer Václav Čtvrtek and brought to life visually by illustrator and animator Radek Pilař — essentially a Czech Robin Hood in a leather shoemaker's apron. In the stories he lives in the Řáholec forest near Jičín with his wife Manka and son Cipísek, mending shoes, outsmarting the local authorities, and helping villagers in need. The tales were adapted into a beloved television series in the second half of the 1960s and have remained part of Czech childhood ever since, to the point that Jičín markets itself as the "town of fairy tales." Rumcajsova ševcovna is essentially a tribute to that legacy, built as a small recreation of the shoemaker's own workshop.

How do you get there?

The house stands on the street Pod Koštofránkem, between the bus station and the Valdická Gate — just a short walk from the main square and the other historic sights of the old town. It works well as a natural stop when walking the town fortifications or heading toward the castle, since it sits almost on the route between them. Travelers arriving by bus have it within a few minutes' walk, which makes it a convenient first or last stop on a day exploring Jičín.

What will you see inside?

The exhibition recreates the fairy-tale world in miniature: a shoemaker's workshop where Rumcajs might have patched boots for forest animals and local villagers, a play corner for younger visitors, and two smaller themed sections tied to side characters from the stories — Cipísek's little zoo, introducing the forest creatures from the show, and Manka's herb garden, referencing her fondness for herbal remedies. There's also a small shop selling souvenirs and light refreshments, so a quick visit can easily stretch into a coffee or ice-cream break. The whole place is deliberately compact — not a museum that demands hours of your day, but a pleasant 20-to-40-minute stop that pairs naturally with a longer walk around town.

When is the best time to visit?

The site is at its liveliest in summer and early autumn, when Jičín leans hardest into its fairy-tale identity — every September the town hosts its annual festival built around that same theme, and the atmosphere around the ševcovna gets noticeably more festive. Outside peak season, it's worth checking current opening hours in advance, since small museums like this one sometimes run reduced hours or close over winter. Visiting in the morning is also a good idea, before larger tour groups reach the old town, since the space itself is quite intimate and fills up fast.

Frequently asked questions

Is Rumcajsova ševcovna suitable for young children? Yes — it's one of Jičín's main family-friendly attractions, with a play corner and themed mini-exhibits designed specifically with kids in mind.

How much time should I set aside? About 20 to 40 minutes is enough. It's a small, cozy exhibition that combines easily with a walk through the old town or a visit to the Valdická Gate.

Do I need to know the Rumcajs stories beforehand to enjoy it? Knowing the backstory adds context, but the exhibits themselves — the workshop, the little animal corner, the herb garden — are visually appealing and easy to follow even without prior knowledge of the character.

Are there other sights nearby worth combining with a visit? Yes, the building sits close to the Valdická Gate and Jičín's historic center, so it fits naturally into a walking route along the town walls and around the main square.