Rifnik was first attested in written sources in 1326 as Reichenekk (and as Reiheneck in 1335 and Reihnek in 1343). The name originally referred to the castle at the site, a compound formed from the Middle High German personal name Rîcho + egge 'hill, castle'. The name therefore originally meant 'Rîcho's castle'.[6]
Rifnik archaeological park is located on the hilltop above the settlement. It has a permanent exhibition about local prehistoric and ancient finds curated by the Celje Regional Museum.
Castle
Rifnik Castle (left) below the archaeological park (on the hill on the right)
The settlement is best known for its 13th-century castle. The castle was abandoned in the 17th century, but the remains of the residential part and the fortifications are still visible.[7]