This study presents an attempt to supply breeders of hybrid rye with more genetic information on inbred lines, using molecular markers. Eighteen polymorphic loci detected by means of the RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) technique and mapped on 2R-7R rye chromosomes, were applied to study genetic similarities among forty inbred lines of rye. The lines were grouped in four main clusters revealed on dendrogram, which was generally consistent with the pedigree data. Mapped RAPD markers were shown to be a useful tool for phenetic studies in rye. Additionally, a system of 20 polymorphic fragments, detected by three primers, was developed for fingerprinting of rye lines. The system of RAPD markers, which was developed in this study, should be helpful in characterisation of rye genetic stocks used for breeding.