This medieval market town in western Bohemia has well-preserved Gothic buildings from the 13th century, including the Black Tower and an imperial castle with a chapel.
Cheb, a medieval town in western Czechia, sits near the German border. You can walk through its 12th-century castle complex, explore the Špalíček merchant houses in the main square, or step inside the Gothic Church of Saints Nicholas and Elisabeth. The town lies just 10 kilometers from Františkovy Lázně and 40 kilometers from Karlovy Vary, making it convenient for day trips to these spa cities.
Main Square and Špalíček
The Krále Jiřího z Poděbrad Square contains eleven connected medieval merchant houses known as Špalíček, built in the 13th century. These narrow buildings with their steep roofs stand in the middle of the square, creating an unusual sight. Around the square, you'll see buildings from different periods - Gothic stone portals next to Baroque facades and Renaissance arcades. Stop at the Pachelbel House, where you can see the room where military commander Albrecht von Wallenstein was killed in 1634.
Cheb Castle
The castle sits on a rocky outcrop above the town center. Built around 1125, it includes the Black Tower and a double chapel dedicated to Saints Martin, Erhard, and Ursula. The chapel's two-story design and original Romanesque columns make it significant among Central European castles. You can climb the tower for views across the old town and visit the chapel's both floors to see the medieval stone carvings.
Churches and Monastery
The Church of Saints Nicholas and Elisabeth rises above the town with its late Gothic spires. Inside, you can see the ribbed vaults and stained glass windows. The Franciscan monastery, dating to 1256, contains one of Czechia's early Gothic hall churches. Walk through the monastery's cloister to see its preserved medieval arches and stone decorations.
Transportation
Trains connect Cheb to Prague (4 hours), Plzeň (2 hours), and several German cities. The historic Cheb Airport is 3 kilometers east of the center. Local buses run to Františkovy Lázně (15 minutes) and Mariánské Lázně (40 minutes), both UNESCO World Heritage spa towns.
Outdoor Areas
Walk along the Ohře River paths that follow both riverbanks through the town. In summer, you can swim or fish at Skalka and Jesenice reservoirs, both within 10 kilometers of the center. The Soos Nature Reserve, 7 kilometers northeast, has wooden walkways across its mineral springs and small mud volcanoes, where you can see bubbling pools and smell the distinct mineral scent.
