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Cheb Castle
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Cheb Castle, built in the 12th century by Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, is the only preserved Hohenstaufen imperial palace (Pfalz) in the Czech Republic. It was established as a strategic stronghold on the western border of the Holy Roman Empire, featuring a remarkable blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. A prominent feature of the complex is the Black Tower, constructed from dark volcanic basalt rock, which served as a formidable defensive structure. Within the castle grounds lies the unique double chapel of St. Erhard and St. Ursula, where two levels served different liturgical and social functions. Historically, the castle is infamous as the site of the assassination of Albrecht von Wallenstein's officers in 1634 during the Thirty Years' War. Today, the castle ruins are open to visitors, housing exhibitions on medieval history and archaeological finds. The massive fortifications demonstrate the enduring military significance of the town of Cheb through the ages.
- Location: Czech Republic
- Top sights: Cheb Castle · národní přírodní památka Komorní hůrka · Západočeské divadlo v Chebu
- Nearby: Frantiskovy Lazne (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -2 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 3 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 58 | 44 | 49 | 42 | 72 | 74 | 81 | 77 | 61 | 54 | 58 | 62 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Cheb Castle is open to the public and can be explored on guided tours. The courtyard and chapel are usually accessible, while some rooms only open during special tours.
Typical hours
Opening hours follow the typical seasonal pattern: open daily from April to October, in winter often only on weekends. It is advisable to check the official website in advance.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyard and chapel without flash. Some exhibition rooms may prohibit photography, so pay attention to the signs.
Time needed
Plan around 1.5 to 2 hours for visiting Cheb Castle. A guided tour may extend this to 2 to 2.5 hours.
Combine with
The castle is located in the heart of Cheb's old town, so combine it with a stroll through historic streets. Also visit the nearby St. Nicholas Church and the city museum.
Getting there
Cheb is easily reachable by train from Prague or Nuremberg; the main station is about a 10-minute walk away. Local buses go up to the castle hill, but most visitors walk.
Insider tip
Visit the castle early in the morning to avoid crowds. The climb to the chapel's viewing platform is worth it for a fantastic view over the city.
Geography
Facts
- Construction started around 1167
- Only Hohenstaufen palace in Czechia
- Height of the Black Tower: 18.5 m
- Assassination of Wallenstein's staff in 1634
- Double chapel dates from 1188
- Tower basalt sourced from Kammerbühl hill
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Cheb Castle (11)
Aquaforum🎡 recreation
A large water park with numerous indoor and outdoor pools and wellness facilities.
🌐 franzensbad.cz🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-21:00; Dec 31 08:00-12:00; Jan 01,Dec 24-26 off
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the double chapel?
A rare two-story chapel; the ground floor is Romanesque, while the upper floor is Gothic.
Who built Cheb Castle?
Frederick Barbarossa had the castle built in the 12th century as an Imperial Palace.
Why is the tower called the 'Black Tower'?
Because of the color of the building material, a dark basalt from the nearby Komorní hůrka.
Is the castle open year-round?
No, the castle is usually open from April to October, and in winter only for special events.
Is there parking nearby?
Parking is available in the old town of Cheb, just a few minutes' walk from the castle entrance.
Cheb Castle: where is it located?
Cheb Castle is located in Czech Republic.
Cheb Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cheb Castle, národní přírodní památka Komorní hůrka, Západočeské divadlo v Chebu.
Cheb Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Cheb Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Cheb Castle, built in the 12th century by Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, is the only preserved Hohenstaufen imperial palace (Pfalz) in the Czech Republic.
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