Cheb

An ancient town near the German border with a striking asymmetrical Old Town square lined with quirky leaning Renaissance houses and dominated by the Black Tower. Cheb's medieval character and position as the easternmost point of the Spa Triangle make it historically significant.

Things to do

• Climb the Black Tower — Ascend the 13th-century Černá věž for panoramic views of the Old Town square and surrounding Bohemian countryside.
• Explore the asymmetrical Old Town Square — Wander among the distinctive leaning Renaissance and Baroque houses with their misaligned facades and gabled roofs that give Cheb its unique character.
• Visit Cheb Castle ruins — Examine the remains of the 12th-century royal castle where Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa once stayed, overlooking the town.
• Tour the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas — Admire the ornate interior of this 14th-century church with its original frescoes and Gothic-Baroque architectural blend.
• Walk the Ohře River path — Follow the scenic riverside trail connecting Cheb to nearby towns and offering views of the surrounding valleys and forests.
• Visit the Cheb Museum — Discover local history, medieval artifacts, and traditional Bohemian crafts in this townhouse museum on the main square.

Food to try

• Chebský trdelník — A local sweet pastry roll filled with walnuts or almonds, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and often served warm with hot chocolate.
• Spa Triangle mineral water — Sample the therapeutic mineral waters and spa culture that define this region, available at local springs and cafés.
• Bohemian knedlíky — Steamed bread dumplings served alongside traditional pork goulash or roasted meats, a staple of regional cuisine.
• Cheb beer and local breweries — Taste locally brewed beers from small Bohemian breweries, a tradition in this border region with strong brewing heritage.
• Smažený sýr — Deep-fried cheese (typically Edam) breaded and served with tartar sauce and rye bread, a beloved Czech pub snack.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit during Cheb Festival — Time your visit for summer cultural festivals featuring medieval fairs, music performances, and historical reenactments in the Old Town Square.
• Learn the town's Hussite history — Cheb played a crucial role during the Hussite Wars; local guides can explain the religious and political significance at various historical sites.
• Shop the border town markets — Take advantage of Cheb's position near Germany to browse the weekly markets for both Czech crafts and German goods in a unique shopping experience.
• Respect the spa town pace — As part of the Spa Triangle region, Cheb maintains a relaxed, wellness-focused atmosphere; embrace the slower pace and spa culture when visiting.

Nearby

• Františkovy Lázně — 5 km
• Mariánské Lázně — 28 km
• Bor — 34 km
• Karlovy Vary — 40 km