Cheb Castle
Hrad Cheb
Fee required
Parking available
Cheb Castle is a historic imperial castle in the Czech Republic, showcasing unique Romanesque and Gothic architecture, including a double chapel and Black Tower. Explore its palace, casemates, and attend cultural events.

📜 A unique imperial castle in the Czech Republic, Cheb Castle is a rare example of Romanesque architecture.
🔍 Explore centuries of history, from its 12th-century founding to its Baroque citadel transformation, and discover fascinating exhibitions.

Why Go

🏰 Discover the only Staufen imperial palatinate in the Czech lands
⛪ Marvel at the well-preserved Romanesque double chapel of St. Erhard and Ursula, a treasure of Staufer Gothic architecture
⚫ Ascend the imposing Black Tower, built from unique black volcanic tuff
⚔️ Explore exhibitions on military history and medieval culinary life
🚶️ Wander through the extensive Baroque fortifications and underground casemates
✨ Experience a site of major historical events, including the assassination of Wallenstein's officers

Cost

💰 Standard entry fee: 120 Kč
💸 Discounted entry fee (children 6-15, students, seniors 65+): 60 Kč
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family entry (2 adults + 2 children): 300 Kč
🆓 Children under 6, ZTP/P: Free
🎫 EgroNet ticket holders: 50% discount
ℹ️ Group reservations (10+ people) available via kastelán.

Hours

🗓️ Open year-round, with seasonal hours:

  • January - March & November - December: Saturday - Sunday, 10:00 - 15:00
  • April - May & September - October: Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
  • June - August: Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 - 18:00
    ℹ️ Information on night tours and special events available in the calendar.

Exhibitions

🖼️ Military History: New exhibition in the southeast bastion on war episodes impacting Cheb.
🍽️ Medieval Kitchen: Located in Gordon's House, showcasing period dishes and tools.
🚶‍♀️ Casemates: Explore 500 meters of underground passages from the Baroque fortress system.
🔨 Craft Workshops: Outdoor exhibition near the eastern wall, presenting Baroque-era crafts.
⚖️ Torture Law: Future exhibition in the casemates mapping the history of capital punishment.
✈️ Cheb Airport Museum 1918-1938: Museum exhibition near King George of Poděbrady Square.

History & Architecture

🏗️ Founded in the 12th century by Děpolt II of Vohburg and expanded by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
🧱 Transformed into a Baroque citadel with brick walls and casemates.
🌋 The Black Tower, nearly 50m from the palace, is considered the oldest standing structure in Cheb, built from black volcanic tuff.
⛪ The castle chapel is a treasure of Staufer Gothic architecture.

Reconstruction

🚧 Ongoing reconstruction since 2018.
🛠️ Baroque fortifications and casemates repaired, new roof over southwest casemates, and bastion interiors revitalized by 2023.
🏗️ Future plans include reconstruction of the Baroque underground in the forecourt.

👻 Legend

👻 Local legend tells of ghosts of murdered generals haunting the castle.
🐎 A wheelwright's terrifying encounter with a phantom carriage and knights confirmed the tales.
📜 Other legends include the Bloody Feast, the Alchemist, and a Slavic burial ground.

📅 Events

🎉 Valdštejnské slavnosti (Wallenstein Festival): August 29-30, 2025 – A city festival commemorating Albrecht von Wallenstein.
🏛️ European Cultural Heritage Days: September 12, 2025 – Free entry to selected heritage sites.
🏃‍♀️ Cheb Castle Stairs: October 25, 2025 – The 5th annual race up the Black Tower.
🎅 St. Nicholas Celebration: December 5, 2025 – Event in the Baroque Church of St. Clare.
🎶 Concert: November 8, 2025 – Event in the Baroque Church of St. Clare.
ℹ️ Over two dozen events held annually.

🅿️ Parking

🚗 Parking information available on the official website.

👰 Weddings & Schools

ℹ️ Information regarding wedding arrangements and school visits can be found on the official website.

🚫 Visitor Rules

🔞 Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
🚫 Entry forbidden for intoxicated persons.
🐾 Free movement of dogs and other animals is not permitted; access to exhibitions is forbidden.
🚭 Smoking and open flames are prohibited throughout the entire complex.
📸 Photography and filming for private use are permitted unless otherwise indicated. Commercial use requires written permission.