Cheb Castle Opening Hours and History Overview

Cheb Castle is a rare treasure in the Czech Republic. It is the only imperial palace of the Hohenstaufen dynasty in the country. Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa ordered its construction in the late 12th century. The castle served as a strategic military outpost and a royal residence. Its history is marked by royal meetings and dark betrayals. Today, it is famous for its well-preserved Romanesque chapel and the imposing Black Tower.

Knowing the Cheb Castle opening hours and history is vital for visitors in 2026. The castle typically opens its gates in early April. It remains open through the end of October. During the peak summer months, you can visit from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is usually closed on Mondays, except for public holidays. In the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, it often closes at 5:00 PM.

Ticket prices are very affordable for international travelers. Adults usually pay around 100 to 150 CZK. There are discounts for students, seniors, and families. You can purchase tickets directly at the castle entrance. Most visitors spend about two hours exploring the grounds. The site offers English information boards to help you understand the ruins. For more ideas on regional travel, check out the best day trips from Karlovy Vary.

10 Best Things to Do on a Cheb Medieval Town Day Trip

Cheb is more than just its castle. The town center is a vibrant mix of colorful houses and historic sites. You can easily walk between all the major points of interest. Here are the top picks for your itinerary:

• Name: The Black Tower (Černá věž) Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is the best place for panoramic views of the town. Best for: Photographers. Where: Inside the Cheb Castle complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in castle entry. Getting there: Walk from the castle courtyard. Tip: The stairs are steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Name: Chapel of St. Erhard and St. Ursula Type: Sight Why go: This rare double-story chapel is a Romanesque masterpiece. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Next to the castle palace ruins. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in castle entry. Getting there: Located within the castle walls. Tip: Look at the different column designs on each level.
• Name: Špalíček Buildings Type: Neighborhood Why go: These iconic merchant houses date back to the 13th century. Best for: Iconic photos. Where: King George of Poděbrady Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Walk to the center of the main square. Tip: Read our scenic Spalicek buildings guide for more history.
• Name: Cheb Museum Type: Museum Why go: It is housed in the building where Albrecht von Wallenstein was murdered. Best for: History buffs. Where: Main Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 80-120 CZK. Getting there: Located on the northern side of the square. Tip: Don't miss the section on the Thirty Years' War.
• Name: St. Nicholas Church Type: Sight Why go: A massive Gothic church with beautiful twin towers. Best for: Peaceful reflection. Where: Just off the main square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation or free. Getting there: Two-minute walk from Špalíček. Tip: The interior was beautifully restored after WWII damage.
• Name: Franciscan Monastery and Garden Type: Nature/Experience Why go: The quiet cloisters and garden offer a peaceful escape. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Near the town walls. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free or low fee for the cloister. Getting there: Walk five minutes west of the main square. Tip: The herb garden is especially nice in late spring.
• Name: Retromuseum Cheb Type: Museum Why go: It showcases daily life and design from the 1960s to 1980s. Best for: Families and design fans. Where: Attached to the Cheb Museum. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Separate or combined ticket available. Getting there: Access from the main square. Tip: It is a fun look at socialist-era lifestyle and products.
• Name: Ohře River Path Type: Nature Why go: A scenic walking path that follows the river below the castle. Best for: Walkers and joggers. Where: Below the castle walls. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the stairs down from the castle area. Tip: It is a great spot for a picnic with a castle view.
• Name: Bismarck Tower Type: Day trip Why go: A historic stone lookout tower on Green Mountain. Best for: Hikers. Where: 4km west of Cheb. Time: 2-3 hours including the hike. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the green marked hiking trail from town. Tip: Check the weather as the tower is exposed.
• Name: King George of Poděbrady Square Type: Neighborhood Why go: One of the most beautiful squares in the Czech Republic. Best for: Dining and people watching. Where: Town center. Time: Flexible. Cost: Free. Getting there: The central hub for all transport. Tip: Try a local pastry at one of the corner cafes.

How to Plan Your Visit from Karlovy Vary

Getting to Cheb is simple and fast. Many travelers wonder how far is Cheb from Karlovy Vary for a day trip. The distance is about 45 kilometers. If you are driving, the journey takes roughly 40 minutes via the D6 highway. Parking is available in several lots near the historic center.

Public transport is also a great choice. Trains run frequently between the two cities. The train ride usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. It is a scenic route through the Bohemian countryside. You can check schedules on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site. Buses are another reliable option and often cost slightly less than the train.

To make the most of your day, arrive in Cheb by 10:00 AM. This gives you time to see the castle before the midday heat. You can then enjoy lunch on the square near the Špalíček buildings. Most shops and smaller galleries close by 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Plan to head back to Karlovy Vary in the early evening for dinner.