EXCURSION TIPS

WHAT TO EXPLORE

Once you thoroughly explore all the parks, monuments, streets, and alleyways of Františkovy Lázně, it is time to go a bit further. Whether you prefer the mysterious beauty of historical castles and chateaus, or would rather wander through deserted nature, you will always have something to discover. For beginnings, here are some tips of what not to miss in your trips to the surroundings.

TOWN OF CHEB

It is not in vain that the historical centre of Cheb is declared a Municipal Monument Reserve. You will find a whole range of significant monuments here - with the Cheb Castle, whose roots reach all the way back to the Romanesque period - at the forefront. The striking dominant of Krále Jiřího z Poděbrad (King George of Poděbrady) Square is the famous “Špalíček” (“Small Block”), divided by narrow Kramářská (Grocer’s) Street, just a few steps away from the impressive Church of St Nicholas. From its lookout tower, you will have the whole town in the palm of your hand. And if you still have time, we heartily recommend the pleasant walk along the Ohře River towards Skalka.

SEEBERG CASTLE

Originally a Romanesque Castle, it was reconstructed in both the Gothic and later the Renaissance styles. It is located just 5 km from Františkovy Lázně. Inside, expect an exhibit on the history of the castle and on Western Bohemia porcelain. In the surrounding farm buildings, you will learn more about folk crafts and agriculture in the 19th-century Cheb countryside.
Opening hours: March - October daily, weekends in November
Admission: CZK 100, children 7–15 years of age CZK 50, discounted admission (pensioners, students, holders of the severe health disability card) CZK 80, holders of the severe health disability card requiring assistance and their aide free of charge
Combined ticket for Seeberg Castle, for SOOS NNR, and for Františkovy Lázně Municipal Museum (a 10-day validity): CZK 200

VILDŠTEJN CASTLE

Another of the Romanesque monuments in the Cheb Region, which can attribute its preservation to Mr Miroslav Pumr. Currently, you can see the castle dungeon, the blacksmith’s shop, the medieval feast room with a special menu, the castle museum with the permanent exhibit on local history, the museum of judicature, and the museum of fire-fighting equipment.
Opening hours: year-round from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Admission: CZK 150, discounted admission (children, students, pensioners, holders of the severe health disability card): CZK 110

MARIA LORETO PILGRIMAGE SITE

The inconspicuous village of Starý Hrozňatov is worth visiting not only for the local Neo-Gothic château. Through the pleasant maple alley, perfect for moments of peaceful contemplation, you will reach the Maria Loreto pilgrimage site. The roots of its troubled past date back to the Baroque period, but it was the second half of the 20th century that bore ill will towards this location, and the entire grounds were practically demolished. We can thank local native Anton Hart for its renovation, who did so as a gesture of strengthening the broken Czech-German ties. The site is freely accessible.

BISMARCK LOOKOUT TOWER

If you call yourself a fan of lookout towers, you have surely noticed the beauties of Františkovy Lázně, Salingburg and Zámeček. However, you will enjoy a much better view of the countryside from the lookout tower named after German chancellor Otto von Bismarck, found on Zelená Hora approximately 4 km west of Cheb. A wooden lookout tower stood on this site already in 1891, but since the ravages of time set in, it had to be replaced with a stone tower in 1909. The tower is open daily from April to October, from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm.