Czech - Cheb
Albania
Czech Republic
Official Name
Cheb. Be aware that 'ch' is pronounced as the 'ch' in the Scottish word 'loch' (phonetical symbol: x). The German name for the town is Eger, and therefore the area around Cheb is called Egerland. There is a river with the same name.
Location
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| Cheb |
Cheb is located in the westernmost tip of the Czech republic, some 150 km away from →Prague. It's only a few kilometers to the German border. The town stretches along the valley of small Ohře (Eger) river, which is coming from Bavaria and continuing to the north-east, where it flows into the Labe (Elbe) river at →Litoměřice. Cheb is surrounded by mountains and enjoys the neigbourhood of two large reservoirs.
Population
Around 33,000 inhabitants - Cheb is a rather small town.
Orientation
Some 32,000 people live in Cheb - many of them in grey concrete housing areas north of the centre. The historical centre shows a distinctive German influence and mainly stretches between the long náměstí krále Jiřího z Poděbrad (King George of Podebrad - square) and the hidden em>Chebský hrad (Cheb castle). Behind the castle there is the deep valley of Ohře (Eger) river. All in all four churches dominate the city centre - two behind the central square, another two south of the square. Here and there, remains of the old city wall can still be seen.
The surprisingly ugly Cheb nádraží (train station) is quite away from the centre but still accessible on foot. From there, it's possible to walk down třída Svobody (freedom street) northwards - a not very attractive pedestrian zone with some shops and cafés. After around 10 minutes, you will see the central square in front of you. The bus terminal is adjacent to the train station.
Due to the fact that Cheb is very close to Germany, some dubious 'asia markets' settled south of the centre. For a handful of euros, you may buy kitschy garden gnomes, faked DVD's, clothes, alcohol and so on - you name it. There's also a large Kaufland supermarket some hundred meters right of the train station. The city has got a very bad reputation as a place for prostitution. Even underaged streetwalkers can be seen along the city's exit roads. A sad view, which hopefully vanishes within the next years (some measures seem to have been taken).
History
Cheb has a long and interesting history with tragic turns. It was first mentioned in the year 1061 and eversince a German city. This changed in 1322, when Cheb was handed over to the Bohemian kings. A castle was built in the 12th century with parts of it being preserved until today (for more details see sights below). The centre consisted of many old burgher houses, Jewish trading buildings and some churches. Cheb played a very important role during the 30 years' war. In 1634, the famous general Albrecht Wallenstein was murdered in his private house at the market square, because he fell out of favour with the emperor. The house is called Pachhölbelsches and is used as the city museum nowadays.
Cheb has always been a strategically important border town. In the 17th and 18th century, baroque architecture had been introduced and still dominates the city centre. At that time, the baroque architect Baltasar Neumann, one of Cheb's most famous sons, was born. Since the beginning of the Habsburg reign, Cheb was a local centre of Sudeten Germans cultivating their own distinctive dialect. Today, Cheb is very popular with German and Dutch tourists with positive as well as negative consequences. However, the city is trying hard to improve its image. A few years ago, Cheb was declared the centre of Euroregion Egrensis, an area around Cheb including German communities. It will be interesting to see how the EU membership, gained in spring 2004, will change the town.
Getting there / transportation
By bus, train or car. The so-called Vogtlandbahn runs from Plauen (Saxony) via Cheb to Marktredwitz in Bavaria. Bicycles can be transported on the train. The cheap discount ticket 'Schöne-Wochenende-Ticket' (only valid during the weekend and on local trains for up to 5 persons) can be used. A faster train from Nuremberg to →Prague stops in Cheb as well. Several trains a day leave for →Karlovy Vary or Plzeň. However, to go to Prague is awkwardly time-consuming. Although not really far, it takes three hours and more to get there. It might be better to go by bus.
There is a motorway-like modern road leading to the German border crossing at Schirnding. It doesn't take longer than 10 minutes by car to get there.
The historical centre is very compact and so everything is within walking distance. It's best to start at the above-mentioned náměstí krále Jiřího z Poděbrad (King George of Podebrad - square), a long square in the centre, which is actually a huge slope. At the northern tip and almost in the middle of the square, there are two rows of cock-eyed houses and a very narrow street (less then 2 m wide) inbetween. This beautiful ensemble (see photo) is called Špalíček, which means something like 'small annex'. The mainly gothic houses were built during the 13th century. From the 16th century, Jewish merchants lived in the small houses. All of them are very well preserved.
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| The Špalíček in the centre of Cheb |
When passing the spalicek on the right, one will end up in a churchyard, which is almost completely encircled with small dwelling houses. The kostel sv. Mikuláš (St. Niclas church) stands in the middle, a gothic structure with romanesque influenced twin towers. Parts of the church are from the 13th century. Especially the glass paintings are very interesting. Next to the church, above-mentioned city museum can be found.
When diagonally walking left of the Špalíček, you will get to the romanesque fortress Chebský hrad towering the river valley. The characteristic black tower is easy to spot. After crossing the bridge spanning the moat, you will get onto the court of the half-destroyed castle. There, some cannons and an excavation site are on display. Additionally, there is an interesting chapel from the 12th century. The black (because tared) tower is from the year 1222 and offers a great view over the town from the top. The museum is interesting as well - a part of it is dedicated to the Egerland (i.e. Sudeten German) culture. Admission fee to the entire complex is 40 kč (students 20).
The surroundings of Cheb offer many interestung places. Nearby, two large reservoirs attract the citizens as well as many other tourists: the one in the west is called Skalka reservoir and almost stretches all the way to the German border. The other one in the east is called Jesenice reservoir with hills, fields and forests in the vicinity. A perfect place for camping (see accommodation). Both reservoirs are full of fish, and so fish belongs to the staple diet of restaurants near the lake. Both lakes are only 3 km away from Cheb.
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| Baroque (formerly romanesque) church in Dřenice |
Less then 10 km in the north, Františkovy Lázně (Franzensbad) is a very popular spa with some 9 to 12 degrees Celsius mineral springs. The baroque centre and the adjacent park are very beautiful and make it a perfect destination for a day trip.
A few kilometers south-east of Františkovy Lázně, the nature reserve Soos awaits the nature-interested visitor. The area is 221 hectare big. It's claim to fame are numerous mofettes (mud volcanoes), where carbon dioxide bubbles up through thick layers of differently coloured mud. All in all a very strange scenery which is worth an extensive walk.
Kynšperk nad Ohři (Königsberg a. d. Eger) is a small town around 15 km east of Cheb with a beautiful fortress built in 1188. This place is also worth a short visit.
| Accommodation |
Western Bohemia Spas, Karlovy Vary |
The villa was of exceptional architectural style was build in1890 by famous Viennese architects, Felner and Helmer, who also designed some of the most beautiful Carlsbad´s buildings like the Municipal Theatre, Imperial Bath etc. The hotel has been recently remodeled. | ||
Location
The villa was of exceptional architectural style was build in1890 by famous Viennese architects, Felner and Helmer, who also designed some of the most beautiful Carlsbad´s buildings like the Municipal Theatre, Imperial Bath etc. The hotel has been recently remodeled.
Amenities and Services
Accommodation is provided in the main building and two depandances. In the manor, there are five double rooms, five Junior Suites, one Grand Suite and Mayor´s Apartment . Altogether18 double rooms are available in the depandances. Extra bed is available in some of the rooms. All rooms have satellite TV, minibar, telephone with direct dialing .
Hotel guests are welcome to the restaurant with a club bar (50 seats), the summer terrace overlooking the golf course and surrounding nature, to the lobby bar, and the chateau park where barbecues and garden parties are held.
Leisure Opportunities
18 hole golf course with a training HONEY COURSE,
hotel swimming pool, sightseeing tours to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad), Loket etc.
Other Information
A conference area for up to 35 people available, reservation of spa treatment procedures, fishing, hunting. Baby cot available for small fee. Pets allowed, additional fee depends on the size. Parking available in front of the hotel
| Accommodation |
Western Bohemia Spas, Cheb |
We offer an accommodation in a newly built family hotel which is situated in the rear part of the building. | ||
Silvestr není k dispozici
Location
We offer an accommodation in a newly built family hotel which is situated in the rear part of the building.
Amenities and Services
There are eight double rooms, three single rooms, 2 three- to four-bedrooms, and two apartments. The rooms have their own bathroom with WC, satellite TV, balcony. A large terrace on the second floor of the family hotels is available for relaxation and rest of our guests. We offer also accommodation in our apartment or placing an extra bed to your room.
Leisure Opportunities
Family hotel is situated 5 min walk from the center of Františkovy Lázně. Nearby the hotel you will find sports and cultural facilities (tennis courts, bowling, cinema, theatre...)
Other Information
You can park your car on a private parking or in a garage directly at the hotel. In low season, one-night stay is acceptable. Mountain bike rent at the family hotel.
The price of accommodation includes a self service buffet breakfast and parking . We can arrange for discount dining (lunch, dinner) at one of our partner restaurants nearby the family hotel. Pets allowed upon preliminary agreement with fee of CZK 50 per day. Access to the Internet in the hotel available – will be charged.
| Accommodation |
Western Bohemia Spas, Karlovy Vary |
Hotel is situated in the center of Karlovy Vary. It offers high quality accommodation which will make your stay in the world famous spa even more enjoyable. | ||
Silvestr není k dispozici
Location
Hotel is situated in the center of Karlovy Vary. It offers high quality accommodation which will make your stay in the world famous spa even more enjoyable.
Amenities and Services
It has 24 standard double rooms, 5 Se Luxe double rooms with balcony, four single rooms, two apartments and two suites. The rooms are furnished with WC, shower or bathtub, hair dryer, satellite TV, telephone with direct dialing, minibar and safe deposit box. Some rooms have a view of the Colonnade. The connection to WiFi internet available in the rooms. The apartment has two separate rooms with a shared bathroom, WC, shower, about 45 to 50 sq m, the capacity up to four persons). The suite (view of the Colonnade, two adjoining rooms with shared bathroom – WC and shower, capacity four persons, 45-50 sq m).
Café Restaurant with lounge and summer terrace overlooking the spa center with capacity of 90 seats. Excellent Czech and international cuisine with a choice of specialties.
Leisure Opportunities
Access to variety of sports activities like golf, horseback riding, canoeing, hunting, minigolf, paintball, pétanque, ricochet, fishing, tennis and others.
Other Information
Other services: laundry, taxi and minibus, exchange office, office services , access to the Internet .
Dogs allowed, additional fee. Baby cot available with fee of CZK 300 per night. Limited number of parking spaces about 100 meters from the hotel with fee of CZK 120 per night. Parking is not supervised.
| Accommodation |
Western Bohemia Spas, Karlovy Vary |
The recently restored, stylishly furnished, neo-classic Spa Hotel ****, provides high-level services and amenities to satisfy any guest. | ||
Silvestr není k dispozici
Location
The recently restored, stylishly furnished, neo-classic Spa Hotel ****, provides high-level services and amenities to satisfy any guest.
Amenities and Services
The hotel offers accommodation in 33 single rooms, 169 double rooms, 15 apartments, one Presidential Apartment and one Diplomat Apartment. Apartments have two beds, in some an extra bed is possible. Rooms are furnished with stylish comfortable furniture, bathroom with shower or bathtub and hairdryer, WC with bidet, SAT TV, telephone with direct dialing and minibar. Access to the Internet available in apartments.
Hotel restaurant and two lounges available, convenient for business meetings, seminars, training, or family celebrations.
Other Information
The hotel also features a concert hall, beauty studio and indoor swimming pool. The Sport Centrum and the Indoor Golf Imperial within a short walking distance from the hotel.
Parking possible at a supervised car park. Baby cot available for free. Pets allowed, will be charged CZK 320 per day (pets are not allowed to the balneotherapy areas, to the restaurant and café). WiFi Internet connection at the hotel lounge, café and restaurant.
| Accommodation |
Western Bohemia Spas, Cheb |
Hotel** is situated right in the center of the spa part of the town - opposite the park with the spa colonnade and the “Singing Fountain”. | ||
Location
Hotel** is situated right in the center of the spa part of the town - opposite the park with the spa colonnade and the “Singing Fountain”.
Amenities and Services
The hotel has 79 rooms with 149 beds: single rooms, double rooms, three-bed rooms and apartments.
Rooms of the II. category are equipped with washbasin with cold and hot water. Sufficient number of showers, bathrooms and WC available on the corridors.
26 rooms of the I. category have their own shower, WC, TV and telephone.
Barrier-free access is not available in the hotel.
Leisure Opportunities a surrounding
Marked tourist trails, well-kept marked bike trails (we can lend you bikes and cycling trail map). Indoor swimming pool, natural swimming pond Lido, golf course, horse-riding school, tennis courts, squash, fitness rooms, bowling.
Skiing in the "Skiarea" - 2 lifts + cableway, downhill ski runs both for children and experienced skiers. Groomed cross-country ski trails leading through the golf course and the Slavkovský les forest.
Teplá Monastery, the Chateau in Lázně Kynžvart Spa, Bečov Chateau and Castle, Loket Castle, historical town center of Cheb, the Kladská Nature Reserve.
Other Information
You can have classical massages right in the hotel. Solarium, hairdresser´s, beauty salon and pedicure also available. We can arrange for therapy in a salt cave, spa cures and relaxation procedures.
Reception desk with a small shop, copy machine and fax. Complimentary hotel safe box.
Baby cot available.
Pets allowed with fee of CZK 120 per night. Parking available within the hotel area, will be charged.
| Accommodation |
Western Bohemia Spas, Cheb |
The Hotel is perfectly located right opposite the Spa Colonnade in the Spa Center. Over half of the guest rooms have a balcony with a superb view of the City Center and the Spa Colonnade. A cozy hotel restaurant with a terrace overlooking the City is located on the upper ground of the building. | ||
Silvestr není k dispozici
Location
The Hotel is perfectly located right opposite the Spa Colonnade in the Spa Center. Over half of the guest rooms have a balcony with a superb view of the City Center and the Spa Colonnade. A cozy hotel restaurant with a terrace overlooking the City is located on the upper ground of the building.
Amenities and Services
The Hotel offers altogether 30 double rooms with possibility of extra beds. Rooms are equipped with own bathroom with shower and WC, satellite TV and telephone with direct dialing. Eight rooms are barrier-free. Elevator is available. Safe deposit box is available at the reception desk. A cozy hotel restaurant with a panoramic terrace with 60 seats is located on the upper ground of the building.
Leisure Opportunities
Wellness Program:
Aromatherapy , lymfodrainage, hydrotherapy, oxygenotherapy, personalized exercise workout,
magnetotherapy, peat wrap and much more.
Other Information
Bathrobe available for a small fee.
Pets allowed with charge of CZK150 per night.
The hotel has its own supervised parking for up to six cars. Complimentary baby cot available
| Accommodation |
Western Bohemia Spas, Sokolov |
A newly built hotel in the heart of Loket – the most romantic town of the Karlovy Vary region. Loket is a historical suburb of Karlovy Vary and used to be a popular summer destination of J. W. Goethe and attracts numerous visitors nowadays. The hotel is situated in the ancient town of Loket in the vicinity of a medieval castle. Its location makes it a convenient starting point for many interesting itineraries in the surroundings. | ||
Silvestr není k dispozici
Location
A newly built hotel in the heart of Loket – the most romantic town of the Karlovy Vary region. Loket is a historical suburb of Karlovy Vary and used to be a popular summer destination of J. W. Goethe and attracts numerous visitors nowadays. The hotel is situated in the ancient town of Loket in the vicinity of a medieval castle. Its location makes it a convenient starting point for many interesting itineraries in the surroundings.
Amenities and Services
The hotel offers 23 spacious rooms with 51 beds, these consist of: 20 double rooms, one three-bed room and two four-bed rooms. Each room has a telephone, satellite TV, WC and shower. There is a stylish restaurant, a brewery with a beer pub, summer terrace, elevator, sauna and whirlpool. Family rooms for parents with children are also available.
Leisure Opportunities
You definitely should not miss the medieval Loket Castle. The town of Loket boasts unique architectural sights like the ancient stone Castle of Loket, Slavic Rotund, City Hall, the Baroque Church of St. Wenceslas, Trinity Column, St. Anna Church. You may like to visit the Chateau in Bečov nad Teplou and the Shrine of Saint Maur, Mariánské Lázně, Karlovy Vary or Františkovy Lázně Spas.
Other Information
A part of the hotel is its own brewery and beer pub which serves a semi-dark beer, a classical Czech stock beer, made of natural products. Electronic locking system parking available. S Dogs allowed without fee.
| Accommodation |
Western Bohemia Spas, Sokolov |
The family hotel is situated at the edge of the historical center of the Loket town. Thanks to its convenient location at the river it has a unique view of the Loket Castle from every room and the terrace. It is only 300 m from the town center. The town of Loket is popular with tourists for its rich cultural and sports program. Below the castle, at the elbow of the Ohře River, there is the Loket Amphitheater (operas, music festivals, theater performances etc.). You may be also interested in visiting the motocross area or just have a rest in stylish pubs and restaurants | ||
Location
The family hotel is situated at the edge of the historical center of the Loket town. Thanks to its convenient location at the river it has a unique view of the Loket Castle from every room and the terrace. It is only 300 m from the town center. The town of Loket is popular with tourists for its rich cultural and sports program. Below the castle, at the elbow of the Ohře River, there is the Loket Amphitheater (operas, music festivals, theater performances etc.). You may be also interested in visiting the motocross area or just have a rest in stylish pubs and restaurants
Amenities and Services
The hotel consists of:
3 double rooms with possibility of one or two extra bed, shower corner, WC, balcony, SAT TV.
One five-bed apartment - two rooms with two and three beds, common entrance room, own shower corner, WC, balcony, SAT TV.
Lounge:
A newly furnished room can be used as a friendly sitting area and a kitchenette. Two kitchen units opened all day long, fridge with freezer and other kitchen equipment. This room is ideal for a group of people to spend a pleasant evening.
Parking: Directly in front of the house, also on the opposite site of the road.
Leisure Opportunities
The family hotel offers a perfect base for traveling around the Karlovy Vary region and the Loket surrounding with numerous recreation possibilities. The town lies within the West Boehmian spa triangle, so you should certainly not miss Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad). Also Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně spas are definitely worth seeing. The Loket town is surrounded with beautiful nature of the Slavkovský les Landscape Protected Area, convenient not only for walking and hiking but also for cycling and boating. The recreation area at the Michal water reservoir invites you to spend hot summer days there while in winter season you can enjoy ski runs in the Krušné hory Mts.
| Accommodation |
Western Bohemia Spas, Karlovy Vary |
The hotel is situated in the center of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad). | ||
Location
The hotel is situated in the center of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad).
Amenities and Services
The hotel offers accommodation in ten double rooms, six three-bed rooms and in one apartment. The rooms are equipped with own bathroom, TV and fridge. The single rooms have their own bathroom on the corridor, though.
Dining is offered in the hotel restaurant.
Leisure Opportunities
The hotel is ready to arrange spa treatment procedures for our guests. The spa facility is located 5 min walk from the hotel.
Other Information
Parking is 5 min walk from the hotel in an underground garage, on M. Horákové square, at CZK 300 per day. Another parking is at Thermal Hotel, also 5 min walk from the hotel, at CZK 150 per day.
Pets are allowed (without fee).
| Accommodation |
Western Bohemia Spas, Karlovy Vary |
The Hotel is located not far from the business and spa centre of Karlovy Vary. Our hotel is located near major-road to Prague and a bus stop of city transport right in front of the Eurohotel Garni. The whole building has been newly reconstructed with its own garden and the car park is watched by a video-camera. | ||
Silvestr není k dispozici
Location
The Hotel is located not far from the business and spa centre of Karlovy Vary. Our hotel is located near major-road to Prague and a bus stop of city transport right in front of the Eurohotel Garni. The whole building has been newly reconstructed with its own garden and the car park is watched by a video-camera.
Amenities and Services
You can find here:
- 6 single rooms
- 27 double rooms
- 1 four-bed room
- 2 suites
The total capacity is 70 beds.
The rooms have their own WC, shower, minibar and TV-satellite.
We offer buffet breakfast.
The car park and spa tax is included in the price of a room.
Our hotel provides a pleasant and calm stay.
Leisure Activities
The town was founded by the Roman Emperor and Czech King Charles IV in 1358. Its natural hot springs with the temperature from 42 to 73 C play an important role in a wide range of spa procedures with drinking cures.
There are a few camping sites near the reservoirs. You can get there by bus, car or bicycle. However, buses are not very frequent. The camping season starts in May and ends in September. The camping sites are usually well equipped with restaurants, playgrounds, small shops and so on. Especially during Dutch and German bank holidays, e.g. Whitsun, most camping sites are completely booked out. Personally I can recommend Dřenice (Drenice) camping on the shore of Jesenice reservoir. It's only 4 km away from the city centre and the facilities, incl. volleyball and tennis courts etc, are okay. A tent or trailer and car cost 190 Kč per night, additionally campers pay 30 Kč per person. There's another camping site at the northern tip of the same reservoir, which is better to be avoided.
At the southern end of the central place in Cheb, the Hotel Hvězda offers some old-fashioned but clean rooms. A bed in a double with shared toilet and bathroom costs 15 € per night. There is a restaurant downstairs. Of course it's also possible to stay in pensions. Just refer to the tourist information at nám. krále Jiřího z Poděbrad.
- www.mestocheb.cz Official and quite useful website of Bled with plenty of infomation related to tourism. Comes in English, Czech and German.
Do you have or do you know a good website about Cheb? Don't hesitate, let me know! After checking it, I would love to add it to the link list. You can submit a link by using the →contact form. Note that commercial websites will be treated differently.
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