Perched on a distinctive gneiss rock above the Ohře, the Royal Castle of Kadaň, Kadaňský hrad, was originally built in the Early Gothic style. Its surviving Gothic cellars house an exhibition on the castle’s history; guided tours explore the best-preserved cellar areas. The Franciscan Monastery, the city’s towers and the paths along the Ohře also offer their own points of interest for a stay. You can choose between architecture, exhibitions, views and outdoor activities.
Castle, Monastery and Exhibitions
The exhibition in the castle cellars is titled “The History and Development of Kadaň Castle.” Guided tours are available for visiting the cellar areas. Access times vary by season; check the details before your visit. The Franciscan Monastery of the Fourteen Holy Helpers offers a different focus: it is a national cultural monument, known for its unique wall paintings and a rare cell vault. Its four tour routes can only be visited with a guide. Here, too, you should check seasonal access information in advance.
The City Museum manages five cultural heritage sites with a total of six permanent exhibitions. These can be visited during the main season; check seasonal availability when planning your trip. Another outdoor destination is the Franciscan Gardens. They include vineyards and several domestic animals. Some garden activities are seasonal, giving the gardens a different, less exhibition-focused dimension alongside visits to the monastery and cellars.
Towers, Church and Fortifications
The white Gothic Town Hall Tower dates from the early 16th century. At 53.75 metres, it is the tallest building in the city. Its viewing gallery offers sweeping views of the surrounding area, while the view also helps you get your bearings in Kadaň. Opening hours vary by season and should be checked before your visit. The tower of Svatá brána also offers a different perspective on Kadaň. It has been open to the public since 2016; seasonal opening hours apply there too.
The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Kostel Povýšení sv. Kříže) brings together different periods of construction: beneath its current Baroque appearance lies a Gothic core. The church is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic and regularly hosts concerts. Check the programme separately for specific concert dates. Katova ulička offers a very different glimpse into the city’s history: the alley is 66.1 centimetres wide and passes through the fortifications to the executioner’s house. The fortifications of the royal town of Kadaň are among the best-preserved urban fortifications of their kind.
Paths along the Ohře and Seasonal Experiences
Nábřeží Maxipsa Fíka is a pedestrian and cycling promenade. Children’s attractions listed there include flying bicycles, a hamster wheel and water attractions. The manually operated “Velryba” ferry is available for crossing the Ohře. It operates seasonally; check its operating hours if crossing the river is part of your plans.
There are specific reference points for cyclists, too: the fourth section of the Ohře Cycle Route starts in Kadaň. One described cycling route from Kadaň follows the banks of the Ohře, crosses Lávka Víta Brandy towards Rašovice and continues to Klášterec nad Ohří. Surface and access conditions can change; check them before setting out. The route descriptions refer to different landmarks and do not provide a single combined walking or cycling time.
A seasonal culinary event is the Kadaň wine harvest festival (Vinobraní). Visitors can sample Burčák and fresh grape must made on site from grapes grown in the monastery vineyards. Check the latest event details separately if you would like to plan your stay around it.
Discover more destinations: Radonice, Rajov, Březno and Chomutova, Horní Halze, Spořice, Výsluní, Droužkovice, Kovarska.
Back to the regional travel overview: Chomutov District.
