Tepl: Discover the Monastery, Churches and Nature

Tepl combines cultural depth with distinctive experiences in nature. The Premonstratensian monastery in Teplá, historic churches and chapels, and regional cycling routes are at the heart of the area. This picture is complemented by two natural monuments with very different landscape forms. If you do not want to limit your stay to a single theme, Tepl allows you to experience history, architecture, active pursuits and nature with different emphases.

Monastic History and Culture in Teplá

The Premonstratensian monastery in Teplá was founded in 1193 by Blessed Hroznata, a Bohemian nobleman. The oldest surviving part of the monastery is the Romanesque-Gothic, three-aisled hall church of the Annunciation of the Lord. The monastery is open to tourists for sightseeing. Concerts, exhibitions and other cultural events are also held there. The complex therefore offers not only a historical point of reference, but also a variety of cultural occasions to consider when planning a trip.

Churches, Frescoes and Baroque Architecture

The Church of Saint Giles in Teplá was built in 1762–1765 by the master builder Hausmann in the late Baroque style on the site of an older church. Its frescoes from 1765 depict scenes from the life of Saint Giles and were created by Eliáš Dollhopf. The historic buildings also include the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Our Lady of Sorrows and Saint Andrew in Teplá. It was built in 1768–1769 according to an earlier design by K. I. Dienzenhofer from 1730. These structures provide an opportunity to observe different periods and forms of regional ecclesiastical architecture side by side.

Regional Cycling Routes with Different Profiles

Regional cycling route No. 362 is 36 km long. Route 361 is called the Teplá–Slapany u Chebu (Waldsassen) Monastery Route and is suitable for trekking, cross and mountain bikes. For you, the two descriptions provide different points of orientation: Route No. 362 focuses on the specific route length, while Route No. 361 focuses on the connection with the monastery and its suitability for several types of bicycles. You can therefore tailor your further research to whichever information is more important for your planned cycling tour.

Natural Monuments Between Floodplain and Wet Meadows

The Sirňák natural monument features gaseous emissions in the floodplain of the Teplá River, forming unique mud craters, or mofettes. The Čertkus natural monument comprises wet meadows, fens and meadow springs with characteristic communities of plants and animals. Čertkus in the Slavkovský les is also home to the largest population in terms of individual specimens. The two natural monuments therefore represent clearly different natural settings: Sirňák is characterized by its gaseous emissions and mud craters, while Čertkus is defined by wet meadows, marshland and springs.

Historic Town Character and Further Destinations

In Tepl, an urban heritage conservation zone protects several important historic buildings. Together with the monastery, churches and regional cycling routes, this provides a diverse basis for exploring the town and its surroundings according to your own interests. If you are looking for other places for your research on the Czech Republic, you can also visit BerounBeroun, BezvěrovBezvěrov and Teplá U TouzimeTeplá U Touzime. Other destinations for your research include MiltigauMiltigau, SangerbergSangerberg, VoitersreuthVoitersreuth, DürrmaulDürrmaul and GroßlohGroßloh.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cheb District.