Trips

Bavaria next door: the Baroque library in Waldsassen and the church in Kappel

8. 9. 2026 · Penzion Afrika

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Waldsassen: the basilica and the abbey library

The small town of Waldsassen lies just across the border, about a quarter of an hour by car from Cheb. It is dominated by a Cistercian monastery with a Baroque basilica.

The main attraction is the Stiftsbibliothek (abbey library) – a hall decorated with rich wood carvings, one of the most beautiful library halls of the Baroque era. The library is open during opening hours; you can find the current times and admission fees on the monastery's website. Allow about two hours to see the basilica and the library.

Kappel: the Church of the Holy Trinity

A few kilometres from Waldsassen, the Kappel pilgrimage church stands on a hill. It is round, with three towers and three apses – the whole building symbolises the Holy Trinity and can be seen from far away. From the church there is a nice view of the countryside and towards the Czech border. A trip to Kappel is easy to combine with Waldsassen.

Practical tips

Practical tips

  • Bring your ID card or passport – random checks may take place at the border
  • Germany uses the euro; you can pay by card almost everywhere
  • Check opening hours and admission fees on the monastery's website in advance
  • In winter, Germany has stricter rules for winter tyres – on snow and ice, only tyres with the mountain-and-snowflake symbol
  • You can do the whole trip in half a day and be back in Cheb in the evening

What guests ask most often

How far is it to Germany?

The border is just a few kilometres from Cheb. Waldsassen is about 10 km away, roughly a quarter of an hour by car.

Do I need documents for a trip to Germany?

Yes, bring your ID card or passport. Random checks may take place at the border.

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