Cemetery in Lázně Kynžvart

The Cemetery in Lázně Kynžvart is a small yet historically rich burial ground set on a gentle slope above the parish church in this spa town in the Karlovy Vary Region of the Czech Republic. Beyond its quiet rows of old tombstones, the site carries a remarkable personal story connecting the town to none other than the German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Where is the cemetery located?

The cemetery sits on a hillside directly above the church, close to the center of Lázně Kynžvart. Its coordinates are roughly 50.0124°N, 12.6284°E, placing it within easy walking distance of the town's main streets and squares.

What makes this cemetery distinctive?

The burial ground is notable for its old stone tombstones and decorative wrought-iron crosses, many of which were forged at the ironworks in Plasy that once belonged to the Metternich family. The dominant architectural styles found among the graves are Biedermeier and Empire, both typical of Central European cemeteries from the first half of the 19th century. Walking among the older graves, visitors can spot the restrained ornamentation and forms characteristic of that period, giving the cemetery a distinctive, intimate atmosphere quite different from larger municipal burial grounds.

Who was Karel Huss, and why is he buried here?

The best-known person resting in this cemetery is Karel Huss (1760–1838), the last executioner of the town of Cheb. Contemporaries described him as a rare and noble man, a knowledgeable connoisseur of history, nature, and the folklore of the Cheb region. Huss was a passionate collector of minerals, plants, and stones — a hobby that led him on nature walks where he met and became friends with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The two men corresponded until the poet's death in 1832.

When capital punishment was abolished in Cheb in 1828, Goethe recommended his friend to Chancellor Metternich as a candidate for the position of curator of the castle collections at Kynžvart. Thanks to this recommendation, Huss took up the post and remained connected to the region for the rest of his life. He was buried near the cemetery gate, but today the exact location of his grave is no longer known.

Is this the only cemetery in Lázně Kynžvart?

No. The town has two other historic burial sites: an old Jewish cemetery, whose history reportedly dates back to around 1405 (with the oldest surviving tombstones from the 16th century), and a new Catholic cemetery located above the town, along the road toward Lazy. The old Jewish cemetery suffered severe damage during the Nazi occupation, when many tombstones were destroyed and used to pave sidewalks on the town's main streets. After liberation, the recovered stones were gathered and placed along the wall of the former cemetery.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors walk around the cemetery? Yes, as part of the church grounds it is freely accessible and can easily be included in a walk around the town.

What is worth seeing on site? The historic Biedermeier and Empire-style tombstones, the wrought-iron crosses from the Plasy ironworks, and the site connected to Karel Huss are the main points of interest.

Has Karel Huss's grave survived? No — records indicate he was buried near the cemetery gate, but the exact location of the grave has since been lost.

Are there other historic cemeteries in town? Yes, besides this cemetery, Lázně Kynžvart also has an old Jewish cemetery dating back to the early 15th century and a newer Catholic cemetery along the road to Lazy.