Aš, Border municipality in Cheb District, Czech Republic.
Aš is a town in the far northwest of the Czech Republic, surrounded by Germany on three sides and lying within a land protrusion. The town sits at approximately 666 meters in elevation and connects to neighboring German communities through several road crossings.
The area was first documented in 1281 and grew through settlements of German colonists during the medieval expansion eastward. By the 19th century it had become a major textile manufacturing center, a role that defined its economy until World War II.
The local museum holds a large collection of gloves and tells the story of textile craftsmanship that shaped this region for generations. You can see how central this work was to the community's identity.
The town has several road crossings to German neighbors and is easily reached by travelers who want to cross between countries. It helps to check the border crossings in advance and familiarize yourself with local connections.
After World War II, the population dropped from about 23,000 to about 10,000 people, leaving many empty buildings throughout the town. This history remains visible in the streets and tells a story of dramatic change.
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