Kutna Hora

Kutná Hora is a town in the Central Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its Historical Town Centre, including the Church of St. Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec. Once the second most important city in Bohemia after Prague, Kutná Hora was a major silver mining town in medieval times.

The town features beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture at both ends of its centre. While some modern architecture is comparatively drab, the historic core is well-preserved and photogenic. At approximately 21,000 inhabitants (2020), Kutná Hora maintains a pleasant small-town atmosphere.

The climate follows the continental pattern with warm summers (ideal for visiting) and cold winters. The town is approximately 70 km east of Prague and makes for an excellent day trip.

By Plane

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is approximately 100 km west.

By Train

Regular trains run roughly hourly from Prague's Hlavní nádraží to Kutná Hora. Search for "Kutná Hora město" station, which is much closer to the town centre than the main station (Kutná Hora hl.n.). You may need to change at Kutná Hora hl.n. or Kolín. Using Prague Integrated Transport tickets: the Suburban Ticket for 11 zones costs 84 Kč and covers the entire journey. Buy tickets from yellow machines in Prague. For the return, buy tickets at the Kutná Hora station office.

By Car / Road

Driving from Prague takes approximately 60 minutes. A taxi back to Prague costs around 1,600 Kč.

The town is about 3 km long and walkable, though the main attractions are at the opposite end from the main train station. A local bus system (single ride 20 Kč) connects the station with the centre. A tourist mini-bus shuttles between the main station, ossuary, and St. Barbara's for 35 Kč per person. A local train connects Kutná Hora město with Kutná Hora hl.n. Taxis are available and reasonably priced (about 80 Kč for a cross-town ride).

• Sedlec Ossuary (Kostnice) – The famous "bone church" containing the bones of about 40,000 people, arranged by František Rint in 1870. Features an enormous chandelier including every bone in the human body. Open Apr–Sep daily 07:00–18:00; Oct–Mar daily 09:00–17:00. Admission 160 Kč adult, 80 Kč student. Photography is prohibited.
• Church of St. Barbara – Magnificent Gothic church begun around 1380 by Peter Parler's workshop, the same architects behind St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. The eye-catching spires and Gothic vaulting are truly spectacular.
• Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and Saint John the Baptist (Sedlec) – A Baroque-Gothic cathedral in the Sedlec area.
• Italian Courtyard (Vlašský dvůr) – A former royal mint and residence, now housing a museum. Also home to the Torture Museum (50 Kč).
• Hrádek / Silver Mines – Tours of accessible portions of medieval silver mines, closed Mondays and November–March.

The underground silver mine tour is a unique experience. Walking tours of the historic centre reveal Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. Day trips to surrounding castles and the Elbe valley are rewarding.

• U Hrnčiře, Barborská 24 – Excellent traditional Czech dishes alongside surprising vegetarian options.
• Pizzeria Piazza Navona, Palackého náměstí – Traditional Italian pizza and pasta, with homemade tiramisù and panna cotta.
• V Ruthardce, Dačického nám. 15/10, ☏ +420 607 286 298 – Stylish and cozy restaurant serving traditional Czech cuisine in a historical building.

The area around St. Barbara's Cathedral has several bars, restaurants, and cafés, some with valley views.

Czech beer is widely available. Tap water is safe.

• Budget: Hostels and pensions from approximately 500–700 Kč per night.
• Mid-range: Hotel U Kata, Uhelná 596, ☏ +420 327 515 096 – Just below the main square. Free internet, breakfast, wellness centre, and restaurant. From 960 Kč/night.
• Mid-range: Muzeum Lega Hotel, Zámecká 52, ☏ +420 778 717 147 – Near the ossuary. Free breakfast, Lego store. Check-in 12:00, check-out 12:00.

Souvenir shops along the main tourist route sell Czech garnet, Bohemian crystal, and local crafts.

• Prague – 70 km west. The capital, approximately 1 hour by train.
• Kolín – 30 km west. A railway junction with Elbe River embankments.
• Čáslav – 20 km south. Town with the Museum of Farming Machinery.
• Kačina Castle – 15 km south. A neoclassical chateau.
• Deer Park Žehušice – 15 km southeast. An enclosed deer park.