Travel Guide to Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

Ra's Travel Guide to Kutna Hora

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with its own collection of World Heritage Sites; a comprehensive travel guide to Kutna Hora.

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While the majority of people visit Kutna Hora for a day trip from Prague, the city is filled with attractions, activities, and things to do, it’s possible to make Kutna Hora a part of the center of your visit to the Czech Republic. Kutna Hora has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 25 years, and has a few others within the city, demonstrating the significance and beauty of the city. With something to do for every traveler, Kutna Hora should definitely be on your list of places to visit. Continue below for a complete travel guide to Kutna Hora.

Getting to Kutna Hora, Czech Republic: Transportation Options and Travel Tips

Getting to Kutná Hora is a breeze, especially if you're starting from Prague. The two cities are well-connected, making it a popular day trip destination. If you're already in Prague, you have several options to reach Kutná Hora. The most convenient and time-efficient way is by train, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Trains depart from Prague's main station every 2 to 4 hours, providing you with flexibility in your schedule. Upon reaching the primary Kutná Hora station, you'll need to take a local train, bus, or minivan to reach the city center. Typically, these local transportation options are available right at the station when you arrive from Prague.

Another alternative to consider is taking a bus directly from Prague to Kutná Hora. Buses are a convenient choice as they bring you directly into the city center, eliminating the need for transfers. You can check the schedules and plan your journey using this website.

For those who prefer a hassle-free experience, many travel companies offer guided tours and day trips to Kutná Hora, including visits to the Sedlec Ossuary. This option is ideal for travelers with limited time or those who prefer to leave the planning to experts.

To optimize your travel routes, evaluate costs, and explore various transportation methods, I often rely on Rome2rio. This invaluable tool provides comprehensive information, including suggestions for route combinations and potential stops along the way, ensuring a well-informed and customized travel experience. Discover more at Rome2rio.

Where to Stay in Kutna Hora, Czech Republic?

Kutná Hora, being a smaller city compared to Prague, offers a limited number of accommodation options. To secure your stay, it's advisable to book several months in advance, particularly if you plan your visit during the peak tourist season. Within the city center, you'll find a selection of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and apartments. Many travelers choose to stay in Prague, using it as a base from which to visit or commute to Kutná Hora.

When I explored Kutná Hora, I based my stay in Prague and then opted for day trips organized by guided tour groups. This allowed me to maximize my limited time in Prague during a weekend getaway and efficiently explore Kutná Hora as part of the itinerary without the need for extended stays or additional accommodations in the smaller city.

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Getting Around Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

Car

If you've rented a car during your visit to the Czech Republic, you can reach Kutná Hora from Prague in about an hour. The quickest route is to take the D11 highway. However, it's wise to use Google Maps or a navigation app to stay informed about any potential delays or traffic jams. Generally, parking in Kutná Hora is mostly free, but it's advisable to check for any changes during peak tourist seasons.

Bus/Train

Buses and trains are readily available to transport you to Kutná Hora and its neighboring suburb, Sedlec. The most direct train lines to reach Sedlec are lines 13 and 14, with a travel time of approximately 15-20 minutes. These transport options operate throughout the day, providing flexibility for your schedule.

Bike

From April to October, you can rent bikes to explore Kutná Hora and its suburbs, including Sedlec. Bike rentals typically cost around 220 CZK per day. To utilize this service, you must be at least 18 years old, carry identification, and be able to provide a cash deposit of 1500 CZK per bike.

Taxi

A few taxis and Ubers are available within the city which may be an alternative to get around during bad weather or to travel between Kutna Hora and Sedlec. Be sure to confirm the price ahead of time before agreeing to a ride.

Walking

Kutná Hora is a compact city, making it exceptionally walkable. Walking is the primary mode of transportation for both tourists and locals to explore the city. However, if you intend to visit The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady and Saint John the Baptist and the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) located in the Sedlec suburb, you can choose to walk the 2.5 kilometers or opt for quicker alternatives like biking, taking a train, or using a bus. These options can efficiently get you to the Sedlec area while providing you with various transportation choices for your convenience.

What to Do in Kutna Hora, Czech Republic?

Historical Walking Tour

Begin your exploration with a historical walking tour to acquaint yourself with the city's rich heritage and the significance of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While many tour companies offer paid guided tours, consider joining one of the free walking tours. What makes these tours exceptional is that you have the opportunity to determine the guide's tip based on your satisfaction. Remember to have some cash on hand for this purpose.

Sedlec Ossuary

A major draw that entices thousands of visitors annually, Sedlec Ossuary is also known as the Kutná Hora Bone Church. This unique site originated in the 14th century when a monk creatively arranged the displaced human remains into macabre works of art. While exploring this sacred space, please show respect for the deceased and adhere to the prohibition on photography.

Cathedral of St. Barbara

Regarded as one of the most important Gothic structures in Europe, the Cathedral of St. Barbara stands as an iconic component of Kutná Hora's skyline. Construction commenced in the 14th century but was not completed until the 20th century. St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners, holds particular significance for this city, which once thrived on mining.

Jesuit College

Situated adjacent to the Cathedral of St. Barbara, the Jesuit College is an early Baroque building designed by Italian architect Giovanni Domenico Orsi. Its construction spanned over many decades, commencing in 1667 and concluding in 1750.

Cathedral of Our Lady

Located in Sedlec, a suburb just outside Kutná Hora's city center, the Cathedral of Our Lady is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its placement amid modern industrial buildings may seem unusual, but its history dates back to the 13th century. It underwent restoration in the 18th century after a fire.

Italian Court

The Italian Court, found on Havlíčkovo Square near the Church of St. James, originally served as the Royal Mint.

Hrádek Castle

A small Gothic palace that was converted into a royal residence at the beginning of the 16th century. Today, it houses the Czech Museum of Silver, where visitors can delve into the history of silver mining in Kutná Hora.

Gutenberg Museum

Learn about the history of printing and look at old printing machines that were once used to mass produce news and reading materials. You can even print your own postcard with a stamp from 1836.

National Theater

Enjoy a performance of the opera, ballet, or a theatrical performance during your visit to Prague. Ticket prices will vary depending on the type of show and where you would like to sit in the theater. Be sure to bring a fancier outfit if you want to go to a performance because there is a dress code. People do show up in full tuxedos and ball gowns. A cultural night out at the National Theatre is an exquisite experience.

Underground Tunnels

Explore the labyrinthine system of tunnels and mining complexes beneath the city. The Hrádek Mining Complex offers insights into the history of Kutná Hora's mining industry, once a primary economic driver.

Wineries

Kutná Hora is renowned for its wine production, a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. As you stroll through the city, you'll encounter vineyards near some of the churches. Local vendors often set up small wine carts where you can purchase a glass of wine on the go. Kutná Hora is especially known for producing Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Müller-Thurgau, and Silvaner wines, so consider booking wine tours and tastings in advance to fully savor this aspect of the city's culture and heritage.

Kutná Hora is a destination that merits exploration, beckoning with a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and architectural treasures. This travel guide to Kutna Hora will help you make the most of your visit to this remarkable city and that your journey is filled with unforgettable experiences and discoveries. Kutna Hora, with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and unique charm, awaits your exploration. Safe travels!

Travel Tip

During major holidays, street markets will pop up all over the city selling handmade crafts and goods.

My Playlist for Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

"Cesta" by Kryštof

"V blbým věku" by Xindl X

"Voda živá" by Aneta Langerová

"Tabáček" by Chinaski

"Malování"by Divokej Bill

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