If you’re planning a day trip from Prague, Kutna Hora should be high on your list. Once one of the richest cities in Europe thanks to its silver mines, today it is a UNESCO-listed destination filled with Gothic architecture, fascinating history, and some of the most unusual attractions in the Czech Republic.
Everything you need to know before visiting Kutna Hora can be found in this guide. From the famous Bone Church and Saint Barbara’s Church to hidden corners of the historic center, here are the best things to do in Kutna Hora.
Kutna Hora Accommodation – Best Hotels
Although many visitors come to Kutna Hora as a day trip from Prague, spending a night here allows you to experience the city after the crowds leave. The historic center becomes much quieter in the evening and has a completely different atmosphere.
For most visitors, I can recommend Penzion U Hrádku. Its location in the historic center makes it an excellent base for exploring the city’s main attractions on foot.
If you are looking for a more upscale stay, consider Hotel U Kata, which combines comfortable rooms with easy access to the historic center.
MY TIP: If you stay overnight, take a walk around Saint Barbara’s Church after sunset. Most tour groups will be gone, and you’ll see one of the most beautiful parts of Kutna Hora almost entirely to yourself.
How to Get to Kutna Hora?
Kutna Hora is located approximately 80 kilometers east of Czech capital, making it one of the easiest day trips from Prague.
By Train
The train is usually the best option. Direct services connect Prague Main Railway Station with Kutná Hora several times per day. The journey takes approximately one hour.
By Car
Driving from Prague takes roughly one hour and fifteen minutes depending on traffic. Parking is available throughout the town, although spaces in the historic center can be limited during peak season.
Organized Tours
If you prefer a hassle-free experience, organized day trips from Prague typically combine the city’s main attractions, including the Sedlec Ossuary and Saint Barbara’s Church.
What to See in Kutna Hora – Map
The main attractions are spread across two areas. The Sedlec Ossuary is located near the main railway station, while most other sights are concentrated in the historic center around Saint Barbara’s Church.
11 Best Things to Do in Kutna Hora
1. Visit the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church)
The Sedlec Ossuary is without question the most unusual attraction in Kutna Hora. The chapel is decorated with the bones of approximately 40,000 people and contains famous features such as the bone chandelier and the Schwarzenberg coat of arms.
You can purchase tickets on site or in advance online. An adult ticket costs 220 CZK.
2. Explore Saint Barbara’s Church
Saint Barbara’s Church is the symbol of Kutna Hora and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Central Europe. Built by wealthy silver mine owners, it reflects the prosperity the city enjoyed during the Middle Ages.
The interior is just as impressive as the exterior, particularly the vaulting and historic frescoes. To enter, you’ll need to purchase a ticket on site; it costs 180 CZK per person.
3. Walk Along the Jesuit College Terrace
The terrace in front of the former Jesuit College is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Kutna Hora. The walkway is lined with Baroque statues and is often compared to Prague’s Charles Bridge. It is also one of the best places to photograph Saint Barbara’s Church.
4. Visit the Italian Court (Vlašský dvůr)
The Italian Court once served as the royal mint where Prague groschen coins were produced. During its peak, it played a crucial role in the economy of medieval Europe. Today, visitors can explore the historic interiors and learn about coin production.
The mint now offers several tour routes to choose from. Some of them are also available in English. In the summer, it is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Outside the summer season, opening hours are shorter.)
5. Discover the Historic Center
One of the best things to do in Kutna Hora is simply wandering through its historic streets. The town center is full of colorful houses, hidden courtyards, and impressive Gothic buildings. Because Kutna Hora is much smaller than Prague, it is easy to explore at a relaxed pace.
6. Visit the Sedlec Cathedral
Located in Sedlec near the Bone Church, this UNESCO-listed cathedral is often overlooked by visitors. However, it is one of the most important religious monuments in the Czech Republic.
There is an admission fee to enter the cathedral, please have 150 CZK per person ready. You can also purchase a combined ticket (cathedral + ossuary) for 220 CZK. During the summer season, the cathedral is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (on Sundays, it opens at 11 a.m.).
7. Explore the Czech Museum of Silver
Silver mining made Kutna Hora wealthy, and the Czech Museum of Silver tells this story in detail. One of the highlights is the underground tour, where visitors wear helmets and explore former mining tunnels. If you really want to get to know the history of Kutná Hora, then of course you have to learn about silver mining as well.
The museum’s opening hours vary throughout the year, so it’s best to check the official website. The museum is completely closed in February and every Monday.
The museum offers two main tours, which can be combined in various ways at a discounted price. The second tour also includes a visit to a medieval mine; this tour costs 200 CZK. Tours in English are less frequent, so it’s best to book them in advance at this link.
8. Walk Through Ruthardka
Ruthardka is a picturesque small street located beneath Saint Barbara’s Church. The narrow lanes and historic atmosphere make it one of the most charming corners of the city. Many visitors pass by without realizing it exists but it would definitely be a shame not to stop here for a moment.
9. Visit Stone House (KamennĂ˝ dĹŻm)
This beautifully preserved Gothic townhouse is one of the finest examples of medieval residential architecture in the Czech Republic. Today it forms part of the Czech Museum of Silver.
10. Enjoy the View from GASK
The Gallery of the Central Bohemian Region (GASK) is one of the most important art museums outside Prague. Even if you are not interested in art, the surrounding gardens offer excellent views of Saint Barbara’s Church.
Admission to GASK costs 120 CZK, but the gardens are free to enter. They are open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
11. Church of St. James
The dominant feature of Kutná Hora’s historic center is the Gothic Church of St. James, whose construction began in the 1330s during the heyday of the local silver mining industry. It is the oldest stone church in the city and has served as its main spiritual center for centuries.
The church is open to the public. It is usually open from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and then from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. However, opening hours vary throughout the year, so it’s best to check them on the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Kutna Hora
Is Kutna Hora worth visiting?
Yes. Kutna Hora is one of the best day trips from Prague and offers a unique combination of Gothic architecture, UNESCO monuments, and fascinating history.
How many days do you need in Kutna Hora?
One full day is enough to see the main attractions, although an overnight stay allows for a more relaxed experience.
What is Kutna Hora famous for?
Kutna Hora is best known for the Sedlec Ossuary, Saint Barbara’s Church, and its medieval silver mining history.
Can you visit Kutna Hora without a car?
Absolutely. The town is easily accessible by train from Prague and most attractions can be reached on foot.
What are the best things to do in Kutna Hora?
The most popular attractions are the Sedlec Ossuary, Saint Barbara’s Church, the Italian Court, the Czech Museum of Silver, and the historic UNESCO-listed center.
