Are you traveling around the Central Bohemia region in the Czech Republic? Or do you want to make a day trip from Prague? Then visit Kutna Hota. This historic city was once one of the most important silver cities in Europe, and the former wealth can still be seen in the architecture. In Kutna Hora you walk through medieval streets, past beautiful churches and buildings. And it is only 70 kilometers away from Prague. In this article you will find my tips for the best things to do in Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic, including photo spots, restaurants and places to taste local wine.
Welcome to Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic
Kutna Hora is also known as the silver city of the Czech Republic. In the Middle Ages, the city was an important center for silver mining. It even grew into one of the richest and most prosperous places in Europe. One third of the world’s silver came from Kutna Hora and the city was almost as important as Prague on a culturally, economically and politically level. The city’s wealth contributed, among other things, to the rise of the Czech kingdom. Kutna Hora reached its peak in the 14th century when the Bohemian king Wenceslas IV lived there. Today, the center of Kutna Hora, including its landmarks and things to do are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things to do in Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic
Saint Barbara Church
One of the famous things to do in Kutna Hora is to visit is the Saint Barbara Church. Not only the Gothic architecture is impressive, the church also has an interesting story. The Saint Barbara Church was built over a period of almost 600 years and fully financed by the local population.
You can admire the decorations on the ceiling from the top floor. And if you look closely at the stained glass, you might recognize the style of Czech artist Alphonse Mucha. The artworks were made by several of his students.
St. Barbara’s Church was built in the 14th century and is named after St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners. It has always been an important religious site for the people who worked in the mining industry. Today, St. Barbara’s Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can visit the cathedral daily.
Explore the center of Kutna Hora
Kutna Hora is very peaceful compared to busy Prague. Especially in the morning, when there are only a few people around. The city center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. It is therefore nice to walk around the center of Kutna Hora, observe the colorful buildings, enjoy the vibe and explore its things to do.
The Baborska path
Make sure to walk the Barborská path, which is decorated with sacred statues. From here you have a view of Kutna Hora and the surrounding area. Along the Baborská path you will also pass the former Jesuit college, which is now the Gallery of the Central Bohemian Region, a museum with modern art exhibitions.
Print your own postcard
Looking for a nice activity during your visit to Kutna Hora? Then walk into the Gutenberg museum. Here are old printing machines showcased, that let you print your own postcard, in several steps, including a stamp from 1836. Very enjoyable. In another room you can observe many diffrent printing machines from back in the days.
Italian court
One of the other things to do in Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic is to visit the Italian court (Vlašský dvůr). This complex served as the royal mint, where the Prague groschen were minted, and later as the royal palace for the kings of Bohemia.
The neo-Gothic building is surrounded by greenery, which makes for beautiful photos. In the court you can take guided tours, observe coin collections, visit the royal chapel and learn about the role silver played in Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic back in the days. Finally, you can mint your own coin in a traditional way. A nice souvenir to take home.
Tip: On the left side of the Italian Court you have a great view of the Saint Barbara Church of Kutna Hora.
Lunch at V Ruthardce
Are you looking for a Czech lunch in a beautiful setting? Book a table in V Ruthardce’s garden. You will find countless meat dishes and beers here, but vegetarians have also been thought of. The halloumi burger is really delicious.
Ice cream at Zmrzlinárna
Ever heard of peach ice cream with prosecco? Ice cream with a beer or riesling wine flavour? Then make a line at ice cream shop Zmrzlinárna. The ice cream is super delicious and in addition to the traditional menu there are many other special flavors to try.
Underground tunnels of Kutna Hora
One of the unique things to do in Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic is to go underground and explore the system of mines and tunnels. During a tour of the Hrádek mining complex, you will learn about the history of the mining industry and the sometimes terrible conditions in which the miners had to work. Because I have visited the mines of Potosi in Bolivia countless times for my documentary and guiding work, I am no longer so eager to go into mines. But if you are in Kutna Hora and never visited a mine before, make sure to enter. It is a unique experience to visit a former underground mine.
Taste local wine
Do you like wine as much as I do? Then you are in the right place in Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic. Kutna Hora is known for its wine production, a tradition that goes back to the Middle Ages. There are several vineyards where mainly white grape varieties are grown, such as Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Müller-Thurgau and Silvaner.
It is immediately visible that wine shop and tasting room Vinné Sklepy Kutna Hora is a popular one. People walk in and out to buy wine all the time. One of the best things to do in Vinné Sklepy Kutna Hora, is to combine a tour and wine tasting. Make sure to book a wine tasting at their vineyard, overlooking Kutna Hora. You won’t get any better.
The main wine region of the Czech Republic is Moravia, known for white wines such as Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Grüner Veltliner and red wines such as Zweigelt and Saint Laurent. The Bohemia region, of which Kutna Hora is a part, is less known but has been getting more attention in recent years. Wines of Vinné Sklepy Kutna Hora have carried the BIO label since 2009.
Sedlec Ossuary -the Bone Chapel
One of the most bizarre things to do is to visit the bone chapel of Kutna Hora, or the Sedlec Ossuary (Kostnice Sedlec). Part of the Cemetery of All Saints, this chapel is home to more than 60,000 human bones and skulls, which have been used in chandeliers, statues, altars, and other decorations.
Sedlec used to be an important place of pilgrimage, so many people wanted to be buried there. When the plague broke out in the 14th century, the cemetery quickly became too full, so that a large number had to be moved to the cellar of the chapel. A certain František Rint came up with the idea of using the bones as pieces of art, with the aim of highlighting the transitory nature of human existence and paying tribute to those who have passed away. The bones were disinfected, bleached, carefully arranged and then displayed.
Of course it feels a bit strange to walk around here, but because it is very well done, a visit is impressive. Sedlec is a small municipality just outside Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic. Please note that it is forbidden to take photos inside the chapel. This is out of respect for the deceased. Interested in visiting The Bone Chapel? Here you will find a number of tours to the Sedlec Ossuary.
Sedlec Cathedral
While in Sedlec, don’t forget to visit The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. John the Baptist, which is part of the former Cistercian monastery in Bohemia (founded in 1142). The cathedral that was built in the 13th century, is sober but special. Also take a look at the stairwell, which is built in the shape of a snail shell. The cathedral is within walking distance of the Sedlec Ossuary. Both visits are therefore easy to combine.
How to reach Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic
Kutna Hora is located in the Central Bohemia region, about seventy kilometers east of Prague in the Czech Republic. You can travel from Prague Central Station by train to Kutna Hora, but it is better to rent a car, so that you can stop along the way. If there is not a lot of traffic, you will be there within an hour and 15 minutes.
Curious about what to do in Prague? Read more in my comprehensive Prague city guide.
Tours in Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic
Looking for a way to visit Kutna Hora and its things to do from Prague? Then it is also possible to book a tour. Especially recommended if you don’t have a lot of time but still want to see something of the Prague area. This is an overview of interesting tours.
Car rental
Need a rental car for your trip in Czech Republic? Use Rental Cars to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies.
More about the Czech Republic
Kutna Hora is one of the destinations in Central Bohemia that you definitely want to visit during your trip in the Czech Republic. Do you want to read more about the Czech Republic? You will find more inspiration and tips in the following articles. And make sure to have a look at www.visitczechia.com and the website of the Central Bohemia region.
- Czech Republic itinerary 3 days – tips for a road trip
- Things to do in Prague – 30 tips
- Prague instagram spots – discover the most instagrammable places ( 7 tips)
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our disclosures for more information.