Planning Your Kutna Hora Day Trip

Kutna Hora is one of the most popular places to visit near Prague. It offers a perfect blend of history and mystery. The town rose to power in the 13th century. Its silver mines funded the Bohemian kings for generations. Now, it is a quiet place with stunning monuments. Most visitors come for the famous Sedlec Ossuary. However, the town center holds even more beauty. You should plan for about six to eight hours total.

At a glance:

• Morning: Visit the Sedlec Ossuary and Cathedral.
• Midday: Travel to the historic town center for lunch.
• Afternoon: Explore St. Barbara's Cathedral and the Silver Mines.
• Late Afternoon: Walk through the Italian Court.
• Evening: Return to Prague by train.

The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer tourists. If you visit in 2026, check for local festivals. The town often hosts medieval fairs in the summer. These events bring the silver history to life. Always wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. Most of the main sites are within walking distance of each other.

Getting from Prague to Kutna Hora

Getting to your destination is very simple and affordable. Most travelers choose day trips from Prague by train for convenience. Trains depart every hour from Prague Main Station (Praha hlavní nádraží). The journey takes approximately one hour. You can buy tickets at the station or online. Ask for a return ticket to save time later. The train stops at the Kutna Hora hl.n. station first.

From the main station, you can take a local shuttle. This small train connects to the Kutna Hora Město station. This stop is closer to the historic town center. However, the Sedlec Ossuary is just a 10-minute walk from the main station. Many people walk to Sedlec first and then head to town. You can also use local buses or taxis. Taxis are usually waiting outside the station entrance.

If you prefer to drive, the trip takes about 70 minutes. Parking is available near the major tourist sites. However, the train is often more relaxing for visitors. It allows you to see the beautiful Czech countryside. If you have limited time, consider half day trips from Prague instead. But Kutna Hora truly deserves a full day of your time. This ensures you do not have to rush through the sites.

Morning: The Famous Sedlec Ossuary

Day 1: Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM). Start your day in the Sedlec district. This area is home to the world-famous Bone Church. The Sedlec Ossuary is a small chapel located beneath a cemetery. It contains the bones of over 40,000 people. In 1870, an artist arranged these bones into decorations. You will see a massive chandelier made of every bone in the body. It is a haunting yet beautiful sight to behold. This site is a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the town.

After the Ossuary, walk across the street to the Cathedral. The Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady is stunning. it was built in the Santini-Baroque Gothic style. The interior is bright and filled with light. It offers a peaceful contrast to the bone chapel. You can even walk into the attic to see the roof structure. Most visitors spend about 45 minutes here. This cathedral is often overlooked but very impressive.

Logistics Tip: Buy a combined ticket at the Sedlec information center. This ticket covers the Ossuary, the Cathedral, and St. Barbara’s. It is much cheaper than buying individual entries. The info center is located between the station and the Ossuary. Note that photography rules have changed recently. You may need special permission or follow strict guidelines inside the Bone Church. Always check the latest signs at the entrance for 2026 rules.

Afternoon: Gothic Masterpieces and Silver

Day 1: Afternoon (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM). Take the local train or walk to the town center. Start your afternoon at St. Barbara's Cathedral. This is one of the most famous Gothic churches in Europe. It was built to honor the patron saint of miners. The flying buttresses and tent-like roof are iconic. Inside, you can see rare medieval frescoes. These paintings show the daily lives of silver miners. The view from the terrace outside is also incredible.

Next, walk along the Barborska street. This path is lined with statues similar to the Charles Bridge. It leads you toward the Hradek Museum of Silver. If you are not claustrophobic, take the silver mine tour. You will put on a white coat and helmet. Then, you descend into the narrow medieval tunnels. It is a thrilling way to learn about the town's wealth. The tour takes about 90 minutes and requires booking in advance.

Finish your afternoon at the Italian Court. This building was once the Royal Mint. It was the center of economic power in Bohemia. You can see how the famous Prague Groschen coins were made. The royal chapel inside is a masterpiece of art. If you enjoy history, this is a highlight of any Kutna Hora day trip. The gardens surrounding the court are perfect for a short rest. You can see the spires of St. Barbara's from here.

Logistics Tip: The silver mine tour has limited spots. It is best to call or email ahead to reserve a time. If the mine is full, visit the GASK art gallery nearby. It is located in a former Jesuit College. The gallery features modern Czech art in a historic setting. It is a great winter day trip from Prague activity. The indoor spaces are warm and very spacious for visitors.

Essential Tips for Your Visit

For lunch, head to the streets near the main square. You will find many traditional Czech taverns here. Try the local goulash or roast pork with dumplings. These meals are hearty and very affordable. Many restaurants offer a "daily menu" for a fixed price. This is a great way to eat like a local. Dačický is a popular restaurant with a medieval atmosphere. It serves excellent local beer and traditional dishes.

If you have extra time, explore the Stone House. it is one of the best-preserved Gothic houses in town. The facade is covered in intricate stone carvings. It now serves as a museum of local life. You can also visit the Church of St. James. Its tall tower is visible from almost everywhere. This church was built by the miners themselves. It shows the deep faith of the people who lived here.

Kutna Hora is very different from other spots like Cesky Krumlov from Prague. It feels more authentic and less like a museum. While Cesky Krumlov is fairy-tale pretty, Kutna Hora is grand and gothic. Both are worth seeing if you have time. If you love old buildings, you might also enjoy best castles near Prague. Many of these are within an hour of the city. For more information, visit the Visit Czechia website. They provide updated travel news for 2026.