I am planning a day/half-day trip to Kutna Hora while staying in Prague and I am not sure how much time to allot. I want to go to the Ossuary, St. Barbara's and probably tour the silver mines. Those are the only things on my MUST SEE list as of now, aside from just wondering in the old town area. I am only spending 4 nights in Prague and both the arrival and departure days don't leave time for doing anything, so basically 2 full days and the day of the trip to Kutna Hora. Would a half day suffice or should I give it more like 6-8 hours? Also, are there any other excursions outside of Prague that can easily be combined with that trip? Everything else I've seen recommended is in the opposite direction, but I'm open to suggestions!
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
There are no salt mines in Kutna Hora. 6 to 8 hours would probably be enough for what you want to see. First get the ticket for silver mines. It states your time of entry. Then catch a taxi to ossuary which is some distance away in suburb Sedlec. There there is usually no line so you can go and see it. Have taxi ready to catch your silver mine entry time. Then St.Barbara.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC
32 posts
I mean silver mines, it was late, sorry..
Posted by
Tigard, OR, USA
1068 posts
Did Kutna Hora as a day trip last year. I don't think you could get there, see what you want and then get back in less than 8-9 hours or so. A few minutes to get to the train station, I think about an hour on the train, get off the first Kutna Hora stop to see the Ossuary..... it is only about a 10 minute walk from the station (not as famous or as nice as St. Barbara's, but the Cathedral down the street from the Ossuary is worth the time built between 1282 and 1320.) You can catch the shuttle bus from the Ossuary to St. Barbara's. Go through St. Barbara's and nearby buildings (e.g., you can climb the Jesuit Tower if you wish etc.) then stroll over the KH version of St.Charles Bridge to the Silver Mine. Make sure you ask for an English tour. Warning, the mine is very cramped..... they will give you a white canvas coat, hard hat and flashlight, you will need all three. If you are XL or tall, it is a squeeze. Afterwards, you can stop at a few of the other sights in town if you have the time. At least, that was the order I did things. While you mentioned the best sights, there are several smaller churches (like the one near the Ossuary) which are worthwhile (IMHO) and on the way (when you come out of the silver mine you essentially keep going through the old town to get to the train station.) I think you would save at most 60-90 minutes by not stopping in on some of the other sites in town that were right on the way. The train station downtown, takes you to the main station where you catch a train back to Prague. (see the article on Kutna Hora in Wikitravel for full info on train stops etc., if that isn't in RS book) I can't think of anything in that direction other that KH, but I really enjoyed my day there. I think I spent about 5-6 hours actually touring the Ossurary, Churches, Tower and Mine and stopping for a meal. Travel time will eat several hours.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC
32 posts
Ray, that was an awesome answer! Thank you so much!!