Conveniently located just an hour east of Prague, Kutná Hora may just be the Czech Republic’s most unique attraction.
Kutná Hora is most commonly referred to as the Bone Church or the Sedlec Ossuary, because unlike nearly all other Roman Catholic churches, it’s decorated from top to bottom with human bones.
According to historians, it took nearly 40,000 skeletons to make the fascinatingly macabre ornaments. Those who’ve made the trip tend to agree that it’s a fascinating attraction that’s worth checking out.
Tour options abound, and since summer is the busiest season, visiting in spring and fall generally means fewer crowds.
1. Kutná Hora and Ossuary Half-Day Tour from Prague
Source: Viliam.M / shutterstockPrague is such a fantastic city that many travelers have a hard time dragging themselves away even for a few hours.
That being said, Kutná Hora is so close and unique that it’d be a shame not to see it, even if for only a half-day.
Guests will be picked-up from their hotel, whisked by van to St. Barbara’s Church, and from there to the stunning ossuary beneath the Church of All Saints.
Tours are available in multiple languages, and nearly everything is included.
Prepared to be awestruck when standing in a two-story underground chapel adorned with thousands of human bones.
2. Kutná Hora and Bone Chapel Tour from Prague
Source: Mikhail Markovskiy / shutterstockThere are plenty of reasons why Kutná Hora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
First, it’s old – like, built in the 14th century old. Second, it’s truly one-of-a-kind.
And third, it blends elements of history, culture, and religion into one amazing and easy to visit attraction.
This full-day excursion from Prague to Kutná Hora lasts between seven and eight hours and includes tours of the Sedlac Ossuary, St. Barbara’s Church, the Italian Court, and the Plague Column.
Guests will learn about the area’s history and how it was once an economic engine that drove Bohemia’s economy as far back as 600 years ago.
3. Private Bone Church and Kutná Hora Tour from Prague
Source: John_Silver / shutterstockFor much of its existence, Kutná Hora was one of the region’s largest silver producers and brought great wealth to Czech and Bohemian merchants and royalty.
Now it’s most well-known as the site of the famed Bone Church, and it draws visitors from all over the world.
This private tour of Kutná Hora from Prague lasts seven hours and allows guests to explore the impressive chapel while learning about its history from their experienced guide.
A variety of theories abound as to why the church was decorated with human bones, but most agree that it makes a clear statement about the fragility of life and the certainty of death.
4. UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour of Kutná Hora and Czech National Stud
Source: graphia / shutterstockThough it’s now located within the borders of the Czech Republic, Kutná Hora is commonly referred to as the Jewel of Bohemia.
It’s an amazing medieval-era attraction that’s unlike anything you’ll probably ever see again.
This unique combo tour includes St. Barbara’s Church, the Sedlac Ossuary, and the National Stud in Kladbury—one of the world’s oldest stud farms and another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Human bones and majestic horses with ancient bloodlines just seem to go well together, according to previous tour guests.
Tours leave from a central area and generally return to Prague by 5 pm.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for a small fee.
5. Kutná Hora and St. Barbara’s Cathedral Walking Tour
Source: revers / shutterstockKutná Hora’s history dates back to the middle ages when it was a center of mineral-derived wealth and power.
Now, it’s predominately a tourist attraction, but it still contributes to the country’s bottom line by drawing visitors from near and far.
This walking tour includes Kutná Hora and St. Barbara’s Cathedral, the latter of which is regarded as one of the most classic examples of Gothic architecture in the country.
Back in the day, the cathedral was often crowded with miners, who came to ask for St. Barbara’s blessing before venturing into the dangerous mines.
Tours include an expert guide and entrance fees at both sites.
6. Private Wine Experience in Kutná Hora
Source: Haidamac / shutterstockThough Kutná Hora is most well-known for its impressive cathedral and subterranean church full of ancient human bones, it’s also a noted wine-producing area.
This private full-day excursion from Prague masterfully melds the two distinct attractions into one value-packed tour.
The tour lasts eight hours and includes guided stops at both locations, where guests will learn about the region’s history, economy, and how locally-grown grapes are turned into delicious wine.
Round-trip transportation is included, so you won’t need to limit yourself to one glass of wine.
The tour’s small size means that it’s more laid-back than others with larger groups.
7. Private Guided Kutná Hora Tour with Transport
Source: Veronika Galkina / shutterstockThe drive from Prague to Kutná Hora takes slightly more than an hour and offers guests ample time to see the Czech countryside and learn about the area’s interesting history.
This five-hour tour includes both pickup and drop-off at your hotel, as well as the services of a local guide who’s familiar with Kutná Hora.
The bone chapel holds tens of thousands of human bones from as far back as the 13th century and is one of the country’s most photographed attractions.
Guests will also explore the Bohemian king’s residence and the royal mint, where silver coins were produced in years past.
8. Mystery of Guided Kutná Hora
Source: Viliam.M / shutterstockWhat could possibly be more mysterious than a medieval underground church filled with human bones?
Especially for lovers of the dark and macabre, Kutná Hora is a monumental attraction. It’s conveniently located close to other worthwhile historic sites that make it a no-brainer for travelers to Prague looking for a fun day trip.
This guided mystery tour includes stops at silver mines and the Royal Mint from the 14th century, as well as the famed ossuary and St. Barbara’s Cathedral.
The tour includes round-trip transportation and entrance fees, but not lunch.
9. Private Tour of Kutná Hora and Sedlec Ossuary with 3-Course Lunch
Source: Aleksandr Vrublevskiy / shutterstockIt’s probable that for squeamish types, a three-course meal will be the last thing on their mind after a visit to a site like the Bone Church.
It’s eerie and spooky and doesn’t usually inspire hearty appetites.
For some, however, their stomachs can’t be bothered with such trivial matters, and when it’s time to eat, it’s time to eat.
This tour includes the services of a local guide, trips to Kutná Hora and the Sedlac Ossuary, and a delectable midday feast at a local restaurant.
Round-trip transportation and bottled water throughout the day are also included.
10. 6-Hour Private Guided Tour to Kutná Hora from Prague
Source: Artush / shutterstockFor such a small country, the Czech Republic boasts an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Kutná Hora is one of the most spectacular.
Day-trippers from Prague have no shortage of tour options from which to choose. This 6-hour offering includes stops at the Royal Mint, St. Barbara’s Cathedral, a medieval silver mine, and the ever-popular ossuary at Sedlac.
It’s an exclusive small group tour that’s only available for seven guests, which makes it more intimate than most others.
Hotel pickup and drop-off and guide service are included, but entrance fees, food, and drinks are not.
11. Kutná Hora Train Tour from Prague Including Sedlec Ossuary
Source: chasdesign / shutterstockAt seven hours, this day-trip from Prague is longer than most. For those with the extra time to spare, that means more time spent onsite learning about that area’s rich past.
Guests will enjoy a lovely train ride through the country and have time stroll along the old town’s narrow cobblestone streets, as well as delve into the underground ossuary and gaze up at St. Barbara’s Cathedral’s splendor.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy insight from your local guide, take photos, and, time permitting, relax with a coffee or light lunch before heading back to Prague.
The tour includes transportation by train and van and all entrance fees.
12. Kutná Hora and Winery Tour with Lunch
Source: Procyk Radek / shutterstockAccording to those in the know, the Czech Republic is home to only one internationally certified winery. As luck would have it for eager wine lovers, it’s just a stone’s throw from Kutná Hora.
This popular tour from Prague packs a lot of punch and includes stops at the town’s premier attractions like St. Barbara’s Cathedral, the underground ossuary or Bone Church, and a quaint winery.
At each site, participants will learn about the things they’re seeing and have a chance to sample a number of wines at the winery before boarding up and heading back to Prague in the afternoon.
13. Kutná Hora Private All-Inclusive Day-Trip from Prague
Source: tichr / shutterstockUnlike many tours that offer only set schedules, this exclusive, all-inclusive six-hour tour of Kutná Hora allows guests to customize their experience to spend time only on things that interest them.
You’ll have the opportunity to move at your own speed while soaking up the historical narrative from your guide.
Feel free to ask as many questions as you’d like before heading off to a private lunch at a renowned local restaurant.
Everything from transportation and bottled water to lunch and guide service is already included in the tour’s cost.
14. Kutná Hora Private Day-Trip by Train from Prague
Source: Vereshchagin Dmitry / shutterstockThere’s just something extra special about experiencing a new area by train.
They’re just more majestic and romantic than minivans, and this ten-hour day-trip from Prague to Kutná Hora is a great way to get your fill.
En route, you’ll learn about the region’s fascinating history that stretches back well past the medieval era, and visit great attractions like St. Barbara’s Cathedral, the Bone Church, a silver mine, and the historic town itself.
Pick up at your Prague hotel, transportation, and guide service are included, but tips, food and drinks, and hotel drop-off at the end of the day aren’t.
15. Half-Day Coach Tour to Kutná Hora
Source: Tatiana Popova / shutterstockIn the 14th and 15th centuries, the silver mines around Kutná Hora were abuzz with miners and merchants.
The town’s rich silver history often gets overshadowed by the impressive St. Barbara’s Cathedral and the underground sanctuary known as the Bone Church, but on this six-hour tour, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy all the town has to offer.
For many, it’s the perfect way to escape Prague’s chaotic urban environment and get a fresh new perspective on life in Bohemia hundreds of years ago.
Due to the tour’s relatively short length, guests will have time for dinner, drinks, and possibly more exploring once they’re back in Prague.