"North Bohemian Growing Pains" Top 5 Page for this destination Kutna Hora by richiecdisc

Kutna Hora Travel Guide: 317 reviews and 700 photos

Kutna Hora in early morning light - Kutna Hora

In many ways Kutna Hora represents all that is right and wrong with the emerging European standout destination of the Czech Republic. With a picturesque old town and cobbled stone streets, it is a tourist Mecca just waiting to happen. But how the city bends with the flow of tourists will determine how long this quaint area remains true to its Czech heritage. The country, as a whole, is perched to enter not only the European Union but also the very mainstream of the tourist route through the continent and is accordingly suffering some growing pains as would be expected of any of the ex-Iron Curtain countries making this transition. Though one can understand the rush for the "goods" of the western world, the individual cities should not completely abandon their cultural lineage and architectural magnificence in the process of moving forward. They can look at neighbor Germany as an example that one can modernize and still stick to your traditions. The Czech Republic has some incredibly well preserved old town centers and as a whole, they are set in generally lovely pastoral settings. Despite some ugly industrial remnants of the Communist era, the country as a whole still feels uncluttered and without the hustle bustle indicative of the west. But with an ever increasing number of tourists coming to see what all the fuss is about, many entrepreneurs are clamoring for their money with little regard for preserving the very heritage that is their drawing card. It is a sad course of action that will turn a still genuinely charming country into just one more cookie cutter addition to an already overcrowded group heralding the coming of McDonald's and Pizza Hut as a sign of arrival. It can only be hoped that city planners will see the ill of such action and call for some type of zoning laws to protect these gems of preservation. But in the end, it is the local people that must make the choices. Of course, tourists have an impact on what a merchant can sell but it is the people living in a city that still are the true spending force. If they remain faithful to the things traditional to their culture and not turn blindly to what the west has to offer, then places like McDonald's can never last, nor supplant all that is truly the Czech Republic. The following will show some of the architectural marvels of some choice towns through North Bohemia along with more centrally located Kutna Hora, as perhaps the city they ascribe to. The emphasis is always on finding the true Czech experience, be it in food, drink, or a place to lie your head at night.

Last visit to Kutna Hora: May 2003
Intro Updated Jul 3, 2003
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Reviews (32)

timeless Czech pub in B & W - Kutna Hora

A local's gesture.... Favorites (4)

We settled on a funky little beer hall just on the edge of town with simple wooden tables and obviously in need of a... more travel advice

I can eat at trendy restaurants at... Favorites (4)

The historical old towns are fantastic to wander around, but with more tourists come increased rents, which leaves... more travel advice

Do you speak Russian? Favorites (4)

Not much later, a woman at another pension sent me over to her friend’s place but it was difficult to find and on the... more travel advice

Finally, Kutna Hora Favorites (4)

The best time to be in Kutna Hora is when all the daytrippers go home. You can enjoy the beautiful city pretty much to... more travel advice

What to Pack (2)
See All Pack a zoomie
Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All Liberec Zoo
Local Customs (3)
See All Bears
Transportation (1)
The road less traveled..

Things to Do (10)
See All Hradec Kralove Castle
Nightlife (1)
Not much brewing but the beer
Hotels (3)
See All A beer sign is a good sign
Restaurants (4)
See All Conveniently downstairs from our room

Comments (26)

JennysTravels Feb 25, 2007 at 7:41 PM Report Abuse

Fantastic tips on Kutna Hora!
SharrieShaw Aug 15, 2005 at 8:37 PM Report Abuse

I made it here & had a great day trip! Thanks for the tip! Though, what happened to Sedlec bone church? U didn't get to it? This city certainly feels different in the summer.
bugalugs Apr 21, 2005 at 10:59 AM Report Abuse

Lovely story about giving you the beer mug when you left, but 13 mugs of beer!!!! What is this poor bear used for?
littlesam1 May 10, 2004 at 8:35 AM Report Abuse

Richie, I used your page in planning my trip to the Czech Republic. Having just returned I am realizing how accurate your page and thoughts are on Kutna Hora.
alza Sep 20, 2003 at 8:37 PM Report Abuse

Great write-up with good insight. Is KH photogenic or is that your talent? Now I want to go too. :-)
DrewV Jul 24, 2003 at 1:44 PM Report Abuse

Nice page with lots of goodies about the Northern Czech Republic. I agree -- Kutna Hora is on the threshold of being a classic destination or a tourist trap. I hope they avoid the latter.
MEdelmann Jul 22, 2003 at 11:36 AM Report Abuse

Beer and lot's of castles ... in fact this is Czechia. A great page indeed.
tpangelinan Jul 20, 2003 at 4:00 PM Report Abuse

Bears in the Moat, effective. Beer, Bears & Castles. Very Midevil, Sir Richie.
craic Jul 19, 2003 at 9:56 AM Report Abuse

What a great page, Richie. Just a hint of jumiper, eh!
yen_2 Jul 17, 2003 at 9:32 AM Report Abuse

Pretty town with very beautiful architectures..I love the photo of the Jesuit College, Rechie..And as always nice stories..You had a great time with them..;-)