Jihlava is a city in the Czech Republic. It has about 54,000 inhabitants. Jihlava is the capital of the Vysočina Region, situated on the Jihlava River on the historical border between Moravia and Bohemia. Historically, Jihlava is the oldest mining town in the Czech Republic, older than Kutná Hora.
May to September – Pleasant weather for walking the old town and exploring caves ☀️
October – Beautiful fall colors + hosts the Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival (IDFF) 🎬
December – Peaceful and festive small-town Christmas markets 🎄
From Prague:
~2 hours by train or RegioJet/FlixBus
From Brno:
~1.5 hours by train or bus
From Vienna:
~2.5–3 hours by car or bus/train combo
Closest airports:
Prague Airport (PRG) or Brno Airport (BRQ)
Historic Old Town Square (Masarykovo náměstí) – Spacious with colorful facades & fountains
Jihlava Underground Tunnels – Second-longest underground maze in Czechia, mysterious and fun to explore! 🔦
Church of St. James the Greater – Gothic beauty with a climbable tower and panoramic views ⛪
ZOO Jihlava – Surprisingly good, small zoo set in a wooded valley 🐾
City Walls & Bastions – Remnants of the old medieval fortifications
Gustav Mahler House – Museum dedicated to the famous composer, who was born here 🎼
St. Ignatius Church & Jesuit Complex – Imposing Baroque architecture
Water Fountain Light Show (summer) – Music & lights in the main square
Regional Museum of Vysočina – Learn about Jihlava’s silver mining & regional history
Heulos Park – Nice green area with paths and sculptures 🌳
Take a guided tour of the Jihlava underground tunnels – spooky, cool, and unexpected
Climb the church tower for the best view of the town
Walk the historic center and enjoy the quiet beauty of Moravian streets
Attend the Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival (late October) – Czechia’s biggest doc fest 🎬
Relax in a café or enjoy Czech beer in a local pub
Visit the ZOO, especially if you're traveling with kids
Explore nearby hills or bike trails in the Vysočina region
Mid-range:
EA Business Hotel Jihlava – Modern, near city center
Hotel Gustav Mahler – Set in a former monastery, historic and unique
Budget:
Hotel Atrium – Affordable, clean, and convenient
Penzion Joštovka – Family-run guesthouse with charm
Local dishes to try:
Česnečka – Garlic soup
Svíčková, Guláš, or Pork with sauerkraut and dumplings
Fried cheese (smažák)
Moravian wines 🍷 or local Czech beers 🍺
Top places to eat:
Restaurace Tři knížata – Stylish restaurant with Czech & European dishes
Vila 99 – Trendy café with brunch and desserts
Beerhouse Jihlava – Craft beer & pub food
Pizzeria Venezia – Casual Italian option
Café Mahler – Cozy spot with music, sweets, and strong coffee ☕
Jihlava is a historic mining town turned modern cultural hub
Strong ties to Gustav Mahler and classical music
Student-friendly due to nearby universities
Hosts one of Europe’s top documentary film festivals
Locals are warm and welcoming – it’s a calm but creative city