Kotor Fortress Walls
Climb 1,350 steps up ancient walls for breathtaking views of Kotor Bay and the historic old town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds, potentially free entry
Kotor Fortress Walls
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds, potentially free entry
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Climb 1,350 steps up ancient walls for breathtaking views of Kotor Bay and the historic old town.
"The views were worth it though! The hike is challenging but the scenery is incredible."
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy shoes are a must for the steep, sometimes slippery steps. Avoid sandals!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The climb is strenuous and can be hot. Stay hydrated to make the hike enjoyable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
San Giovanni Fortress
Summit of the climb
Reach the top for unparalleled panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the red-tiled roofs of the old town.
The 1,350 Steps
Ascent from Kotor Old Town
Conquer the iconic stone staircase, a challenging but rewarding climb offering ever-expanding vistas.
Window and Ladder
Mid-climb on the 'free' route
Discover the famous opening and wobbly ladder on the alternative path, a unique feature for those seeking a different route .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Ticket Strategy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy shoes are a must for the steep, sometimes slippery steps. Avoid sandals!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The climb is strenuous and can be hot. Stay hydrated to make the hike enjoyable.
💰 Consider the 'Free' Route
Hike the Ladder of Kotor (Špiljari) to join the path higher up and potentially skip the fee.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are breathtaking. Allow time for photos at various points along the climb.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy shoes are a must for the steep, sometimes slippery steps. Avoid sandals!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The climb is strenuous and can be hot. Stay hydrated to make the hike enjoyable.
💰 Consider the 'Free' Route
Hike the Ladder of Kotor (Špiljari) to join the path higher up and potentially skip the fee.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are breathtaking. Allow time for photos at various points along the climb.
⏰ Go Early for Sunrise
An early start offers stunning sunrise views and a chance to avoid the entrance fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking, panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the old town, calling the climb a must-do. However, some find the entrance fee steep given the maintenance level, and the path can be slippery and uneven. The lack of facilities like toilets is also a common point of feedback.
"Beautiful views and lovely old ruins are great. We went in September at about 9am and it was busy but not overly crowded.
We took the route from the north gate entrance, paying the €30 fee for two of us. It’s a steep price for a hike with a free option but we wanted to see the steps and follow the ramparts.
Not easy hike but just constant incline, clear enough with lots of stopping points and things to see. It’s not terribly well maintained but it’s an easy trail. It definitely was a bit smelly in places too but otherwise was fine. There’s a spot with one of the lower forts near the indicated “old town road” on the Google map where you can go into the fort itself and explore, but there’s no through route and it’s a bit steep in places so stick to the route to the right hand side around the hillside to skip it- there’s plenty of other sections to explore.
The views are amazing!
About 3/4s of the way up is the famed window and ladder as the free route in and out of the fortress. Just make sure to go back that same way if you want to avoid paying on your way out. But we took that route back to see the old path and visit the tiny ruined church. This area was the most beautiful of all, and taking the wobbly ladder out of the fortress is totally worth it for this slice of beautiful countryside that most people walk past. Overall, going in and out on the old route probably isn’t a bad idea and saves you 30€ but is worth doing even if you do pay, just to see the route and avoid the crowds."
Amy Walker
"For €15 the fortress is kept clear of rubbish and the bags along the ruote are a great encouragement to keep it clear.
Walking up and down only took an hour, I decided to wait untill there was a gap in the weather, I wouldn't recommend the stairs after rain, some parts on the polsihed rock can get wuite slippery.
Toilets somewhere would be a great idea."
Alice Fouch
"It’s a long climb up but the views are stunning 😍 can get slippery when it rains so wear shoes suitable for hiking. If it’s good weather, normal trainers will suffice."
Samantha Hilldon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The fortress is accessed directly from Kotor Old Town. Look for signs pointing to the 'Fortress' or 'San Giovanni'. The main entrance is near the north gate of the old town. For a free alternative, seek out the 'Ladder of Kotor' (Špiljari) path, which starts outside the main walls.
There is no parking directly at the fortress entrance. You'll need to park in Kotor Old Town or a nearby paid parking lot and walk to the trailhead. Parking can be challenging during peak season.
Taxis can drop you off at the entrance to Kotor Old Town, from where you can walk to the fortress trailhead. They cannot drive up the fortress path itself.
Public transport will get you to Kotor town. From there, it's a walk to the fortress entrance. There are no direct buses to the fortress itself.
Most visitors start from the main entrance in Kotor Old Town. However, some prefer the 'Ladder of Kotor' for a potentially free and scenic alternative route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The official entrance fee is typically around €8-€15 per person. Prices can vary slightly by season. Some travelers report paying €30 for two people.
Yes, some visitors hike the 'Ladder of Kotor' (Špiljari) and join the path higher up, potentially avoiding the fee. Hiking before 7 AM is also suggested as a way to bypass the ticket check.
The fortress is generally accessible during daylight hours. For the free route, it's best to go very early in the morning or late in the evening. The paid entrance typically opens around 8 AM.
It's not usually necessary to buy tickets in advance, especially if you plan to go early or use the free route. You can purchase tickets at the main entrance on the day of your visit.
Opinions vary. Some find the fee steep given the maintenance level, while others feel the views and historical experience justify the cost. The 'free' route offers a budget-friendly alternative.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The climb up and down can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop for photos. Some reviewers completed it in an hour.
It's a strenuous hike with 1,350 steps and a constant incline. It's not technically difficult but requires good stamina. Wear appropriate shoes and bring water.
Toilets are not readily available along the path or at the summit. It's advisable to use facilities in Kotor Old Town before you start your climb.
Comfortable, athletic clothing and sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential. The steps can be slippery, especially after rain.
The main attraction is the breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay of Kotor and the old town. You'll also find remnants of the fortress structures and walls.
📸 📸 Photography
Every turn offers a new perspective! The iconic 'window' on the free route, the various bastions along the climb, and the summit itself provide stunning shots of the bay and old town.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or require permits. Always check local regulations before flying. Some impressive drone footage exists.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay views. A zoom lens can be useful for details within the old town. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
Look out for the charming stray cats that often roam the old town and lower parts of the fortress. The ancient stone walls and the dramatic landscape provide endless photographic possibilities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider starting very early to avoid the heat and crowds, making the experience more manageable for everyone. The 'free' route might be less crowded but also potentially more challenging for little ones due to its less maintained nature.💰 Budget Travelers
While the paid route offers better maintenance, the views from the free path are equally stunning. Focus on bringing your own water and snacks to save money on the climb.👟 Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Climb: A Journey Through History
+1 Each step taken upwards reveals more of the strategic brilliance behind these walls, designed to protect the city from invaders. The path itself is a testament to medieval engineering, winding precariously up the steep mountainside.As you climb, you'll pass numerous bastions, towers, and remnants of smaller fortifications. Some of these are in ruins, adding to the atmospheric feel of the place. Travelers often note the 'smell' in places, which can be attributed to the natural environment and perhaps some less-than-ideal waste management in certain sections.
For those seeking a more adventurous or budget-conscious experience, the 'Ladder of Kotor' (Špiljari) offers an alternative route. This path, often considered the 'free' way up, joins the main trail further along. While it might be less maintained in parts, it provides a unique perspective and the chance to see parts of the fortress that many visitors miss. Regardless of the path chosen, the climb is a highlight for many visiting Kotor, offering a tangible connection to its rich past and stunning natural beauty.
Navigating the Entrance: Paid vs. Free
Alternatively, the 'Ladder of Kotor' (Špiljari) is a path that starts outside the main city walls and ascends the mountain, eventually merging with the fortress trail higher up.
Some travelers recommend this path for its scenic beauty and the unique experience of navigating its steeper sections, including a notable 'window and ladder' feature.Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. If budget is a concern and you're up for a slightly more rugged adventure, the free route is a viable option. However, if you prefer a more structured experience, clearer paths, and want to support the site's upkeep, the paid entrance is the way to go. Many suggest that even if you pay, exploring the 'free' route on your way down can offer a different perspective and access to charming, less-visited sections.
Photography Tips for the Fortress
+1 To capture these vistas at their best, aim for the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light creates a magical atmosphere and minimizes harsh shadows, making the ancient stones and turquoise waters truly pop.When climbing, don't just focus on the summit. The journey itself is incredibly photogenic. Look for interesting angles of the winding stone steps, the weathered fortifications, and the glimpses of the bay that appear between the walls. The 'window and ladder' feature on the free route is a particularly unique spot for creative shots.
Beyond the grand vistas, keep an eye out for the charming details: the resilient wildflowers growing between the stones, the stray cats that often inhabit the lower parts of the fortress,
and the textures of the ancient masonry. Consider a small tripod if you plan to shoot in lower light conditions or for long exposures to smooth out any water in the bay. Most importantly, take your time. The climb offers numerous natural resting points, which are perfect opportunities to pause, breathe, and capture the breathtaking scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit