North Gate (River Gate) - Image 1
1 / 3

North Gate (River Gate)

4.8
·173 reviews·Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor's North Gate (River Gate) offers a charming, less crowded entrance to the Old Town, featuring a historic bridge over the Skurda River and stunni...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Loading map...
North Gate (River Gate) - Image 1

North Gate (River Gate)

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Kotor's North Gate (River Gate) offers a charming, less crowded entrance to the Old Town, featuring a historic bridge over the Skurda River and stunning fortress views.

4.8
(173 reviews)

"River Gate is definitely not to be missed while in Kotor for its mindblowingly beautiful scenic views of mountain, fortress & crystal clear water."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Keep Your Tickets Handy

If you plan to hike the fortress, hold onto your tickets as they're needed for exit.

🚗 Paid Parking Available

Convenient paid parking spots are located near the North Gate if you're arriving by car.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Skurda River Bridge

Skurda River Bridge

North Gate

A picturesque stone bridge offering serene views of the Skurda River and surrounding mountains. A peaceful entry to Kotor's Old Town.

Instagram
Fortress Views

Fortress Views

From the North Gate area

Climb the historic steps for breathtaking panoramic views of Kotor town, the bay, and the dramatic surrounding landscape.

Reddit
Historic Venetian Architecture

Historic Venetian Architecture

North Gate

Admire the 1540-built gate, a splendid example of Kotor's rich history and Venetian defensive architecture.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Kotor Visit

Beat the crowds by entering Kotor's Old Town via the North Gate (River Gate). This less-trafficked entrance offers a more serene start to your exploration, especially if you arrive during weekdays when traffic to nearby towns is lighter. Reddit

Navigating the River Gate Entrance

The North Gate, also known as the River Gate, features a charming stone bridge over the Skurda River. It's a picturesque entry point, offering immediate scenic views and a less overwhelming experience than the main gates. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Căn hộ tại quận 4 River Gate #chungcu #chothue #saigonroyal #delasolquan4 #rivergate #millennium #canho #xuhuong
@quanghuybdshcm
17.7K likes • 198.6K views

🎟️ Keep Your Tickets Handy

If you plan to hike the fortress, hold onto your tickets as they're needed for exit. Reddit

🚗 Paid Parking Available

Convenient paid parking spots are located near the North Gate if you're arriving by car. Reddit

Crossing the Khwai River near North Gate in the Moremi Game Reserve. . . #camping #campinginafrica #travelafrica #travelbotswana #campinglife #moremi #moremigamereserve #khwai #khwairiver
inafricacamping
7 likes • 388 views
There’s another bridge on the River Kwai. This is right before Moremi’s North Gate, on the River Khwai, Botswana. #botswana #africaoverland #OVERLAND #overlanding #OverlandAdventure #travelafrica #traveltheworld #solotravel #travelvlog #TravelVlogger #solotraveler #khwai #bridge #river #moremi #africanrivers #rivercrossing #4x4adventure #4wd #4x4offroad #4x4
solo_africa_overland
11 likes • 281 views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The area around the River Gate offers stunning views of the water and mountains, ideal for photography. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Less Crowded Entry

Enter the Old Town via the North Gate for a more authentic and less crowded experience. Reddit

🌿 Looking for Kotor’s best-kept secret? Found it. Just a few steps outside Kotor’s Old Town (North Gate), Resto Bar Taraca serves up more than just food - it’s a riverside reset from the tourist chaos. Imagine this: fortress views, the sound of the Škurda River, and food that actually cares about flavor and your dietary needs. 🥩 Meat lovers: You’re in for a treat. And a lot of it - our portions...
restobar.taraca
51 likes • 3.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Keep Your Tickets Handy

If you plan to hike the fortress, hold onto your tickets as they're needed for exit. Reddit

🚗 Paid Parking Available

Convenient paid parking spots are located near the North Gate if you're arriving by car. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The area around the River Gate offers stunning views of the water and mountains, ideal for photography. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Less Crowded Entry

Enter the Old Town via the North Gate for a more authentic and less crowded experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(173 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the North Gate (River Gate) in Kotor for its historical charm, scenic river views, and less crowded entry into the Old Town. The picturesque stone bridge and the opportunity for stunning fortress views are major highlights. While the fortress hike is demanding, the panoramic vistas and the presence of friendly cats make the experience memorable for many.

"River Gate is definitely not to be missed while in Kotor for its mindblowingly beautiful scenic views of mountain, fortress & crystal clear water ❤️"

Pei

"You can buy the tickets as you enter here. You must keep the tickets with you throughout the hike since that's what's used when you need to exit.

Overall it's a great hike of over 1380 steps... With stunning views and friendly fluffy cats on the trail. You can see the whole of Kotor town from the top fortress and there's a lot of history behind this place."

Amrita K Prasen

"Really nice gate with plenty of paid parking spots around it if you travel by car"

Andreas-Robert Toadere

What People Like

Scenic river views
Less crowded entry
Historic architecture

What People Dislike

Strenuous fortress hike

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The North Gate (River Gate) is located on the northern side of Kotor's Old Town. If arriving by car, there are paid parking lots nearby. Reddit For those coming from Tivat or Budva, consider visiting on weekdays to avoid weekend traffic congestion. Reddit

Yes, there are several paid parking spots available close to the North Gate, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

While the Main Gate is popular, entering through the North Gate (River Gate) offers a more tranquil experience with beautiful river views. InstagramReddit

The North Gate is within walking distance of the main bus station, though it might take around 15-20 minutes depending on your pace. The walk offers scenic views along the bay.

The immediate area around the North Gate and the bridge is relatively flat, but navigating the Old Town's cobblestone streets and fortress steps can be challenging for wheelchairs.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can buy tickets as you enter the North Gate area. It's essential to keep your tickets with you throughout your visit, especially if you plan to hike the fortress. Reddit

Ticket prices can vary, but they are typically purchased upon entry. It's advisable to check the official Kotor tourism website for the most current pricing information.

The North Gate itself is an entrance to the Old Town and is generally accessible at all times. However, access to the fortress walls and specific attractions within the Old Town may have set operating hours.

While tickets for the fortress hike are often purchased on-site, it's worth checking if online booking options are available for specific attractions or tours to save time.

Typically, there's a general admission ticket for the fortress hike. Some tours might offer combined tickets, but the primary entry is usually a single fee for the walls.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The North Gate itself is a historic structure, and the adjacent stone bridge over the Skurda River offers beautiful scenic views. It's a less crowded entry point to the Old Town. InstagramReddit

The hike involves over 1380 steps and can be strenuous, but the views are incredibly rewarding. Take your time and stay hydrated. Reddit

Yes, Kotor is known for its friendly stray cats, and you'll likely encounter some fluffy companions on your way to or from the North Gate and along the fortress trail. Reddit

Built in 1540, the North Gate is a significant example of Kotor's Venetian architecture and its historical defensive past. Reddit

Absolutely! The combination of the river, the historic gate, and the surrounding mountains provides excellent opportunities for stunning photographs. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, just a few steps outside the North Gate, you can find restaurants like Resto Bar Taraca offering riverside dining with fortress views. Instagram

You'll find a variety of options, from local Montenegrin cuisine to international dishes. Resto Bar Taraca, for example, caters to various dietary needs. Instagram

Eating inside the Old Town offers a more immersive historical ambiance, while places just outside, like near the North Gate, can sometimes be less crowded and offer unique views. Instagram

While Kotor can be a bit pricey, exploring the smaller side streets near the North Gate might reveal more affordable local eateries or bakeries.

Many restaurants in Kotor are becoming more accommodating. Resto Bar Taraca specifically mentions catering to dietary needs, so it's worth inquiring. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The stone bridge over the Skurda River, the gate itself with its historic architecture, and the views looking up towards the fortress are prime photo locations. InstagramReddit

Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, while late afternoons provide a beautiful golden hour glow. Sunset views from the fortress above are spectacular. Instagram

Absolutely! The panoramic views from the fortress walls are breathtaking and offer incredible photo opportunities of Kotor and the bay. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, be mindful of private property and any specific signage within historical sites.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and architecture. A zoom lens can be useful for details on the fortress. Comfortable shoes are a must for the hike! Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the North Gate itself is a gentle entry, the main attraction for families is often the fortress hike. Be prepared for over 1380 steps, which can be challenging for very young children. Consider carrying younger kids or taking frequent breaks. Reddit The friendly cats often encountered along the way can be a fun distraction for kids. Reddit Pack plenty of water and snacks, and aim for an early morning visit to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds. The views from the top are a fantastic reward for the effort.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Entering Kotor via the North Gate is a great way to start your exploration without the immediate hustle of the Main Gate. While the fortress hike has an entrance fee, simply exploring the Old Town from this less-crowded point is free. Reddit Look for local bakeries or smaller eateries slightly off the main paths for more affordable meal options. Instagram Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons to potentially find better deals on accommodation.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The North Gate and its Skurda River bridge offer excellent, often less-crowded, photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon. Instagram Capture the historic Venetian architecture and the serene water. Reddit For truly iconic shots, the ascent up the fortress walls provides unparalleled panoramic vistas of Kotor and the bay. Reddit A wide-angle lens is recommended for capturing the scale of the landscape and architecture.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Kotor's Old Town via the North Gate

The North Gate, also known as the River Gate, offers a unique and often less crowded entry point into Kotor's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Unlike the more prominent Main Gate, the North Gate is characterized by its historical stone bridge that gracefully spans the Skurda River. This entrance provides immediate picturesque views, setting a tranquil tone for your exploration. Instagram It's a fantastic starting point for those seeking a more authentic and less hurried immersion into the medieval charm of Kotor. Reddit

Visitors often appreciate the historical significance of this gate, built in 1540, which stands as a testament to Kotor's rich past and Venetian architectural influence. Reddit The proximity to the Skurda River adds a natural beauty to the urban landscape, making it a favorite spot for photographers. InstagramReddit From here, you can easily wander into the labyrinthine streets, discovering hidden squares, historic buildings, and local shops at your own pace, avoiding the main tourist thoroughfares. Reddit

For those planning to hike the fortress walls, the North Gate area provides access, though the main ascent is typically from within the Old Town. Remember to keep your tickets handy as they are required for exiting the fortress. Reddit The journey up offers over 1380 steps, but the reward is unparalleled panoramic views of the entire town and the stunning Bay of Kotor. Reddit

The Skurda River and its Significance

The Skurda River plays a vital role in the visual appeal and historical context of Kotor's North Gate. This river flows through a canyon and empties into the Bay of Kotor, with a section passing right by the Old Town's northern fortifications. The stone bridge connecting the North Gate to the other side of the river is a picturesque feature, offering a serene contrast to the imposing medieval walls. Instagram

Historically, rivers like the Skurda were crucial for defense and water supply for fortified cities. The presence of the river and the bridge at the North Gate not only adds to the aesthetic beauty but also speaks to the strategic planning of Kotor's defenses. Reddit It provides a tranquil setting for visitors, a place to pause and appreciate the natural landscape that coexists with the ancient architecture. InstagramReddit

For photographers and those seeking a moment of calm, the Skurda River area near the North Gate is ideal. The gentle flow of water, the reflections on the surface, and the backdrop of the mountains create a captivating scene. Reddit It’s a reminder that even within a historic city, nature’s presence is a significant element of its charm.

You may also like

1 of 2