From the summit of Mount Kuk, at an altitude of 1,348 metres on the slopes of Lovćen, a 3.9-kilometre track winds its way down through the forest, with the Bay of Kotor as a backdrop. It is the longest Alpine Coaster in Europe, having opened in August 2023, and is already one of Montenegro’s most popular attractions.
How does it work?
The principle: a rail-mounted sledge, propelled by gravity, which each passenger steers themselves. The descent alternates between free sections, where speed is controlled manually, and controlled sections, where the system automatically slows the sledge down.
The maximum speed reaches around 40 km/h, on slopes with gradients ranging from 30 to 40 per cent. There are no inversions on the course, so nothing too extreme, just speed and bends in a forest setting with the sea in the background. The full descent takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
There are 48 gondolas on the track, each seating two people in two separate rows. Capacity is 1,200 passengers per hour, which keeps waiting times to a minimum even in peak season.
Note: the ride begins and ends with a cable ascent, so even the start and finish of the experience are part of the journey.
How do I get there?
The Alpine Coaster is located at the KUK top station of the Kotor-Lovćen cable car, at the entrance to Lovćen National Park, approximately 4 km from Kotor’s old town and the tunnel.
Access is via the cable car, whose lower station is located in Dub, just a few minutes from the Adriatic motorway. The cable car journey takes 11 to 15 minutes to cover 3.9 km, offering views that already take in the Bay of Kotor, Tivat, Perast, the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding mountains, stretching as far as Tivat Airport in the distance.
Prices
For the rollercoaster alone, a standard ticket costs between €8 and €12 depending on the time of year, with the same price applying to children aged 3 to 12. The Fast Track option costs €14 for adults and €13 for children, which is useful if queues get long during the high season.
The cable car remains essential for accessing the site: €23 for an adult return ticket, €12 for children aged 2 to 12, and free for under-2s. A single journey costs €13 for an adult and €7 for a child.
As for discounts, Mastercard or CKB Visa cardholders get 20% off the cable car and the coaster, and holders of premium Mastercard cards (Gold, Platinum, World, Elite) get 30% off the Fast Track. There are also special offers for families, groups, senior citizens and school trips.
Please note for online bookings: the Fast Track cannot be added to your online purchase; it can only be purchased on arrival.
Kotor Alpine Coaster: some essential information you should know
Opening times and weather
The season runs from 25 April to the end of October. In June, for example, the cable car operates from 9am to 9pm every day, and the coaster from 10am to 8pm.
The cable car does not operate in bad weather, which can lead to delays in opening, sometimes until mid-afternoon depending on conditions. It is best to check the weather before heading up, especially if you have a tight schedule for the day.
Age, weight and safety
Children under 3 years of age are not permitted on the coaster. Children aged between 3 and 8 must be accompanied by an adult. From the age of 8, children may ride alone or with another passenger in the same gondola.
The combined weight of the two passengers in a gondola must not exceed 150 kg. Once secured, the fastest sections are still controlled by the automatic braking system, which provides a good safety margin even for first-time riders.
At the summit
The site offers more than just the rollercoaster. A restaurant serves local cuisine with views stretching across the entire bay, making it the perfect place to take a break before or after the ride.
A fully equipped playground keeps children entertained whilst adults enjoy the views: climbing frames, ramps, swings and slides, designed to develop balance and coordination.
And of course, the views themselves: the whole of Kotor Bay, the Adriatic, the Montenegrin mountains, Tivat and Perast below, and even the airport on a clear day.
