The walls stretch for 4.5 km, reaching a highest point of 280 metres above sea level, some 260 metres above the town. The climb involves 1,350 steps.
Prices and opening times
Admission currently costs €15 for adults and is free for children under 12. Payment can be made in cash or by card. The fortress is open daily during the tourist season, from 7.00 am to 8.00 pm.
There is a way to avoid this charge: arrive before the official opening time, around 7.00 am or 7.30 am, when the ticket offices are not yet staffed and the gates are often left open. This is also the ideal time to watch the sun rise over the bay, usually between 8.15 am and 8.20 am depending on the season.
How do you get up to Kotor Fortress?
Two ways to get to the top
The main route starts from the entrance near the River Gate. It consists of a flight of steps all the way up, with around 1.2 km of steps winding their way upwards. Allow 45 to 90 minutes for the climb, depending on your fitness level, and at least 2 hours for the full round trip.
There is an alternative for those wishing to avoid the entrance fee: the Ladder of Kotor, which starts at the northern end of the town, near the North Gate, about a 10-minute walk from the centre. The route involves climbing a ladder and passing through a small gap in the wall. The path is slightly longer and less picturesque than the main route, but access remains completely free.
Along the main path, there is a small monastery halfway up, followed by the Chapel of Saint Ivan, marked on the walls, which is worth a detour of a few minutes. There are plenty of spots to stop and catch your breath whilst enjoying the view.
What it requires physically
It’s a steep climb, not really a hike in the traditional sense. A good level of fitness is recommended, and the walk is not advised for people with heart conditions or serious health issues.
The path alternates between cobblestones and pebbles, which can be slippery in places, especially after rain. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential, as is water: make sure to bring some with you, even though there are a few shops selling bottles along the route, as well as the occasional cold drinks sold by local traders in summer.
When to go
The early morning, between 7.00 am and 7.30 am, remains the best option: fewer people, the heat has not yet set in, and there’s a chance of free entry. After 9.30 am-10.00 am, the heat starts to rise significantly, especially in summer.
Late afternoon remains a good alternative for those who prefer to sleep in a little longer: the light changes completely, offering another, equally spectacular view of the bay.
The view from the summit
From the summit, the panorama takes in the whole of Kotor Bay, the old town below and what looks very much like a fjord, even though technically Boka Kotorska isn’t one. It’s undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences of the trip, and one of the least expensive for what it offers.
