Kotor Fortress

Yesterday, Thursday 14 August 2025, I visited the Kotor fortress (Montenegro) with my family: my wife (46), and my two children aged 13 and 9. With great consternation we saw the miserable state of preservation and neglect in which this UNESCO site finds itself. Firstly, I feel it is necessary to point out the dangerous and unsafe state of the site. The long staircase is accessible but at the same time very dangerous. In some places the edges have collapsed and there is a lack of handrails to hold on to or facilitate both ascent and descent. At one point, the stairs are missing altogether and the path is slippery. Most of the buildings still standing have landslides and are not very stable. The route is poorly signposted, so that one often ends up in an impassable dead end. Visitors, especially the younger ones, enjoy climbing on the partly repaired roofs to take pictures, putting their safety at risk. At one point a balustrade is completely missing to prevent people from falling into the void. Trees have grown up on the walls of some buildings and are splitting the masonry with their roots. Balustrades, doors and metal scaffolding are rusted and unstable. No one checks that the main path is respected so that people do not get lost or access places that are too dangerous. There is also a lack of controls to prevent vandals from further ruining the buildings. Along the way, one also encounters illegal drink vendors who play loud music and use the archaeological spaces as if they were their own kiosks. Dry grass grows everywhere with the risk that a fire could break out at any moment. There is even a spot where to visit a church you have to squeeze through a window and climb down an ill-fitting wooden ladder leaning against the wall of the building.

Finally, I would like to tell you what happened to me. Perhaps because as a visitor to a Unesco site I felt safe, I lowered my attention span and let my youngest son precede me to the exit. But in doing so I actually lost sight of him. I was terrified that he had fallen into the escarpment below. At the entrance, the staff, who were more careful playing with their mobile phones than checking who was going in and out, told me they were absolutely certain they had not seen him leave. I had to go back to the top and ask visitors if they had seen him. In fact, there are no service personnel checking the site. Fortunately, once I got down, a gentleman from the staff, the older one, took the trouble to come up to me to inform me that the child had left and had been found at the bar near the entrance.

This text of mine is only an extreme summary of what I could see. I also leave you with a question: where do the UNESCO funds and the €15 that visitors pay at the entrance go? And I assure you that despite the extreme conditions in which this World Heritage site of Kotor finds itself, there are...

Visiting Kotor Fortress was an absolute highlight of my trip to Montenegro. This stunning historical landmark offers a perfect blend of breathtaking panoramic views, captivating history, and an unforgettable hiking experience.

The fortress is strategically located on a hill overlooking the picturesque town of Kotor and the mesmerizing Bay of Kotor. As you ascend the well-marked trail, the scenery unfolds before your eyes, revealing a stunning tapestry of red-roofed houses, the sparkling blue waters of the bay, and lush mountains surrounding the area. The view from the top is truly awe-inspiring and well worth the effort.

What makes Kotor Fortress even more special is its rich historical significance. Dating back to the medieval period, the fortress has witnessed centuries of wars, conquests, and cultural transformations. Exploring its walls, towers, and hidden passages felt like stepping back in time. I was fascinated by the intricate architectural details and the stories engraved within its stones.

The hike to the fortress can be moderately challenging, with steep sections and uneven paths, but it adds to the sense of adventure and accomplishment. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as there are limited facilities along the way. I recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Kotor Fortress is a must-visit attraction for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking an unforgettable experience in Montenegro. The combination of its natural beauty, intriguing history, and the rewarding hike make it an absolute gem. I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary when...

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...