Fort Vrmac

When the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy took control over the Bay of Kotor in the aftermath of the fall of the Venetian Empire, existent defensive structures were no longer satisfying the needs of the aspiring military power. This meant the construction of a series of modern fortresses and batteries along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast such as Fort Vrmac.

The fort received its name from the Vrmac mountain ridge, between Kotor and Tivat, that divides the bay into two almost equal parts. Its central hilltop position was not chosen by accident – from an altitude of 480 meters above sea level, it offers commanding views of Tivat and the surrounding bay.

Kotor

Find out what beautiful Kotor has to offer when it comes to the best sightseeing, culinary experiences, shopping, and leisure activities.

The Historical Context

The natural deep-water harbor of Kotor was of particular importance to the Austro-Hungarian Navy because it could be used to project power across the Adriatic Sea and beyond. It quickly became one of their top three naval bases besides Pula, Croatia, and Trieste, Italy. Fort Vrmac played a crucial role in safeguarding the entrance to the inner Bay of Kotor, together with Fort Gorazda, and Fort Skaljari.

The outer entrances to the bay were occupied by a series of fortifications on the Lustica Peninsula and Herceg Novi. The entire network of defense structures (also known as the Boka Belt) began to be built in 1838 and until 1918, more than eighty fortresses were erected on the coastal stretch from Herceg Novi to Budva, with a total capacity to permanently accommodate 3,500 servicemen.

Fort Gorazda

The abandoned Fort Gorazda sits on a hilltop above Kotor, offering breathtaking views of its surroundings. Until WWI, it was an important defense stronghold.

Lustica Peninsula

Welcome to the Lustica Peninsula, a beautiful part of Montenegro that is known for its pristine cove beaches, olive orchards, and traditional stone villages.

Herceg Novi

Straddling the border with Croatia, Herceg Novi is a pretty coastal town. It boasts a picturesque promenade lined with cafes and waterfront restaurants.

First erected in 1860, Fort Vrmac was entirely rebuilt between 1894 and 1897 to have better protection against an increasingly improved, modern artillery. Montenegro regained its independence in 1878 at the Congress of Berlin and many of its people despised the Austro-Hungarian occupation of the Bay of Kotor and aspired desperately to liberate it.

Montenegro’s defining moment came during the First World War when they fought on the side of the Allied powers against the coalition of Ottomans and Austria-Hungary – and eventually won. The Royal Montenegrin Army, with the assistance of French artillery, succeeded in moving forward and shelling the Austro-Hungarian batteries and fortifications from its positions south of Mount Lovcen.

In the course of events in 1916, Fort Vrmac was hit by dozens of grenades but the Austrians were able to quickly repair the fort walls and moved the weapons out to the new frontline positions which they took during their counter-offensive. The end of World War I meant the collapse of the Habsburg Monarchy and the liberation of Montenegrin lands.

Bay of Kotor

Discover the Bay of Kotor, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea and a natural port, connecting some of Montenegro’s most charming coastal towns.

The Fort’s Capabilities

Well-preserved and hidden amidst pristine forests, Fort Vrmac occupies a prime strategic position in the central part of the bay. The ditch that surrounds it was defended by three caponiers and a counterscarp gallery. One caponier was put in place to defend the front stretch of the ditch while the other two defended the flanks of the barracks and north-facing main entrance.

Also on the safer, northern side of the fort, you’ll find the two-storied army barracks that could house up to 177 servicemen and 5 officers. The casemates, which accommodated four 100 mm PH M05 guns and eight 120 mm minimum charter M80-85 KasKan mortars, point southeast and southwest towards Tivat. Four armored turrets made by Skoda are placed on the top of the building.

Tivat

Tivat is an up-and-coming lifestyle destination in the Mediterranean. Visit for its laid-back Mediterranean charm, luxury shopping, and yacht-watching.

Fort Vrmac Today

After serving briefly as a stronghold for the newly formed Royal Yugoslav Army, Fort Vrmac was abandoned and has remained so ever since. According to local gossip, an Orthodox monk moved in shortly after and adorned the dome-shaped casemates with vibrant frescoes, which remain still visible despite their age.

Today, Fort Vrmac largely lies in ruins and a colony of bats inhabits the fort’s dark interior. Still, visitors hungry for adventure can explore the relatively well-preserved site and admire what remains of this once-impressive fortress. Highlights include investigating the metal turrets, climbing up to the rooftop, and soaking up the breathtaking views.

Fort Vrmac is freely accessible and there is ample parking at the top if you decide to visit by car. It is just a 10-minute drive away from Fort Trojica and 20 minutes from Kotor’s Old Town. Some sections of the 19th-century road are too narrow for two vehicles and one will always have to pull over for the other to pass.

For hikers, another option to reach Fort Vrmac is via the Franz Joseph Stairs trail which starts down in Muo and offers some of the best views of Kotor along the way. The former Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary apparently loved the vistas so much that the trail got named after him.

Breathtaking Vistas

The best views of Kotor can be enjoyed from vantage points high up, abandoned fortresses, panoramic restaurant terraces, and the cabin of the Kotor Cable Car.

Kotor’s Historic Center

The charming coastal town is more attractive than ever, thanks to careful town planning and extensive renovation measures in Kotor’s Old Town.

Things to do in Kotor

Here is a list of interesting things to do in Kotor. Find out which are the most significant places, activities, and venues of this unique medieval city.