Kotor Serpentine
The most attractive roads in the world snake up and down majestic mountain ranges and are especially admired by daring sports car drivers and adventurous motorcyclists. One of these incredible hairpin roads is the infamous Dades Gorge road in Morocco, another one is the Kotor Serpentine.
The intoxicating switchback sections – there are 25 of them – wish to be driven by experienced drivers at their own risk. The Kotor Serpentine Road was one of the greatest engineering marvels when it was completed in 1884 as a joint effort between the newly independent Montenegrin state and Austria-Hungary who ruled over large parts of the coastal region.
Previously, the only way to travel between Kotor and Cetinje was via a forested donkey trail. This new magnificent road pass represented quite an improvement. To this day, the serpentine road is one of the most spectacular road passes in Europe, constantly switching back and forth every meter you climb and providing some of the most incredible vistas you’ll ever come to enjoy along the way.
Kotor
Kotor is awash with beautiful Baroque architecture, incredible places to eat, and Mediterranean vibes to match. Small, romantic, and full of charm.
The Old Royal Capital
Cetinje is a small town lying at the foot of Mount Lovcen, known for its 19th-century architecture. Cetinje used to be Montenegro’s capital city.
The road from Kotor’s Old Town to Njegusi is just over 25 kilometers long and, thanks to its incessant twists and turns, it never gets too steep. While the road’s average width of just 5 meters was sufficient back in the 19th century for the rare motorized vehicles passing here, it hardly is nowadays. There are many sections where the road is impassable for two vehicles simultaneously, especially when facing a truck or coach.
To prevent traffic jams, which can take up to two hours to untangle during the peak season, the municipality of Kotor has put in place a seasonal ban on large coaches of the M2 and M3 categories traveling from Njegusi in the direction of Kotor from June 15th to September 15th. There is significantly less traffic in the early morning hours when the cruise ship shore excursions have not yet started.
The switchbacks have been numbered by local rally drivers who regularly organize mountain races up here. And it is hard to blame them; the higher you climb the better the views. You’ll experience your first sheer-drop coastal panorama unfolding right at the 10th bend, serving dramatic views of large parts of the Bay of Kotor below, particularly on clear and sunny days.
Kotor Old Town
Narrow cobblestone streets lined with small boutiques, intimate restaurants, cafes, and centuries-old buildings are what make Kotor’s Old Town well worth a visit.
Bay of Kotor
For one of the best panoramas of the Bay of Kotor, you need to drive up the Kotor Serpentine Road. The views from up there are simply breathtaking.
While the road is incredibly narrow in general, there is ample space at the outer edges of these wide-ranging bends to park comfortably and soak up the stunning scenery. Roughly halfway, you’ll come across an abandoned border outpost, which used to mark one of the southernmost edges of the Austrian-Hungarian empire.
Ultimately, the best views of Kotor can be enjoyed from the upper viewpoints after the 20th switchback that offers surreal photo opportunities. After having gained more than 1,000 meters in elevation from the starting point down in the valley, now would be the perfect moment for taking a small break for a drink or a snack.
The high-priced Horizont Bar opens for the season from May through October and only serves canned drinks and iced coffee on the – one must admit – amazing floating outdoor terrace. Drive a little further toward Njegusi and you’ll come across Nevjesta Jadrana, a good restaurant that delivers traditional Montenegrin specialties, and the views match.
Panoramic Vistas
Enjoy the best view of Kotor from one of the viewpoints listed in our guide. Abandoned fortresses, al fresco terraces, and cable car cabins deliver breathtaking panoramas.
Njegusi
Njegusi is a small settlement spread out over the mountain plateau above Kotor. Two Montenegrin specialties are produced here: Njegusi Prosciutto and Cheese.
Just a couple of steps away from the restaurant starts the trailhead to one of the most stunning hikes in Montenegro – the Ladder of Kotor. This 6.5-kilometer-long trail is pure mountain fun when taken downwards; the other way around it’s a strenuous yet rewarding experience. There are steps and rocks halfway up, and the last, steep stretch leads through dense forest.
Thanks to its unique location and views, the Njegusi Zip Line, which finds itself just 500 meters from the Nevjesta Jadrana restaurant, is one of the most exciting zip lines in Montenegro. What it lacks in length, it makes up in breathtaking scenery. As you ride, you’ll enjoy unique and awe-inspiring angles of the Bay of Kotor.
The Ladder of Kotor
The Ladder of Kotor is a centuries-old caravan trade route that has been turned into a popular hiking trail connecting Kotor and Njegusi.
The Kotor Serpentine Road forks right behind the zip-line’s starting point: go straight for Njegusi or turn right towards the Lovcen National Park and the Njegos Mausoleum. Njegusi is a small hamlet known for Njegusi Prosciutto and Njegusi Cheese. One of Montenegro’s most important historical figures, Njegos, was born here and his birth house was turned into a museum open for visitors.
Njegos Mausoleum
Set amidst the soft peaks of Mount Lovcen, the Njegos Mausoleum is one of the major tourist attractions in Montenegro. It holds the remains of Montenegrin ruler Njegos.
Lovcen National Park
The Lovcen National Park is the perfect destination for adventure holidays. Hike to the rocky summit to visit the Njegos Mausoleum.
Njegusi Prosciutto
Njegusi Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham produced in the Njegusi valley. It is often served alongside cheese, olives, homemade bread, and local Vranac red wine.
Safety Considerations
Even though the Kotor Serpentine road has partially been widened to allow for easier passage of traffic, it still takes nerves of steel and a steady hand to navigate these dangerous switchback curves. It’s probably best to do the pretty steep ascent or descent in a small or compact car.
Coming face-to-face with a humungous tour bus or truck is not for the faint-hearted and requires you or the other party to give in and reverse. Taking into account the narrowness of the road and the often-absent safety barriers, even very confident drivers need to be unusually vigilant.
Always look out for rocks and boulders that can fall on the mountain pass, especially during colder months when fogginess and rain can pose an additional threat. And sure, you will meet dazed and overwhelmed tourists in rental cars who should have hit the road either in the late afternoon or early morning hours when there is significantly less traffic.
Cycling up and down the Kotor Serpentine Road is considered to be one of the most iconic cycling experiences in Europe, offering spectacular views at every turn. A relentless climb of 12 kilometers, starting from Trojica, will beat many experienced cyclists and is the ambition of many amateur riders.
Things to do in Kotor
Discover the best things to do in Kotor during your trip to this charming medieval walled city. From hikes and boat trips to cable car rides.