Ladder of Kotor

Incredible hike! It was definitely worth doing the whole thing. After the cheese shop adds maybe another 2.5 hours total but well worth it. The path is less steep on this portion and was so much easier than the first bit. The hike overall was difficult, but I don't exercise regularly and still managed just fine. I started within the city walls and paid the 15€ because the hike is a bit shorter this way (it still took me 5.5 hours of hiking total). I went up to Kotor Fortress on accident. I would have had to turn back to go up further, except there's a window everyone was climbing through to continue on without having to backtrack. Its a window with a log at the bottom to get your foot onto to climb down. Easier than it looks and worth doing. Then on the way back I did the regular free route.

Free easy to do hike, with gorgeous views looking into breathtaking mountain views on one side and the ocean on the other side. The best part is - you can get into St Jiovanni fortress through the ladder without paying the Euro 15 fee which you have to pay if you climb the stairs to the fortress.

Very fun walk! We paid the €15 to walk up through the fortress route and then circled down the ladder and back round the back. Felt the price was steep, but it allowed us to walk in the morning shade and was definitely worth the views at the top!

FREE ALTERNATIVE TO THE TOP: There is another route a bit longer to the north where you don't need to pay €15 (as of August 2025) The start of the hike is visible in the pictures, the road is not difficult for someone who does a hike here and there, it's not steep, just a walk on a rocky road. The hike takes you near an abandoned church where you have to turn right and then you will arrive near a whole in the wall. There you need to climb up a ladder. From this point you're on the common route with the paid one. From what I've heard, the ticket guys are working until 8 PM so if you're staying late you can go down on the paid route too.

Great alternative route if you want to skip the 10€ entrance fee. The climb is steady and peaceful, and the views over the bay are incredible. Make sure to return the same way for the best experience. You can also stop for a quick drink at the cheese man’s place on the way up. The whole walk feels calm and rewarding.

Amazing walk with great views over Kotor and the sea. Mostly easy but it is quite steep uphill at some parts and also any steps down. Fortress is €15, but free in the evening. Beware there is a small ladder and window you have to climb through.

I highly recommend this walk for beautiful views and an achievable round trip. It took us 90 mins up and 75 mins down with a few stops for photos, sun cream and snacks. We walked 575m elevation but the path isn’t particularly steep, we even saw some people managing in sandals and flip flops (wouldn’t recommend personally). We had 1,5l of water each but more would have been ideal at 33 degrees. If you need a break, there’s a little house that serves drinks 2km up. It’s free to hike the Ladder of Kotor, although we first accidentally found the walk within the Kotor walls, where they charge €15 entry.

Great views and a nice gentle incline, but the rocks on the path become tougher to navigate the higher you go, as well as, on the way down. You have to do this at least once!