Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles.

The best hike directly from the tourist trap old city is Kotor Fortress.

But it costs 15 Euros (17.30 US) in 2026. They keep raising the price of this short day hike.

An alternative is Ladder of Kotor which goes higher. And is free.

Climb as high as you like. Return the same way — or on other trails down. It’s a maze of trails.

I stopped once I reached the goats. 😀

It’s very hot in the summer. Because I was there end of August, I started as early in the morning as possible.

I had the old city to myself early morning.

Click PLAY or get a glimpse on YouTube.

Here’s the view over to the top of Kotor Fortress.

There are some ruins, as well. All open to exploration.

19th-century mountain path featuring roughly 70 hairpin switchbacks that climb from sea level up to the Krstac Pass.

Footing is not bad, but expect uneven, rocky switchbacks, loose gravel, and rugged limestone paths.

It’s a recommended short day hike.

Comparing the two main Kotor hikes.

Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles

The most popular hike directly from the old city of Kotor, Montenegro, is Kotor Fortress..

• 4km out and back
• 225m elevation gain
• 1,350 stone steps or rough trail beside the steps

I mostly took the trail on the way up. The steps on the way down. With headlamp.

As it was 30+C and humid, I waited until 8pm to start up the stairs.

From 8pm to 9am Fortress is effectively free as there are no guards at the gate.

Locals are irked that the daytime charge is 15 Euros (17.30 US) in 2026. They keep raising the price of this short day hike.

I started in the old city, a World Heritage site.

Though you can see the climb, it’s still a bit of a challenge to find one of the two trailheads in the maze of narrow streets. I used AllTrails.

Quite quickly you get great views of the Bay.

There’s no need to climb to the top. In fact, I think most people stop at this lookout.

The trail gets rougher from that point. I carried on.

Here’s the top of the San Giovanni Castle ruins. I was hoping for moonrise — but didn’t get it while up there.

Bats feed off insects attracted to the lights shining up the mountain. Those white blurs are bats in time exposure.

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It would be quite a different experience climbing in the day time. Here’s how the fortress sits above, protecting the old city of Kotor.

Many start at 5 or 6 am, trying to get back before the ticket takers arrive in the morning.

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There’s an alternative hike to get similar great vista views.

I did the Ladder of Kotor Trail, as well, next morning.

Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles

I asked A.I. to recommend good day hiking close to Zagreb with easy access to public transit.

It sent me to Samobor, about 24km away. Less than an hour by frequent bus. Population about 38,000.

The most popular local day hike is Samobor Castle.

An evocative ruin.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

To get to the ruined fortress on the hill Tepec, I followed AllTrails Samobor Old Town.

• 2.9km loop
• 142m elevation gain

Trailhead right in the centre of town.

Easy walking on very well trod paths.

The ruins are still impressive. And wide open for exploration.

From the high point on that itinerary, you can continue upwards to Tepec Vista Point, a 14-meter-high steel pyramid tower.

It provides fantastic panoramic views over Samobor, Zagreb, and Medvednica Mountain.

Here’s the view back down on Samobor Castle.