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Are you looking for a fun activity while in Kotor with some of the most amazing views of the entire Bay of Kotor? Then taking the cable car up to Lovćen National Park and riding the Kotor Alpine Coaster should definitely be on your list!
It’s one of the newest attractions in Montenegro, having only opened in 2023, and combines everything from jaw-dropping panoramas to a thrilling mountain rollercoaster ride. This was my highlight while visiting Kotor (together with this boat tour!)
Here’s everything you need to know about how to get to the Kotor Alpine coaster, how much it costs, and what else you can do once you’re at the top.
Taking the Kotor Cable Car
The adventure starts with the Kotor cable car, which whisks you 1,300 metres above sea level in just 11 minutes. The lower cable car station (DUB) is only about an 8-minute drive from the Kotor Old Town. From this station you can take the cable car up the mountain with incredible views over the Bay of Kotor, the town itself, and even nearby Tivat.
On a clear day, you can also spot planes landing at Tivat Airport! (which is really fun to see)
The upper station (Station KUK) drops you right inside Lovćen National Park, so it’s not just a ride but also a gateway to hiking trails, viewpoints, and attractions at the top. The Alpine Coaster can be found here as well, just next to the station.
💰 Cost: A return ticket for the cable car is around €23 in high season and about €15 in the off-season. Secure your ticket!
It would technically be possible to drive a car all the way up, but it would be a very long ride, and you’d be coming from a completely different direction as well.
Riding the Alpine Coaster In Kotor
Once you arrive at the top, the Alpine Coaster is impossible to miss. It’s located right next to the station and is basically a mountain rollercoaster that zigzags down the cliffs of Lovćen.
The best part? You control the speed yourself. If you’re feeling brave, you can push it to the max speed of 80 km/h, or just take it slow and enjoy the views. Either way, it’s a super fun ride and one of the best things to do in Kotor.
💰 Cost: Around €8 per ride (you can buy the tickets at the ticket shop just in front of it)
For me, this was one of my absolute highlights during my trip to Montenegro — throughout the ride you get to experience some of the most beautiful views of Kotor and its surroundings. It was so much fun, I also went twice!
Travelling from Albania to Kotor? Check out how to get from Shkodër to Montenegro!
Things to Do Near the Alpine Coaster
The alpine coaster is not the only thing you can do on top of the mountain. Once you’re at the top of Lovćen National Park, there are plenty of other things to enjoy:
🌄 Take in the Panoramic Views
Of course, you can do it even if you didn’t ride the Kotor alpine coaster. The views from the mountain alone make the ride with the cable car worth it. You’ll get sweeping panoramas of the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains. It’s easily one of the best viewpoints in Montenegro.
🏛️ Visit the Colosseum
Right by the station, you’ll also find a small Colosseum, a small arena-like structure built into the mountain. It’s a cool place to explore and makes for some great photos. And near that, you can find a viewpoint from where you can look all the way to Budva.
🍴 Have a Meal at the Forza Kuk restaurant
Next to the cable car station, you can also find a restaurant called Forza Kuk. Yes, it’s quite expensive, but you are also paying for absolutely breathtaking views, and you could also just stop here for a coffee.
But I stopped here for lunch (twice), and I had the best chicken Caesar salad I’ve ever eaten (not sponsored, I swear). Which was also the reason I came back to this restaurant, so I would highly recommend it. Can also sit outside and enjoy your meal with amazing views across the bay.
Practical Information for your visit to the Alpine Coaster in Kotor
Here are a few tips to make planning your visit to the Alpine coaster and the surrounding attractions a little easier:
How to get there: The lower cable car station (DUB), about an 8-minute drive from the Kotor Old Town. If you don’t have a rental car, you can take a taxi or join a small tour that includes the ride. And there is also a shuttle service to the station (from both Kotor and Budva).
Opening hours: The cable car usually runs daily during the main season (spring to autumn) from around 9 AM to 9 PM. In the off-season, times may be reduced, so check ahead if you’re visiting outside of summer. The Alpine coaster is open from 10 AM to 8 PM in the summer (but make sure to check the times again when you are planning to visit).
Parking: There’s a car park at the lower station if you’re driving. From what I remember, it was €1 per hour.
Duration of the alpine coaster ride: A ride takes 3–5 minutes (depending on how fast you go and how much traffic there is).
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon tends to be quieter, and the light is beautiful for photos. The weather up here can be a bit unpredictable, so if it gets very cloudy, then visibility can be bad.
What to bring: A light jacket (it’s cooler at the top), water, and your camera for the views. If you’re planning to explore Lovćen National Park further, wear comfortable shoes.
How long is the cable car ride to the Kotor alpine coaster? The cable car takes around 11 minutes to go up to the Lovcén station, where you will find the alpine coaster. The views along the way are incredible. SO even if you don’t want to ride the Alpine coaster, do check out the cable car ride.
Is the Kotor alpine coaster worth it? Absolutely! This was my favourite activity in Kotor! One of the best ways to see the whole city from above, and so much fun! I even went back on another day.
Some tips for your trip to Kotor?
📲 Are you looking for data in Kotor? If you are just visiting Montenegro, I would get this ESIM, which starts at €4! Or otherwise this Regional ESIM which covers a lot of European countries (also Montenegro, even though it is not in the EU).
🏠 Where to stay in Kotor? I stayed at Green House Apartments in the Bay of Kotor. The apartment was amazing, the owner was really friendly, and it was close to the Old town. I would totally stay here again!
🚤 More things to do in Kotor? This boat tour around the Bay of Kotor is a must! It includes a visit to the submarine tunnels, explores beautiful caves, and stops at the famous Lady on the Rocks!
Final Thoughts
The Alpine Coaster in Kotor is easily one of the most fun things you can do in and around Kotor. So if you have the time, definitely make sure to plan in half a day to take the cable car up to Lovćen National Park and ride the Kotor Alpine Coaster.
If you want to explore Lovćen National Park a bit more, then check out this guided full-day tour as well!
Let me know if you have any questions
And don’t forget to go on a walking tour while you are in Kotor.
