Hike to Fort VRMac in Kotor, Montenegro

Hike to Fort VRMac in Kotor, Montenegro

Complete Guide to hike to Fort VRMAC in the city of Kotor, Montenegro.

Looking for a unique adventure with hidden jewels that offers incredible views and insights into the fascinating story of Kotor? Today I tell you exactly that, an epic short hike on the VRMAC Mountains, which ends at the best preserved Austrian-Hungarian fortress in the Bay of Kotor.

About Fort VRMAC

Fort VRMAC is a former fortress that lies on the limestone mountains called VRMAC. This is the mountain directly west (opposite) of the famous fortress of Kotor (St. John’s or San Giovanni Fortress).

The Austrians built this fortress between 1894 and 1897 in their attempt to strengthen their defense against Montenegrin uprisings. It has an impressive structure of stone and concrete, which is located directly on the summit of the VRMAC mountain (785 m/2.575 ft).

Although it is left today, it played a role in several conflicts in the past century, including actions during the First World War.

The fortress is completely accessible to the public and there is no fee for the entry or exploration of the surrounding area or the inner chambers.

How to get to the Fort VRMAC Trailhead in Kotor

While it is possible to drive across the street from Troica to Gornja Lastva in Tivat to Fort VRMAC, I recommend the short but steep hike from Muo, directly opposite the old town of Kotor.

This is not only an entertaining hike, but you also get the best possible view of the old town of Kotor from the other side of the Boka (Bay of Kotor).

The starting point begins at the end of a short dead end that is shared by the local police. Below I attached the exact position of the starting point so that you can find it easier.

When you have reached this point, go up the street for about a hundred meters before reaching the concrete levels. Start following these stages up the hill and pass a few local houses on the way.

There will be a number of steps, many of which are behind some houses. Don't worry, this is a common sidewalk.

Soon, shortly before the last stages that lead to street P22, you will see a clear path on the right. Follow this path and start the series of serpentines to the top of the VRMAC Ridge.
Alternatively, for those with a car, you will find a small place to park your car on the sharp curve on P22. From here, go down a concrete staircase and continue straight ahead (don't turn right on the next stairs).

The Fort-VRMAC hike

Hiking route: 8.5 km back and forth
Duration: 2-3 hours Retour
vertical meter
Medium

This hike is technically easy because the path is well graded and wide throughout the hike. While you climb the steep comb most of the hike, the path has a number of serpentines to the summit.

This is the head of Kotor hike on the other hand.

ascent of the Berges VRMAC

After initial confusion, we finally found the right path that led to Fort VRMAC.

The slope on this increase is not very steep due to the long, curvy curves. Although nothing crazy, the floor is mostly rocky, with small to medium -sized stones on the inside of larger boulders that form a terraced path.

The first section of the path begins in thick forest, but quickly breaks out to an exposed area. The higher you rise, the better prospects you have. On the way up we made several photo stops.

Finally, the path leads back to a forested section. Some links are visible here. As a result, you can save some time by going straight on some sections.
Shortly after you have entered the forest, you come to a dilapidated guide that shows the way to the little -known viewpoint of Kotor and of course Fort VRMAC.

The viewpoint of the city of Kotor

We decided on the short, 5-minute detour to the Kotor viewpoint before we hike all the way to the fortress.

We were very satisfied with this decision because the view here was phenomenal. The path leads to a completely exposed area without trees that block the view.

From here you can see the entire bay of Kotor, Muo, the old town of Kotor and the famous fortress walls that wind up the slope.

After admiring the view, we returned and continued to go.
Alt = "View of the Kotor at night">

Exploration of Fort VRMAC

I will not lie, the exploration of Fort VRMAC was a bit scary. It definitely had a ghostly atmosphere with nature that almost completely devoured its dark stone walls.

After we walked around to the foot of the trench, we found the entrance and decided to explore the interior. As expected, it is completely dark there and some domestic bats have frightened us.
Alt = "in the VRMAC fortress, Kotor">
There are many corridors and rooms to explore, everyone a little more scary than the other.

What we had not expected at this fort was another group of ruins directly opposite. These are a number of concrete buildings with graffiti and smashed windows. They looked something new than the fort, and I'm not sure whether they were built in the same time.

Strangely enough, we met many domestic farm animals here, including Hänsbrauch pigs, cows, goats, chickens and a few dogs. Although we didn't see anyone nearby, we assumed that someone lives up here with these animals.

Sunset from Berg vmrac

The highlight of this unexpected hidden jewel was simply the view! From the top of this mountains we could see through the Kotor, the Troica Pass and the Župa Valley to Adriatic.

We spent a good hour to take a few photos and admire the incredible sunset behind the mountains.

Accommodation in Kotor

The best accommodation in Kotor are the old town, Muo (west side of the bay) or Dobrota (east side of the bay). Below is a brief summary of the top rated tips and recommendations for every budget.

• Blue Premium Spa Resort-a fantastic luxury spa resort only for adults with a view of Boca Kotorska.
• Apartmani Art Karampana - a nice apartment in the old town. Rated with 9.7 out of 10 with hundreds of reviews.
• Centrum Hostel - With hundreds of reviews, this is still the best rated hostel for location and atmosphere in the old town of Kotor.

More Montenegro travel guide & inspiration

I hope you liked this short guide for hiking on Fort VRMAC in Kotor, Montenegro.

Below you will find some other useful travel guides and inspirations for your adventures in this beautiful Balkanland.

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