Why this road
The fastest way to Cetinje goes along the coast via Budva. This road is shorter and takes about as long, but it is in a different league: from almost every hairpin you look down on the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, the walled town and the ships, and the higher you get the more of the bay you see. At the top the world changes to stone walls, sheep and the village of Njeguši, famous for its smoked ham.
The route
- AKotor
Leave the old town south and follow signs for Cetinje and Lovćen. The climb starts almost immediately.
- 1Krstac
The top of the hairpins at the edge of the plateau. Look back one last time over the whole bay.
- 2Njeguši
A stone village in a green valley, home of the Petrović-Njegoš dynasty. Stop for pršut, cheese and bread.
- BCetinje
The old capital, with former embassies, the royal palace and the Cetinje monastery. Small, calm and easy to walk.
Stops worth it
Taverns along the road serve local smoked ham and cheese. Plan 45 minutes.
A walk past the palace of King Nikola and the monastery. From Njeguši, a detour leads up to the Njegoš Mausoleum on Lovćen.
Light and the best time
The hairpins are on the west-facing wall above the bay. In the morning the sun is behind the mountain and you look down on a bay in full, front-lit sun: the best time for clear views and photos. In the late afternoon you look straight into the sun over the water, beautiful at sunset but with strong glare on the way up. Starting at 8 am also beats the tour buses from the cruise ships.
April to June and September to October are best. In summer the road is busy with tour buses and Kotor is crowded on cruise ship days. In winter the plateau can get snow and ice, check conditions. The road is open all year.
By vehicle
Tight hairpins with a view every time. The road is narrow, so it is a sightseeing ride, not a racetrack.
Small cars are much easier here. The road is often just wide enough for one car in the bends, wait at the passing places when buses come down.
The view from an open car is unbeatable, but the climb is slow and steep. Go early when it is cool.
Good to know
No toll. Montenegro is not in the EU, so check your car insurance and, for a rental car, whether you may cross the border. The road is narrow with low walls, campers and caravans should take the coast road via Budva instead. Fuel up in Kotor. If you detour to the Lovćen National Park and the mausoleum, there may be entry fees.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How many hairpins does the Kotor serpentine have?
25 hairpins between the bay and the top of the climb near Krstac.
Is the Kotor serpentine dangerous?
It is narrow and has steep drops, but it is paved and well used. Drive slowly, use your horn before blind bends and be ready to stop for buses.
How long does the drive from Kotor to Cetinje take?
About 1 hour of driving without stops. With photo stops on the hairpins and lunch in Njeguši, plan half a day.
Can I drive the Kotor serpentine with a camper?
It is not recommended. The bends are very tight and there is little room to pass. Take the coast road via Budva to Cetinje.