Kotor to Lovćen by Scooter: Conquering the Serpentine Road

The Most Thrilling Ride in Montenegro

The road from Kotor to Lovćen is legendary among motorcyclists and scooter riders. In just 25 hairpin turns, you climb from sea level to over 1,000 meters, with the Bay of Kotor shrinking beneath you at every bend. It is widely considered one of the most scenic mountain roads in all of Europe.

This is not a ride for the faint of heart, but with the right preparation and a healthy respect for the road, it is absolutely doable on a 125cc scooter. Thousands of riders complete it every summer.

The Route in Detail

Start early from Kotor, ideally before 9 AM. Head out of the old town toward the hillside and follow signs for Lovćen. The serpentine begins almost immediately, with the first few turns climbing above Kotor's red rooftops.

The 25 numbered hairpin turns take you up through dense forest and rocky terrain. Each turn opens up a slightly different view of the bay below. By turn 15, you are high enough to see the entire inner bay stretching from Kotor to Perast.

At the top of the serpentine, the road levels out and enters Lovćen National Park. From here, you can continue to the Njeguši Mausoleum at 1,657 meters for a panoramic view that stretches to Albania and Italy on clear days.

What to Expect at Each Stage

Turns 1 to 10: The Climb Begins

The road is well-paved but narrow in places. You will share it with cars, tour buses, and the occasional cyclist. Take it slow on the inside of turns and watch for oncoming traffic cutting corners.

Turns 10 to 20: The Middle Section

This is where the views become truly spectacular. The bay opens up beneath you and the air gets noticeably cooler. Several of the turns have small pullover areas where you can stop for photos.

Turns 20 to 25: The Final Push

The gradient eases slightly as you approach the park entrance. The vegetation changes from Mediterranean scrub to mountain forest. You will feel the temperature drop by 5 to 10 degrees from the coast.

Njeguši Village: The Perfect Lunch Stop

About 5 kilometers past the top of the serpentine, you reach the village of Njeguši, birthplace of Montenegro's royal dynasty. Stop here for lunch at one of the roadside restaurants. The village is famous for its smoked ham (njeguški pršut) and cheese made from sheep's milk. Both are prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations.

A plate of pršut, cheese, bread, and olives will cost around 8 to 12 euros and is one of the best meals you will eat in Montenegro.

Safety Tips

Ride in second or third gear on the way up. Let the engine do the work rather than relying on brakes. On the way down, engine braking is even more important — your brake pads will overheat if you ride them continuously through 25 hairpins.

Stay on your side of the road at all times, especially on blind turns. Tour buses are wide and sometimes cross the center line. If you see a bus approaching, slow down and move to the outer edge of your lane.

Wear layers. The temperature at the top can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than at sea level. A light jacket that you can stuff under the seat is essential.

Check your scooter's brakes before starting. Our scooters are maintained before every rental, but give the brakes a test squeeze before you begin the climb.

Fuel and Logistics

Fill up in Kotor before starting. There are no fuel stations on the serpentine or in Njeguši. The next fuel stop is in Cetinje, about 30 kilometers past the park entrance.

A 125cc scooter handles the climb well. The engine will work harder than on flat roads, but modern scooters are designed for this kind of terrain. The total round trip from Tivat is approximately 65 kilometers.

Best Time to Ride

May and June offer the best combination of warm weather and empty roads. The wildflowers along the roadside are a bonus. September and October are equally good, with clearer visibility and autumn colors beginning to appear.

Avoid July and August midday. The road gets busy with tour buses and the heat makes the climb less comfortable. If you must go in peak season, start before 8 AM.

The Return Trip

You have two options coming back. Retrace the serpentine for a completely different perspective going downhill, with the bay in front of you the entire way. Alternatively, continue through Lovćen National Park to Cetinje, the old royal capital, and return to the coast via a different road. This loop adds about 40 minutes but avoids repeating the serpentine.