Hike or cable car to Mount Srd? Dubrovnik’s best viewpoint

Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Croatia’s most beautiful cities, is known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Among the city’s many attractions, Mount Srd is a must!

Part of the Dinaric Alps mountain range, Srd towers 412 meters above the city, offering spectacular views of the Dalmatia coastline and Adriatic Sea. Especially at sunset.

As the sun slowly descends below the horizon, the sky transforms into a breathtaking canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a warm glow over the Old Town’s orange roofs.

However, it’s not just the views that attract visitors, Mt. Srd has protected Dubrovnik from invaders for centuries. Most recently, in the 90s.

To help you get the most out of your visit to this famous Dubrovnik viewpoint, I’m sharing the 7 ways to get to the top of Mount Srd, whether or not the cable car is worth it, how strenuous the hike actually is and what to see while you’re there.

How to get to the top of Mt. Srd?

Mount Srd is easily accessible, making it convenient for all visitors. You can choose to hike, take the Dubrovnik Cable Car for a quick and scenic ride, or drive up for a leisurely experience. Public buses also run regularly, as well as guided tours.

Hike

Can you walk up to Mt. Srd? Yes, you can!

If you feel like staying active, hiking to the summit of Mount Srd is a rewarding experience. The well-maintained hiking trail winds through lush Mediterranean vegetation and offers stunning views at every turn.

I was told it would take between 30-40 minutes to reach the top, well it took me 1 hour and 15 minutes. Make it closer to 90 minutes if you want to stop for photos along the way.

To be fair, I’m not in the best shape and had to stop for water breaks every 10 minutes. While other people whisked past us. Even in late October, I was drowning in sweat. So I can’t even begin to imagine doing the hike in summer.

I recommend hiking to the top of Mt. Srd early in the morning or the afternoon. We started around 4:30 pm but should have gone earlier because it got dark quickly at this time of year. You don’t need hiking boots, I did it in a dress and trainers.

This is the start of the hiking route. Just follow the stone staircases going straight up from the Old Town and you’ll soon see small blue and yellow arrows pointing you in the right direction.

Or just search for “Staza Prema Utvrdi Imperial” on Google Maps, it was very easy to find. We stayed in a gorgeous apartment halfway between the Old Town and the trailhead, making the walk up a little less daunting.

If I’d had to walk up all the stairs before even starting the hike, it would have been a struggle for me.

The trail starts as a dirt path and then goes over to a steeper stone path in the forest. It was a peaceful escape from the busy city.

When you get above the tree line, the path becomes a mix of dirt and gravel with some big loose rocks. So be careful, I slipped a few times. Also, there’s no shade, so bring enough water.

The trail consists of 15 hairpin turns to make the climb easier. Each switchback is decorated with a copper slab depicting religious imagery. You’ll also see wooden crosses along the path. Because of this, the hike is often called “the Way of the Cross”, as it’s supposed to symbolize Jesus’ journey.

What I wish I had known was that I should stop and get photos of myself with the view on the way up. I waited until I got to the top, which was a mistake. Not only was it almost dark, but very crowded. And many areas I would have liked to shoot from were fenced off.

📸 Pro tip >> So take your time getting photos on your way up and then head in the opposite direction of the main viewpoint. Meaning, you go left when you get to the top. This area is more open and perfect for a photo shoot, you can see all the Elaphiti Islands.

Once we reached the top we realized that walking down on the slippery rocks in the dark would not be a great option, so we opted for the cable car.

Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car

One of the most popular and convenient ways to get to the top of Mount Srd is by taking the iconic Dubrovnik Cable Car. The cable car journey offers a scenic ride, providing panoramic views of the Old Town and the surrounding islands, though it only lasts a few minutes.

After deciding we wouldn’t be walking back down, we bought two tickets from the souvenir shop next to the cable car entrance. Even at dusk on a weekday in October, the cart was pretty full. So I can imagine it gets crazy during the summer months.

Also if you’re short, I think it can be hard to see out unless you get a spot by the window.

The views are beautiful, however, the experience wasn’t spectacular. It is a quick way to get up and down and I’m glad we did it.

But if you’re on a strict budget, skipping the cable car doesn’t take away from the Mount Srd experience. The view from the top of the cable cars going up and down was the highlight for me.

Pro tip >> You can go to the top of the cable car building to enjoy the view, even if you’re not taking the cable car.

Dubrovnik Cable Car Location

The Dubrovnik Cable Car Station is located on Ulica Kralja Petra Krešimira IV 10A, just a short walk from the Old Town. You can’t miss it. Bus no. 8 also stops close by, you can take it from the main Dubrovnik bus station at Port Gruz.

Take the bus

The most budget-friendly way to reach Mount Srd is bus no. 17. It doesn’t take you all the way to the top, but stops in Bosanka, just a short uphill walk away. The bus ride is a scenic journey that allows you to sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

Buses depart from Pile Gate, the median in the middle of the road, and take about 30 minutes. Check the Libertas Site for the current timetable.

Tickets can be purchased on the bus by contactless card or cash for €2.5. 24-hour tickets are also available for €5.31. Public transport is included if you get the Dubrovnik Pass, which I highly recommend.

By car or taxi

If you have a car, the winding road to the summit offers several viewpoints where you can stop and admire the incredible views. There’s a large parking lot next to the fort.

Alternatively, you can get a taxi, just make sure to ask about the price before you get in. And whether or not the driver can wait for you. I heard someone say they paid €40, but I guess it depends on the company. Uber is also available in Dubrovnik.

What to do at the top of Mount Srd

The main draw of Mount Srd is its panoramic views. But there are also some other things to see and do at the top.

Homeland War Museum

Housed within Fort Imperial on Mount Srd, the Homeland War Museum is one of Dubrovnik’s top attractions, dedicated to the history of the fort and the Croatian War of Independence.

The fort played a significant role during the conflict in the 1990s, and its museum offers a poignant look at this turbulent period.

Through a moving photo essay, original documents, video and weapons, the exhibits detail the events of the Civil War from 1991 to 1995. The visible damage from the war enhances the emotional weight of the displays.

Entrance fee: Adult €5, reduced €3, children under 7 free.

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday
8:30 am – 10:00 pm (April 1 – September 30)
9:00 am – 8:00 pm (October)
9:00 am – 5:00 pm (November 1 – March 31)

Fort Imperial

Constructed between 1806 and 1812 by the French during the Napoleonic Wars, this strategic fortress was designed to protect the city from potential invasions. In the mid-1800s, the Austrians, who ruled the region at the time, expanded the fortress as a defense against the Ottoman Empire.

White Stone Mt. Srd Cross

The tall Stone Cross sits at the center of the main viewpoint in front of Panorama Restaurant. In 1935, the Archdiocese of Brac Island gifted the white stone cross to Dubrovnik. The cross, made from Brac Island stone, was erected in 1999 after the original cross was destroyed in the Homeland War.

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