Mount Srd sharply rises above Old City Dubrovnik, Croatia. The craggy mountain is capped with a large fortress, an enormous cross – both of which are visible from sea level, a war museum and a panoramic restaurant. From the top, visitors are treated to a stunning 360-degree view that is simply breath-taking. Visitors can spend a blissful day soaking in the beauty of the sea and this historic city in Croatia.
The Dubrovnik viewpoint stretches over the Adriatic Sea and across country borders. Ascending Srd Hill is one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia…and there are 4 convenient ways to get to there: Dubrovnik Cable Car, hiking trail, local bus or tour.
Mount Srd Dubrovnik History and Details
Mt. Srd Croatia is a Dubrovnik Must-See! Part of the Dinaric Alps mountain range, Srd rises to a height of 1,352 feet, overlooking the picturesque Pearl of the Adriatic. On clear days, views extend over the islands that dot the Adriatic Sea, allowing visitors to see 35 miles away to the Elafiti Islands.
However, it’s not just the views that entice visitors to soar to the summit; Mt. Srd has long protected Dubrovnik from invaders. Most recently, in the 1990s, the mountain played a strategic part in the Croatian War of Independence (also known as the Homeland War) and was the site of the Siege of Dubrovnik.
To help other travelers plan their excursion to the top of the Dubrovnik hill, we are sharing all of the specific details – from getting there to what to do at the top.
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How To Get To The Top of Srd Hill Dubrovnik
There are four popular ways to get to the top of Dubrovnik Mount Srd: The Mount Srd Cable Car, Dubrovnik hiking trails, local city bus and organized tour.
DUBROVNIK CABLE CAR
Mount Srd is most easily accessible by the Dubrovnik Cable Car (which is also referred to as the seilbahn, gondola, funicular, chair lift and ropeway). The Dubrovnik Cable Car Station sits just outside the city walls – and the ride to the summit is just a swift 3-minute journey.
The first cable car to the summit was built in 1969, however, it was destroyed in the early 1990s during the war. In 2010, the cable car was rebuilt, providing the quickest and easiest route to the summit.
After purchasing tickets, visitors hop into the modern cable car for the ride up. We suggest securing a spot by the rear window if possible so that you can watch the city shrink as you are whisked to the mountaintop. From the Upper Srd Cable Car Station, all summit attractions are accessible on foot, including the restaurant, viewing decks, cross, fort and museum.
The cable car ride is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik (it ranks as the second-most popular activity in the city after the Dubrovnik Walls). However, there are only two cars, each of which can only carry up to 30 passengers at a time. As such, during peak-season there will likely be long lines – especially between 9am and 11am, when it is busiest.
Dubrovnik Cable Car Price
The listed Dubrovnik Cable Car cost is current as of 2019.
Adult: Round Trip – 170 kuna; One Way – 90 kuna
Child (4-12 years): Rountrip: 60 kuna; One Way – 40 kuna
Child (0-4 years): Free
Dubrovnik Cable Car tickets can be purchased at the lower station with cash (local currency only) or credit card. Or purchase tickets in advance on Viator.
Dubrovnik Cable Car Opening Times
The cable car hours vary by month but opens every day at 9am. In the case of high winds and lightning, the cable car will temporarily halt operations.
- January: 9:00 to 16:00
- February, March: 9:00 to 17:00
- April: 9:00 to 20:00
- May: 9:00 to 21:00
- June, July, August: 9:00 to 24:00
- September: 9:00 to 22:00
- October: 9:00 to 20:00
- November: 9:00 to 17:00
- December: 9:00 to 16:00
Cable Car Station Dubrovnik Location
The Dubrovnik Cable Car Station is located at Ulica Kralja Petra Krešimira IV, 20000, Dubrovnik. You can get directions using this link to Google Maps. The station is just a short walk from the Old Town or a quick ride on Bus 8 from the main bus station at Port Gruz. (More about the city bus in a minute!)
HIKING DUBROVNIK: Mt. Srd Trail
Hiking around Dubrovnik is one of our favorite activities…and the Mount Srd walk is one of the most strenuous – and rewarding! – hikes in town. The trail begins above the city’s orange, tiled rooftops in a forest of evergreens then emerges onto the open hillside where a path of lengthy switchbacks leads to the summit.
Climbing Dubrovnik Mt. Srd
The Mount Srd walk from the trailhead to the summit is less than 1.5 miles. However, the uphill trail makes the climb feel much longer. Google Maps says the hike should only take about 30 minutes, but unless you are incredibly fit, we suggest allowing about an hour to get to the top.
The dirt path begins in the forest. Tall evergreen trees provide shade from the sun and block the noise of the road and city below. The scent of earth and fresh blossoms hang heavy in the air. Being completely surrounded in nature provides a peaceful start to the hike.
When the trail emerges from the forest, the footpath changes from a dirt path to a gravel track. The long switchbacks can clearly be seen zigzagging up the side of the mountain.
At each hairpin turn there is an artistic display of one of the 14 Stations of the Cross and wooden crosses are placed along the path, as well. The path is used for pilgrimages to the white cross on top of the hill during religious celebrations.
Portions of the trail are fairly easy to walk on, allowing hikers to gaze down at the Adriatic Sea and historic city, just keep an eye out for loose stones! With the shifting perspectives and the changing light, we were stopping every few minutes to snap more photos.
How To Get To The Trailhead
The trailhead is located northwest of the Old Town, across the main road, Jadranska Cesta. There are numerous routes that will lead to the trailhead. From the Pile Gate, you can follow these walking directions on Google Maps. Note: The trailhead is across the street from the end marker on the map. Unfortunately, Google Maps does not recognize the staircase that connects Stolacka Ulica to Jadranska Cesta.
Hiking Dubrovnik, Croatia: What You Will Need
You need to be prepared when hiking in Dubrovnik, Croatia!
Walking Shoes – Make sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes to make this trek – save the flip flops for the beach! Besides the incline, there are loose rocks on the trail that require decent shoes to get to the top. I like these shoes by Columbia and Kris prefers these by Merrell.
Water – Bring plenty of water with you. There are no refilling stations along the way – and much of the trail is exposed to the sun. A collapsible water bottle is ideal for travelers.
Sunscreen and Hat – The sun is strong in Croatia! Be sure to slather on the sunscreen and bring a wide-brimmed hat for extra sun protection.
Walking Poles – If you have hiking poles, bring them! Both the uphill and downhill climb is easier with a little stability!
Camera – Don’t forget your camera! The views from the hike are absolutely mesmerizing – and you will want to capture the sight. We use a Canon Rebel, but it can be a bit bulky for hikes. The slim Canon Powershot is a good, lightweight camera that takes quality photos.
Travel Insurance – We think travel insurance is essential on any trip – especially when hiking up mountainsides. Find travel insurance rates for your trip on World Nomads.
LOCAL BUS #17 TO MOUNT SRD
Another way to get close to the top of Mt. Srd is via local bus #17 to the mountain town of Bosanka. From there, it is just a short uphill trek to the Mount Srd summit (with incredible viewpoints along the way!).
The ride is less expensive than the cable car and a lot less difficult than the hike up from the Old Town. The bonus: the views from the bus are amazing. The bus route slowly climbs the mountain to the east of town, allowing for spectacular views over the sea (sit on the right side of the bus for the best scenery). Once inland, there are mountain views to the north as the bus travels through small villages to Bosanka.
Dubrovnik Bus 17 Details
The bus departs from Pile Gate at the small median in the center of the road across from the ticket booth. It takes about 25 minutes to get from Pile Gate to Bosanka. Note: Bus times and prices current as of 2019. Check the official bus website for current information.
Bus Tickets
Tickets can be purchased from the driver for 15 kuna (it’s best to have correct change). However, if you purchase tickets from the booth or tisak in advance, they are only 12 kuna. Additionally, there is an All-Day Ticket available for 30 kuna, which can only be purchased from the official ticket booth (at Pile Gate or Gruz Port). If you plan on riding more than 3 buses in one day, the All-Day Ticket is the best option.
Bus 17 Timetable
Departing Pile Gate: 9:15, 10:30, 11:40, 12:35, 13:35*, 14:45, 16:30, 18:30*, 19:30, 20:30, 21:30
Departing Bosanka: 7:15, 9:45, 11:05, 12:05, 13:05, 14:05*, 15:20, 17:10, 19:00*, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00
*Except on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.
Dubrovnik Cable Car Walk Down Combo! The cost of the Dubrovnik Cable Car increases each year. To save a little bit of money, but still get the experience, consider buying a one-way ticket for a Combination Dubrovnik Cable Car Hike. Ride the Srd Mountain cable car up, visit the sights at the summit, take in the aerial view of Dubrovnik, then enjoy a leisurely hike down the switchbacks to the city. This option works with the bus, too! Ride the bus to Bosanka, walk to the summit and follow the trail back down. We have taken both the cable car and the bus and walked back down – it’s actually our favorite way to experience Mount Srd…and it’s affordable, too!
Want more budget tips for Dubrovnik? Read our guide on Dubrovnik On A Budget!
ORGANIZED TOUR
Visitors who are short on time or would rather a professional guide lead the way have a few options for organized tours to the Mount Srd summit.
Dubrovnik Panorama Tour
The Panorama Tour is ideal for visitors who have limited time in Dubrovnik. Travel with a guide in an air-conditioned vehicle on a quick (but efficient!) 1.5-hour tour. See top sights, like the Imperial Fort on Mt. Srd, the Franjo Tudman Bridge and the River Ombla Spring. Get the details!
Combo Tour: Cable Car and City Walk
Designed as a shore excursion for cruise passengers, the Combo Cable Car and City Walk tour delivers the best of the city in just 3 hours. Ride the cable car to the summit, where you have an hour to explore and take in the views. Then follow your guide through the Old Town and learn about the history of the iconic walled city. Find out more!
Super Saver: Cable Car, City Walls, Walking Tour
Join a guided tour of three of the city’s top attractions: Cable Car, City Walls and Old Town Walking Tour. The half-day tour is led by a local guide who will give insight to the city and historic information. Check the price!
Cable Car Ride and Mount Srd Buggy Safari
Ride the cable car to the Mt. Srd summit then hop into a dune buggy for a ride through the countryside. Get a look at small villages, the coastline and forests while a professional guide navigates the buggy to the best spots! Book it now!
Taxi Hire
Just want a ride to the top? Visitors can hire a taxi from the Old Town to the top of Mt Srd. We heard it costs about 300 kuna, but it will depend on what you are asking the driver to do. Ask for approximate rates before getting in and convey to the driver what you expect (regarding waiting times, stops for photos, etc). Uber was also available at the time of our visit, but has been banned previously.
Dubrovnik Mountain Things To Do
Getting to the top of Mt. Srd is only half the fun – as there are many things to do once you reach the summit!
Panorama Restaurant Dubrovnik
The tiered Panorama Dubrovnik Restaurant has the best views of any restaurant in the city! The fine-dining restaurant menu features local cuisine and a range of beverages (you can just go for a drink!). Guests can find Panorama next to the Upper Cable Car Station. The opening hours are the same as the Dubrovnik Cable Car timetable (above). The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating – but it’s best to reserve ahead of time to ensure you get a seat with a view!
Fort Imperial (Imperial Fortress Dubrovnik)
Dubrovnik Fort Imperial – or Emperor’s Fort – was built from 1806-1812 under Napoleon’s rule. In the mid-1800s, the Austrians (the ruling empire of the region at the time), expanded the fortress as defense against the Ottoman Empire. During the Homeland War, which involved Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia and lasted from 1991 until 1995, the fort was used by Croatians to defend Dubrovnik.
Homeland War Museum Dubrovnik
Housed inside the fort is the Homeland War Museum. One of the best museums in Dubrovnik, Croatia, the war museum is dedicated to the history of the fort and recent war. Displays chronicle the history of the fort, the Serbian-Montenegrin attack on Dubrovnik, the Croatian Army victory and the effects of war on Dubrovnik and its people.
White Stone Cross
In 1935, the Archdiocese of Brac Island gifted the white stone cross to Dubrovnik. The cross, which is made from Brac’s famous stone, stood on the hill until 1991 when it was destroyed in the war (as was the cable car). The platform remained intact and a new cross was raised after the war; visitors can see the difference in the original stone and new cross.
Dubrovnik Views from Mount Srd
From the top of the hill there are numerous Dubrovnik lookout points – and we highly recommend visitors seek out the different viewpoints. At the cable car station, there are platforms with binoculars, which provide good views, but not the best!
We think the best viewpoints from Mount Srd are on either side of the cable car complex – past the cross on one side and past the fort on the other side. Both areas feature vast land and completely unobstructed views of Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island and beyond.
Looking inland to the southeast, views can stretch beyond borders (literally) to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro. It’s clear to see why the mountain was such a strategic location when the three countries were at war.
5 Dubrovnik Viewpoints for the Best Dubrovnik, Croatia Pictures
Picnic Lunch
One of the best ways to soak in the 360-degree views of Croatia’s coastline and the hills of BiH and Montenegro is to linger a picnic lunch. Stop at a grocery store or bakery before ascending the hill and find your perfect picnic spot!
The 6 Best Dubrovnik Beaches Near Old Town
We Want To Know: What is your favorite route to the top of Mount Srd? Give us your best tips and advice in the comments below!
MORE TO DO IN DUBROVNIK: A Guide of the Top Things To Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
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