Many of the Austro-Hungarian forts were built on the highest points around the Boka Kotorska between 1806 and 1918 and were connected by wonderfully constructed stone pathways. Most are located at stunning viewpoints, and this is no exception with fine views over the outer part of the Boka and the Adriatic. These structures had two purposes. Some defended the boundary between what was formerly land-locked Montenegro and the Austro-Hungarian empire, while others provided a defense against any attack from the sea, at a time when the Boka was an important naval harbour for the fleet. This particular fortress was known as Werk Traste, and once based 5 officers and 143 soldiers.
Park your car on the road to Bigova at the first waypoint, and follow the left hand trail via the various additional waypoints until you reach the fortress. As you explore, do be very careful as the flooring at the top of the stairs has collapsed and long since been removed. Nevertheless, with skill and determination, you can ascend the stone stairway to gain access to the passageway that leads to the various gun emplacements and an observation cupola. Try not to disturb the bats which you may meet in this part of the fort.
Gather some facts as you explore as you will need them later. What is the large Oven made of? Is it Brick (O=2) or Stone (O=4)? What is the number cast onto the underside of the second gun turret (N= )? How many steps are there up to the observation cupola (S= )?
Exciting as this fortress is, your adventure does not finish once you have explored the inside, as there is a quite unique feature for you to discover. Return a few metres back down the approach track to the fort, and then follow the narrow sloping pathway on the left hand side to the final waypoint about 200 m to the South. Here you will discover a collection of structures comprising the forward infantry base known as Stütspunkt Grabovac. These defenses were put in place in front of the fort because of an expected enemy infantry landing in Trašte Bay. Inside one of them, you will discover the entrance to a tunnel. This is where a torch is absolutely essential. Is the entrance made of iron (F=2) or stone (F=4). Use all the information gathered to determine the location of the cache and proceed down the tunnel carefully. You will be surprised to discover where the tunnel ends! With luck, you will see species of bats attached to the roof, and the Turkish Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus). Be careful not to disturb these creatures. The cache itself is located 10 metres from N42° 22.2(S-9)9' E18° 42.(O+5)(2F+1)(N-2)'. Please hide it carefully so that muggles will not spot it.
If you enjoyed this cache and want to learn more about these historic fortresses, check out "The Austro-Hungarian Fortresses of Montenegro - A Hikers Guide" This is available from Amazon Books, the "So Bookstore" in Herceg Novi or the "Forza Souvenir Shop" by the main gate in Kotor.
If you already have a copy, please post a photo holding it near the fortress!