Kaçkar Mountains: Absolute Essentials

The Kaçkar Mountains in Turkey’s Black Sea region feature dramatic alpine scenery, ranging from the tea-covered hills of Rize to high-altitude glacial lakes like Avusor. This selection covers historical landmarks such as the medieval Zilkale and the 18th-century Şenyuva Bridge, alongside natural sites like the Palovit and Gelin Tülü waterfalls. Visitors can explore the thermal springs of Ayder, the iconic lakeside mosque at Uzungöl, and the ancient fortifications of Rize Castle, showcasing the area’s unique blend of Pontic culture and rugged topography.

Zilkale

Zilkale is a medieval castle located in the Fırtına Valley within the Pontic Mountains, and is one of the most important historical…

Uzungöl Gölü ve Cami

A prominent lake surrounded by steep mountain slopes, featuring a distinctive white mosque with twin minarets on its shore.

İstanbul Pansiyon

Traditional-style guesthouse located in the Ayder Plateau, offering proximity to local hiking trails and thermal baths.

Rize Tea Plantations

Rize is the capital of Turkish tea growing. Visit the steep plantations and taste the local tea of which more than 150,000 tonnes a year is…

palovit falls

One of the highest-flow waterfalls in the Rize region, dropping 15 meters within the dense forests of the Fırtına Valley.

Karagöl

A landslide-dammed lake located within the Borçka Karagöl Nature Park, characterized by its dense surrounding forest and clear reflections.

Şenyuva Tarihi Köprü

An 18th-century Ottoman stone arch bridge spanning the Fırtına River. It measures 40 meters in length and stands 20 meters high.

Kurul Castle

An ancient hilltop settlement and archaeological site dating back to the reign of Mithridates VI, featuring ruins of walls and rock-cut stairs.

Rize castle

A medieval fortification consisting of an inner castle built in the 6th century and an outer castle dating to the 13th-century Genoese or Ottoman period.

Zeen Lounge Cafe

A lakeside establishment in Uzungöl serving a variety of international and Turkish dishes, featuring outdoor seating with views of the water.

Evvel Zaman

A restaurant in Rize city center specializing in traditional Black Sea cuisine and regional specialties served in a rustic setting.

Ayder Kaplıcaları

Thermal spring facility in the Ayder Plateau providing indoor pools with mineral-rich waters reaching temperatures up to 50°C.

Avusor gölü

A high-altitude glacial lake situated at approximately 2,700 meters, accessible via a trek from the Avusor Plateau.

Gelin Tülü Şelalesi

Named "Bridal Veil" for its thin, flowing appearance, this waterfall cascades down the slopes of the Ayder Plateau into the Fırtına Valley.

Agaran Waterfall

A multi-tiered waterfall located near Çayeli, featuring natural pools and steep rock faces surrounded by tea plantations.