Erzurum Turkey Travel Guide
Nearby locations within day-trip distance offer diverse experiences, from natural wonders to historical sites. Tortum Waterfall and Lake provide a stunning natural escape. Narman Fairy Chimneys offer an unique geological landscape. For snow sports enthusiasts, Sarıkamış Ski Resort in Kars Province is an option.
Transportation options for each destination vary. Tortum Waterfall and Lake and the Narman Fairy Chimneys are best reached via private car or taxi. Organized tours can be organized through local travel agencies in Erzurum. Sarıkamış is accessible by bus, train (East Express), or private car. An organized tour is an uncomplicated way for destinations like Tortum and Narman, as public transit choices are limited. Guided trips generally include getting around and a guide, simplifying logistics. Independent travel offers more flexibility but calls for self-organization for transport, often involving a rental car or taxi. A trip to Tortum Waterfall and Lake typically spans a half-day to a full day. You can combine it with a visit to Tortum Lake. The Narman Fairy Chimneys also span a half-day trip and are combinable with Tortum if you start early. Sarıkamış requires a full-day trip, especially for skiing. The town itself also contains historical significance.
The Erzurum region features various natural escapes, with scenic landscapes plus possibilities for outdoor enjoyment.
Tortum Gölü (Tortum Lake) is a sizable natural lake made by a landslide. It feeds into the Tortum Waterfall, creating a dramatic landscape. The area is for picnicking and enjoying nature. Tortum Şelalesi (Tortum Waterfall) is among the country of turkey's largest waterfalls, standing 48 meters high.
The Narman Peri Bacaları (Narman Fairy Chimneys) present unique red-colored geological formations. These are created by wind and water erosion, forming a singular "red valley" that rivals Cappadocia's famous formations in beauty.
Cultural excursions extend beyond Erzurum city, revealing more of the region's historical depth and rural traditions.
Sarıkamış holds historical significance related to the Ottoman-Russian War (1914-1915). You find monuments and remnants of the battlefields here, providing a look at a significant period in Turkish history.
Many small, traditional villages dot the Erzurum landscape. A drive through these areas provides a look into a slower, more traditional way of everyday life.
The Erzurum region's historical sites focus on architectural, military, and cultural heritage.
For a streamlined experience of Erzurum's cultural and natural highlights, consider booking an organized day trip. Local operators Offer a variety of excursions.
Erzurum serves as an excellent starting point for longer regional travel, for combining it with other alluring locations in Eastern Anatolia or the Euxine Sea region.
Explore Kars for its architecture and local cheese. Visit the ancient Armenian city ruins of Ani, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Trabzon urban, the iconic Sumela Monastery, and the lush green highlands (yaylas) of the Black Sea region.
See Lake Van, Akdamar Island with its historic church, and Van Castle for an in-depth Eastern Turkey experience.
