Sorry, no claim packages available. Please, contact the site administrator.
Artvin, Turkiye
Artvin: Nature’s Fortress on the Black Sea Mountains
Nestled on the steep hillsides above the mighty Çoruh River and overlooking the Deriner Dam, Artvin is one of Türkiye’s most unique cities—rich in natural beauty, layered history, and deep-rooted traditions. Located just 30 km from the Black Sea and bordering Georgia, Artvin offers travelers breathtaking landscapes, ancient castles, highland festivals, and a strong sense of cultural identity that blends Anatolian, Georgian, Armenian, and Ottoman legacies.
A Glimpse into Artvin’s History
Artifacts unearthed in the region date back to the Bronze Age, pointing to ancient civilizations like Colchis and Greater Armenia. Throughout its turbulent history, Artvin has seen the rise and fall of Georgian principalities, Seljuk beyliks, the Ottoman Empire, Russian occupation, and finally, its integration into modern Türkiye under the Treaty of Kars in 1921.
From the medieval Georgian fortress in the city center to the 19th-century Ottoman mosques, Artvin’s past is visible at every turn. The city also holds ecclesiastical significance, once serving as the seat of an Armenian Catholic diocese.
Top Attractions in Artvin
Karagöl-Sahara National Park: A stunning highland park near Şavşat with lush forests, wildflowers, and alpine lakes, perfect for nature lovers.
Kafkasör Plateau: Known for its annual culture festival and bull wrestling, this plateau offers cool weather, panoramic views, and traditional yayla (highland) life.
Artvin Castle (Livane Castle): Dating back to 937 AD, this hilltop fortress provides sweeping views over the valley.
Hatila Valley National Park: A paradise for hiking and canyoning, featuring one of the world’s deepest canyons.
Double-arched Ottoman Bridges: Scattered throughout the province, these elegant stone bridges reflect centuries-old engineering.
Şavşat and Macahel Villages: These remote, fairytale-like villages are part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and showcase traditional wooden houses and pristine landscapes.
Culinary Highlights of Artvin
Artvin’s cuisine is influenced by its mountain climate and multicultural heritage:
Laz Böreği: A sweet layered pastry made with custard and phyllo, despite its name suggesting something savory.
Kuymak (Mıhlama): A rich cornmeal and cheese dish popular in Black Sea regions.
Hamsili Pilav: Anchovy-stuffed rice, combining fish with nuts, herbs, and spices.
Silor: Rolled yufka bread soaked in yogurt and butter, a hearty highland staple.
Mısır Ekmeği (Cornbread): Often served with soups and cheeses.
Festivals and Culture
Kafkasör Culture and Arts Festival: Held every summer on the Kafkasör Plateau, this vibrant event includes traditional music, dance, local crafts, and the famous boğa güreşi (bull wrestling).
Şavşat Sahara Festival: A celebration of mountain life, showcasing folk dances, sports, and local products.
Tulip Festival in Borçka-Karagöl: Celebrating the blooming season in one of Türkiye’s most scenic mountain lakes.
Nature and Adventure
Artvin’s mountainous terrain and unspoiled wilderness make it ideal for:
Trekking and Hiking: Trails abound in Şavşat, Borçka, and Yusufeli.
Rafting on Çoruh River: One of the world’s top white-water destinations, the river is also the site of international rafting competitions.
Wildlife Watching: Look out for brown bears, Caucasian black grouse, and endemic butterflies in Artvin’s protected areas.
How to Get There
By Air: The nearest airport is in Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV), around 2 hours by car from the city center.
By Bus: Regular long-distance buses run from cities like Trabzon, Erzurum, and Ankara.
By Car: A scenic route through winding mountain roads, especially beautiful via the coastal highway from Hopa.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Artvin is between May and October, when the weather is pleasant for trekking, festivals are in full swing, and nature is at its most colorful. Winters are snowy and suitable for those seeking a peaceful highland retreat.
Artvin, Turkiye
Artvin: Nature’s Fortress on the Black Sea Mountains
Nestled on the steep hillsides above the mighty Çoruh River and overlooking the Deriner Dam, Artvin is one of Türkiye’s most unique cities—rich in natural beauty, layered history, and deep-rooted traditions. Located just 30 km from the Black Sea and bordering Georgia, Artvin offers travelers breathtaking landscapes, ancient castles, highland festivals, and a strong sense of cultural identity that blends Anatolian, Georgian, Armenian, and Ottoman legacies.
A Glimpse into Artvin’s History
Artifacts unearthed in the region date back to the Bronze Age, pointing to ancient civilizations like Colchis and Greater Armenia. Throughout its turbulent history, Artvin has seen the rise and fall of Georgian principalities, Seljuk beyliks, the Ottoman Empire, Russian occupation, and finally, its integration into modern Türkiye under the Treaty of Kars in 1921.
From the medieval Georgian fortress in the city center to the 19th-century Ottoman mosques, Artvin’s past is visible at every turn. The city also holds ecclesiastical significance, once serving as the seat of an Armenian Catholic diocese.
Top Attractions in Artvin
Karagöl-Sahara National Park: A stunning highland park near Şavşat with lush forests, wildflowers, and alpine lakes, perfect for nature lovers.
Kafkasör Plateau: Known for its annual culture festival and bull wrestling, this plateau offers cool weather, panoramic views, and traditional yayla (highland) life.
Artvin Castle (Livane Castle): Dating back to 937 AD, this hilltop fortress provides sweeping views over the valley.
Hatila Valley National Park: A paradise for hiking and canyoning, featuring one of the world’s deepest canyons.
Double-arched Ottoman Bridges: Scattered throughout the province, these elegant stone bridges reflect centuries-old engineering.
Şavşat and Macahel Villages: These remote, fairytale-like villages are part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and showcase traditional wooden houses and pristine landscapes.
Culinary Highlights of Artvin
Artvin’s cuisine is influenced by its mountain climate and multicultural heritage:
Laz Böreği: A sweet layered pastry made with custard and phyllo, despite its name suggesting something savory.
Kuymak (Mıhlama): A rich cornmeal and cheese dish popular in Black Sea regions.
Hamsili Pilav: Anchovy-stuffed rice, combining fish with nuts, herbs, and spices.
Silor: Rolled yufka bread soaked in yogurt and butter, a hearty highland staple.
Mısır Ekmeği (Cornbread): Often served with soups and cheeses.
Festivals and Culture
Kafkasör Culture and Arts Festival: Held every summer on the Kafkasör Plateau, this vibrant event includes traditional music, dance, local crafts, and the famous boğa güreşi (bull wrestling).
Şavşat Sahara Festival: A celebration of mountain life, showcasing folk dances, sports, and local products.
Tulip Festival in Borçka-Karagöl: Celebrating the blooming season in one of Türkiye’s most scenic mountain lakes.
Nature and Adventure
Artvin’s mountainous terrain and unspoiled wilderness make it ideal for:
Trekking and Hiking: Trails abound in Şavşat, Borçka, and Yusufeli.
Rafting on Çoruh River: One of the world’s top white-water destinations, the river is also the site of international rafting competitions.
Wildlife Watching: Look out for brown bears, Caucasian black grouse, and endemic butterflies in Artvin’s protected areas.
How to Get There
By Air: The nearest airport is in Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV), around 2 hours by car from the city center.
By Bus: Regular long-distance buses run from cities like Trabzon, Erzurum, and Ankara.
By Car: A scenic route through winding mountain roads, especially beautiful via the coastal highway from Hopa.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Artvin is between May and October, when the weather is pleasant for trekking, festivals are in full swing, and nature is at its most colorful. Winters are snowy and suitable for those seeking a peaceful highland retreat.