
Akkaya Travertines (Akkayalar Travertenleri)
Discover Akkaya Travertines, a natural wonder near Bolu featuring unique fizzy mineral water springs and an accessible cave, perfect for picnics.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best weather and fewer crowds

Akkaya Travertines (Akkayalar Travertenleri)
Best Time
Best weather and fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Akkaya Travertines, a natural wonder near Bolu featuring unique fizzy mineral water springs and an accessible cave, perfect for picnics.
"Experience the unique, fizzy mineral water and explore the cave at Akkaya Travertines – a great value for groups!"

🚗 Car Entrance Fee
Entrance is per car, making it a bargain for groups! Check current prices upon arrival.
🔦 Cave Exploration Gear
Bring a torch or use your phone's flashlight to explore the cave's formations.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Fizzy Mineral Water Spring
Near the natural water spring
Experience the unique, fizzy mineral water that's rich in calcium. You can even try ayran made with it!

The Cave Exploration
Inside the cave
Discover interesting cave formations, large enough to walk around. Bring a torch or use your phone for better visibility.

Picnic and BBQ Areas
Designated picnic spots
Enjoy a family picnic or BBQ with free tables and chairs available. A great way to spend a leisurely day outdoors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Travertines
Understanding Entrance Fees & What's Included
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car Entrance Fee
Entrance is per car, making it a bargain for groups! Check current prices upon arrival.
🔦 Cave Exploration Gear
Bring a torch or use your phone's flashlight to explore the cave's formations.
💧 Try the Mineral Water
Don't miss tasting the unique, fizzy mineral water – it's an unforgettable experience!
🧺 Picnic & BBQ Ready
Pack a picnic or plan a BBQ; facilities are available and free to use.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car Entrance Fee
Entrance is per car, making it a bargain for groups! Check current prices upon arrival.
🔦 Cave Exploration Gear
Bring a torch or use your phone's flashlight to explore the cave's formations.
💧 Try the Mineral Water
Don't miss tasting the unique, fizzy mineral water – it's an unforgettable experience!
🧺 Picnic & BBQ Ready
Pack a picnic or plan a BBQ; facilities are available and free to use.
👃 Be Prepared for Smells
Some visitors note a strong smell, possibly from the mineral content or nearby activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Akkaya Travertines to be a pleasant natural spot, particularly praised for its unique fizzy mineral water and family-friendly picnic areas. While some find the travertines themselves less impressive and note a strong smell, the cave exploration and the overall value for groups make it a recommended stop.
"Recommended. It not far from Bolu town. Entrance fees is 105TL per car (pls see the price list for other) close at 7:00pm,the calcium pool was dry but the cave (bring the troch or phone it ok too)and view beautiful. Love the idea see a lot of people just come for picnic and BBQ with family. It is bargain if you devise the cost between friends. So I think it is reasonable price fees entrance."
Nat Diloklap Munday
"I REALLY loved it there! You only have to pay for entry and then you have access for everything inside free (except food & drink shops). There is a huge swimming pool, restaurants and cafe, photo corner, bbq grill place with free tables and chairs, a cave, and more....
I recommend you come here"
464 - Huthaifa Al Naddaf
"Spectacular views and some interesting cave formations - not deep but big enough to walk about in. Just make sure you take the right path. The travertines themselves are a bit disappointing, just a series of hollows around a wedding centre, and (on our visit anyway) very very smelly. Like somebody was burning manure. Take the little flight of stone steps down near the natural water spring. The wated, btw, is something else. Kind of fizzy with calcium. You can get ayran made with it too. Unvelievable. Absolute nectar."
CLIVE NAYLOR
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Akkaya Travertines (Akkayalar Travertenleri) is located a short drive from Bolu town. It's easily accessible by car, and many visitors opt to drive there for convenience.
Information on direct public transport is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access. Consider local taxi services if not traveling by car.
Traveling by car is the most convenient way to reach Akkaya Travertines, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas or travel with a group.
Yes, there are parking facilities available for visitors arriving by car. The entrance fee is typically per vehicle.
Akkaya Travertines is located in the Bolu region, which is a significant drive from Istanbul. It's often visited as a stopover or a day trip from nearby cities like Ankara or within the Bolu province itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is usually charged per car, making it an economical option for families and groups. Prices can vary, so it's best to check upon arrival.
The entrance fee typically grants access to most facilities, including the cave, BBQ areas, and general grounds. Food and drink from on-site shops are usually separate costs.
Akkaya Travertines generally closes around 7:00 PM. It's advisable to confirm the exact closing time before your visit, especially if planning an evening trip.
Advance booking is typically not required for Akkaya Travertines, as entry is usually paid upon arrival. The fee is per car.
No, the cave is generally included in the main entrance fee. You can explore its formations once inside the park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the unique mineral water spring, interesting cave formations, and well-equipped picnic and BBQ areas. The travertines themselves are a series of hollows.
The calcium pools can sometimes be dry, depending on the season. Visitors have noted them being dry during certain times of the year.
The water is known for being fizzy and rich in calcium, offering a unique mineral experience. It's described as 'something else' and 'absolute nectar' by visitors.
Yes, Akkaya Travertines offers designated areas with free tables and chairs for picnics and BBQs, making it a popular spot for families.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore the cave. Dress in layers as the weather can change.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes available on-site, offering food and drinks for purchase.
Absolutely! Akkaya Travertines is a popular spot for picnics and BBQs, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks.
While specific menus aren't detailed, expect typical Turkish fare. The unique offering is ayran made with the local mineral water.
Food and drinks from on-site shops are an additional cost beyond the entrance fee. Bringing your own picnic is a more budget-friendly option.
Specific dietary options are not widely detailed. It's recommended to bring your own food if you have strict dietary requirements or to inquire directly at the cafes/restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The mineral water spring, the cave entrance, and the surrounding green landscapes offer great photo opportunities. The travertines themselves, though hollows, can also be visually interesting.
Yes, especially during the golden hours of late afternoon. The unique mineral water and cave formations provide distinctive shots.
Late afternoons offer beautiful lighting, creating a golden hour effect. Mornings can also be good for softer light and fewer people.
For casual visitor photography, no permit is usually needed. For professional shoots, it's always best to inquire with the management beforehand.
Visitors often highlight the area around the natural water spring and the entrance to the cave as particularly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the travertines themselves might be less dramatic than expected, the overall experience of a day spent outdoors with ample space to roam and facilities for dining makes it a worthwhile family outing. The entrance fee per car also makes it an economical option for larger families.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there are on-site cafes and restaurants, opting for a packed lunch or BBQ allows you to enjoy the site's amenities without overspending. The natural attractions, like the mineral water spring and the cave, are included in the entrance fee, providing ample enjoyment without additional costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Mineral Water of Akkaya
While the travertines themselves are described as a series of hollows rather than dramatic formations, the mineral water is a consistent highlight. The temperature of the water can be surprisingly warm, even in colder months, though winter visits might be less visually rewarding due to snow cover. This unique water source is a testament to the geological activity in the region.
Exploring the Akkaya Cave
The cave provides a cool respite and an interesting contrast to the open-air travertines. It's a simple yet engaging addition to the site, offering a bit of adventure for all visitors. Remember to follow any marked paths to ensure safety and preserve the cave's natural state.
Family Fun: Picnics and BBQs
This focus on family-friendly amenities means you can easily spend several hours here. It’s a great opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors. While food and drinks from on-site vendors are available, bringing your own picnic is a popular and cost-effective choice, further enhancing the family outing experience.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit