Kızılcahamam Soğuksu National Park
A serene national park with lush forests, diverse wildlife, and therapeutic hot springs, offering hiking and relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather for hiking
Kızılcahamam Soğuksu National Park
Best Time
Mild weather for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene national park with lush forests, diverse wildlife, and therapeutic hot springs, offering hiking and relaxation.
"Relax and breathe away from the city, during the cold weather make sure to wear enough thermal clothes."
Pack Warm Layers 🧥
Even in cold weather, thermal clothes are essential for comfort.
BBQ Areas Available 🍢
Enjoy a picnic or BBQ in designated areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hiking Trails
Explore well-marked paths through a beautiful, safe forest at 975m altitude. Perfect for trekking and enjoying nature.
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for bears, wolves, and vultures in their natural habitat. A thrilling experience for nature enthusiasts.
Mineral Hot Springs
Discover the therapeutic benefits of natural hot springs, perfect for relaxation and wellness.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Ascend to the summit for stunning, breathtaking views over the forest and mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Trail Status Before You Go
Embrace the Thermal Springs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Warm Layers 🧥
Even in cold weather, thermal clothes are essential for comfort.
BBQ Areas Available 🍢
Enjoy a picnic or BBQ in designated areas.
Check Trail Status ⚠️
Trails can close due to fire restrictions; verify before visiting.
Consider a Spa Stay 🏨
Combine park visits with a relaxing stay at a thermal hotel.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Warm Layers 🧥
Even in cold weather, thermal clothes are essential for comfort.
BBQ Areas Available 🍢
Enjoy a picnic or BBQ in designated areas.
Check Trail Status ⚠️
Trails can close due to fire restrictions; verify before visiting.
Consider a Spa Stay 🏨
Combine park visits with a relaxing stay at a thermal hotel.
Affordable Entry Fee 🎟️
Access pass is reasonably priced at 10 TL.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kızılcahamam Soğuksu National Park for its beautiful, safe forest environment and the therapeutic benefits of its natural hot springs. Many recommend it as a relaxing retreat from the city, ideal for hiking and family outings. However, some have experienced disappointment due to unexpected trail closures due to fire restrictions, highlighting the need to check park status beforehand.
"Beautiful park. Unfortunately the tails are closed currently due to fire restrictions. Would have been nice to see on their website before we drove 1.5 hours. But, we will return when it’s open again for hiking."
Noah Vaughan
"Relax and breathe away from the city, during the cold weather make sure to wear enough thermal clothes. There is area for BBQ 🍖, avoid late visits after sunset. Family friendly and Access pass with 10 TL"
A K
"If you like walking and trekking in a beautiful and safe forest area, this is the ideal place to go.The forest park, situated at an altitude of 975 m (3,200 ft), has picnic places and well-marked hiking trails, and offers a relaxing retreat from the city.The region’s many natural hot mineral springs have been developed to create spa resorts. One of the best of these is Kızılcahamam. Of all the thermal spas scattered around Ankara, it is also the most suited to tourists. There are comfortable hotels and other facilities for visitors who want to stay for a few days. Some treatments involve not only bathing in, but also drinking, the mineral-rich waters, which contain bicarbonate, chloride, sodium and carbon dioxide"
JUZER KAPADIA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is approximately a 60-minute drive from the center of Ankara. You can drive or consider local transport options. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for potential forest roads.
The park is well-signposted once you are in the Kızılcahamam region. Follow signs for 'Soğuksu Milli Parkı'.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination, offering a refreshing escape from the city.
There are designated parking areas within the park, though they can get busy during peak times.
While driving is most common, local buses may run to Kızılcahamam town, from where you might need a taxi or local shuttle to the park entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The access pass is affordably priced at 10 TL per person.
The park is generally open year-round, but it's advisable to avoid late visits after sunset for safety reasons.
Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance, and advance booking is usually not required.
During dry seasons, fire restrictions may be in place, leading to trail closures. Always check the park's status beforehand.
Parking is usually included with the park entry fee, but it's best to confirm upon arrival.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking on well-marked trails, wildlife spotting, picnicking, and relaxing by the natural hot springs.
Yes, the park offers a variety of trails, including some that are suitable for beginners and families.
The park is home to wildlife such as bears, wolves, and vultures, offering opportunities for observation.
Yes, the park provides picnic areas and facilities for visitors to enjoy their day.
The park is family-friendly, offering safe walking paths and natural beauty for children to explore.
🍽️ 🏨 Accommodation & Dining
There are thermal hotels and bungalow accommodations available in and around Kızılcahamam, offering a comfortable stay.
While dining options inside the park are limited, the town of Kızılcahamam has restaurants and cafes. Some accommodations offer meal packages.
Yes, there are designated areas for BBQs, making it a great spot for a picnic.
Many thermal hotels in Kızılcahamam offer direct access to the natural hot mineral springs.
Prices can vary, with options like bungalows costing around 4,000-5,000 TL for two people on weekends, including breakfast.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the mountain offers stunning panoramic views, and the lush forest trails provide beautiful natural scenery.
Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you might capture images of the park's diverse wildlife.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful atmospheric shots, especially in the forest.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and maintain visitor experience. Check park regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light forest shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
🧘 Wellness Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural Wonders
Beyond its forests, the region is famous for its natural hot mineral springs. These waters are rich in bicarbonates, chlorides, sodium, and carbon dioxide, and are believed to have therapeutic properties. Visitors can enjoy not only bathing in these springs but also drinking the mineral-rich water. The development of these springs has led to the creation of several spa resorts in the area, offering a holistic wellness experience.
For those seeking panoramic vistas, a climb to the summit of the mountain within the park rewards visitors with breathtaking views over the vast expanse of the forest and surrounding landscape.
Planning Your Stay: Accommodation & Amenities
While the park itself has picnic areas and BBQ spots, dining options are more concentrated in the town of Kızılcahamam. You can find local restaurants and cafes offering Turkish cuisine. Some hotels also provide meal packages, which can be a good option if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the park or enjoying spa treatments.
Practical amenities within the park include designated picnic spots and BBQ areas, encouraging visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit