A scenic low-level walk following the historic Baghdad Railway alignment to the 99 m German-built Varda Viaduct, made famous by the film Skyfall, set above the green Çakıt gorge near Karaisalı.
The Varda Viaduct Gorge Walk traces the alignment of the historic Baghdad Railway through the dramatic Çakıt gorge near Karaisalı in Adana province. The walk begins at Hacıkırı village, accessible by train on the Adana–Konya line or by car from Karaisalı town centre. Roadside parking is available at the village; no permit is required.
The route covers approximately 5 km round trip with around 150 m of gentle undulation along the old railway bed. The surface is primarily compacted gravel and rock, with some open sections requiring care near the gorge edge. Shade is limited along the exposed viaduct section but the forested gorge walls provide partial cover in the lower stretches.
The centrepiece is the 99-metre-high Varda Viaduct, a steel-arch railway bridge completed by German engineers in 1912 and later used as a filming location for the James Bond film Skyfall. Views from the approach path look straight down into the green Çakıt River rushing below. Walkers can reach the viewing platform directly opposite the arch before returning the same way; crossing the active railway track is restricted and must not be attempted.
Beyond the viaduct viewing point, the gorge narrows and the riverside path offers close-up views of the water threading between limestone walls. There are no refuge huts or formal water sources on the route; carrying at least 1.5 litres is essential. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, avoiding the extreme Adana summer heat and the risk of flash floods that can funnel rapidly through the Çakıt gorge during winter rain events.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Hacıkırı, Karaisalı, Adana province
- Best season
- March to May and October to November
What to bring
- Walking shoes
- 1.5 litres of water
- Sun protection
- Camera
- Light snack
Location
Hacıkırı Köyü, Karaisalı, 01770 Adana, Türkiye
37.2430, 34.9768 View on map
Highlights
- The 99 m German-engineered Varda Viaduct (1912) viewed from the canyon floor below — a Bond film location
- Walk along the historic Baghdad Railway alignment through the Çakıt limestone gorge
- Close views of the Çakıt River threading through narrow gorge walls
- Train access directly to Hacıkırı village from Adana on the Adana–Konya main line
Tips for visiting
- Trains on the Adana–Konya line stop at Hacıkırı; check current timetables at Adana Garı before travelling
- Arrive before 10:00 in summer to avoid peak heat in the exposed gorge sections
- Do not attempt to cross the active railway bridge; viewing is from the opposite bank only
- Spring (March–May) brings wildflower colour along the gorge slopes and cooler walking temperatures
- Carry at least 1.5 litres of water; no kiosks or reliable springs exist on the route
When to visit
March to May and October to November offer the most comfortable temperatures for the walk, with mild conditions and green gorge scenery. Summer midday heat in the Adana region regularly reaches 40 °C; early-morning starts before 09:00 are advisable for any June to September visit.
Accessibility
The trail follows a rough gravel railway bed with sections of exposed rock and uneven ground; it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Visitors with limited mobility may observe the viaduct from a roadside pull-off near Hacıkırı village without entering the gorge.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors walk across the Varda Viaduct?
No. The Varda Viaduct carries an active railway line and is not open to pedestrians. The walk follows the opposite bank of the gorge to view the structure from below.
Is there parking at the trailhead?
Roadside parking is available at Hacıkırı village, the closest point to the viaduct by car. The village is reached via Karaisalı on the D-400 highway.
Are there flash-flood risks in the gorge?
The Çakıt gorge can flood rapidly after heavy rain, particularly between November and February. Weather forecasts should be checked before visiting, and the gorge floor must be avoided in wet conditions.
Where can meals or refreshments be found nearby?
Small tea houses operate in Karaisalı town centre, approximately 15 km from the trailhead. There are no facilities at the viaduct itself, so walkers should carry food and water.