Amasya is a historic city and province in north-central Turkey, set in a dramatic gorge on the Yeşilırmak river beneath the rocky heights of Mount Harşena. Known as the Şehzadeler Şehri, or City of Princes, where Ottoman heirs trained as provincial governors, Amasya is famous for its Pontic royal rock tombs carved into the cliffs, its riverside Ottoman timber mansions, and its sweet apples. The birthplace of the ancient geographer Strabo, it blends Hellenistic, Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman heritage in one of Turkey's most scenic provincial towns.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Mount Harşena Castle Trail from Yalıboyu
The signature walk of Amasya climbs from the Ottoman Yalıboyu houses on the Yeşilırmak up the flank of Mount Harşena to the ruined Harşena Kalesi, passing the Kral Kaya Mezarları, the Hellenistic rock-cut tombs of the kings of Pontus carved into the cliff. The summit gives the classic panorama over the river, the old town and the apple-orchard valley.
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2
Kral Kaya Tombs and Aynalı Mağara Walk
A heritage walk linking the floodlit Pontic royal rock tombs above the Yeşilırmak with the Aynalı Mağara, the Mirror Cave tomb whose polished facade gleams in the sun, on the northern side of the city. Steps and terraces connect the carved chambers, with views down over the old town and the river throughout.
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3
Borabay Lake Nature Park Loop
A landslide-dammed lake ringed by beech and pine forest, declared a nature park in 2014, with easy walking trails, picnic and camping areas and bungalows. The flat lakeside circuit suits relaxed hikers, while side paths climb into the surrounding woods of the Taşova highlands well away from the city.
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4
Ferhat Su Kanalı Heritage Walk
A gentle walk tracing the ancient Ferhat Su Kanalı, a rock-cut water channel from the late Hellenistic and early Roman period that once carried water some 25 km into the city, with tunnel sections and vaulted stretches carved into the cliff. The legend of Ferhat and Şirin is tied to the channel, which threads the green Yeşilırmak valley below Mount Harşena.
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5
Yedikır Dam Birdwatching Trails
Flat walking paths and picnic areas wrap the Yedikır reservoir, a wildlife protection area and one of only two white-pelican breeding sites in Turkey, recording well over 170 bird species. Easy trails along the embankment and reedbeds make this a gentle nature walk focused on birdwatching rather than climbing.
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6
Arkutbey Hills Walk, Hamamözü
Quiet hill and forest tracks rise above the Arkutbey hot springs in the wooded uplands of Hamamözü, the western corner of Amasya province at the edge of the Black Sea ranges. Walkers combine pine-scented ridge paths and picnic spots with a soak in the 40-degree mineral thermal waters that have drawn visitors here for centuries.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.