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.
The Arkutbey Hills Walk in Hamamözü occupies the western corner of Amasya province at the foot of the Black Sea mountain ranges, approximately 75 kilometres west of Amasya city centre via Gümüşhacıköy. The walk begins near the Arkutbey Kaplıcası thermal spring complex in the village of Arkutbey, a destination known for its 40-degree mineral waters. No public transport serves the area; a private car is required for access.
Hill and forest tracks rise above the springs through pine, oak and mixed deciduous forest, climbing 200–400 metres above the starting altitude of approximately 690 metres. The total distance of 5–8 kilometres depends on the route taken; the shorter southern ridge circuit suits walkers with 2.5 hours available, while the longer forest loop extending north takes 3.5–4 hours. Trail surfaces are a mix of unmaintained dirt track, forest fire road and occasional rocky ridge path. The tracks are not formally waymarked; a downloaded GPS track or offline map is strongly recommended as the forest paths converge and diverge in ways that are confusing without navigation aid.
The terrain requires hiking boots and navigation awareness but does not involve technical scrambling or exposed ridges. The forest canopy provides good shade during the ascent. Water sources are unreliable above the springs, and at least 1.5–2 litres should be carried from the trailhead. Trail snacks are advisable as no facilities exist above the thermal complex.
After the walk, the Arkutbey Kaplıcası hot springs offer a natural recovery option. The thermal facility charges approximately 80–120 TL for bathing, and changing rooms and rest areas are available at the complex. The combination of upland walking and thermal bathing makes Arkutbey a distinctive half-day or full-day destination in western Amasya, particularly for visitors seeking an alternative to the city's heritage walking routes. The best season runs from May through October; the forest tracks can be muddy and slippery between November and April.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Arkutbey thermal area and surrounding hills, Hamamözü district, Amasya province
- Best season
- May-October
What to bring
- Hiking boots
- 1.5-2 litres of water
- Layers for changeable mountain weather
- Trail snacks
- Map or GPS track
Location
Arkutbey Kaplıcası, 05800 Hamamözü, Amasya, Turkey
40.7833, 35.0333 View on map
Highlights
- Pine and deciduous forest ridge walks with views over the Hamamözü valley and surrounding uplands
- Recovery soak at the Arkutbey Kaplıcası 40-degree mineral thermal springs after the walk
- Quiet, uncommercialised upland tracks away from Amasya's main tourist circuit
- Spring wildflower season in May on the south-facing ridge slopes above the thermal complex
- Combined walking and thermal bathing experience unique to the western Amasya highlands
Tips for visiting
- Download an offline GPS track before leaving Amasya; the forest paths are not waymarked and phone signal is weak in the upper forest
- Hiking boots are necessary as the mixed dirt and rocky ridge surface is too rough for trainers
- Carry 1.5–2 litres of water from the trailhead; there are no reliable water sources above the hot-spring complex
- Confirm the thermal facility opening hours before departure as seasonal schedules apply and closures occur on some weekdays in low season
- The drive from Amasya takes approximately 1.5 hours; starting by 08:30 allows a comfortable full-day outing including the thermal soak
When to visit
May to October is the practical walking season, with May offering wildflowers and October offering autumn forest colour. Summer weekends are popular for the thermal baths; arriving on a weekday avoids the main crowds at the spring complex.
Accessibility
The Arkutbey Kaplıcası thermal complex entrance area is accessible on foot from the car park. The hill and forest trails above the springs involve significant elevation gain on uneven unpaved tracks and are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Visitors with mobility impairments can enjoy the thermal facilities without attempting the walking trails.
Frequently asked questions
Are the trails officially waymarked?
No. The tracks are unmarked forest and agricultural roads. A GPS track downloaded in advance is strongly recommended for navigation, particularly in the upper forest where paths diverge without obvious landmarks.
Is the Arkutbey thermal spring included in the walk fee?
The walk itself is free; the thermal bathing facility charges a separate entry fee of approximately 80–120 TL per person, payable at the Arkutbey Kaplıcası complex.
What is the difficulty level of the walk?
The walk is rated moderate. The ascent of 200–400 metres over 5–8 kilometres requires sustained uphill effort but no scrambling or technical terrain. Hiking boots and basic navigation skills are required.
Can I visit Arkutbey without a car?
In practice, no. There is no scheduled bus or dolmuş service to Arkutbey from Amasya. A private car or taxi charter from Amasya city is the only practical option.
What wildlife might I encounter on the walk?
The deciduous and pine forest supports a range of woodland birds including woodpeckers and raptors. Wild boar signs are common on the lower tracks; encounters are rare but possible in early morning, so making noise on the trail is advisable.