Soğuksu National Park covers 1,300 hectares of beech, oak, and fir forest with marked hiking trails and mountain streams. Combine with a thermal spa visit at nearby Kızılcahamam hotels.
Soğuksu National Park, covering approximately 1,300 hectares of mixed beech, oak, and fir forest in the Kızılcahamam district of Ankara Province, provides the most substantial hiking terrain accessible from the Turkish capital. The park lies 80 km north of central Ankara on the edge of the northern Anatolian highlands, at elevations ranging from roughly 1,000 to 1,700 metres, and is characterised by clear mountain streams, dense forest canopy, and temperatures noticeably cooler than the open Ankara plateau even at the height of summer.
Marked hiking trails of varying length connect the park's main entrance gate with viewpoints, stream crossings, and forest clearings. A shorter, well-trodden loop near the entrance suits visitors with limited time or fitness; longer routes extending into the forest interior require 3–5 hours of walking and appropriate footwear for packed earth, loose stones, and occasional mud after rain. The trail network is suitable for moderately fit adults and older children comfortable on uneven terrain. No guide is required for standard day hikes. Overnight camping is not generally permitted within park boundaries without special authorisation from the Kızılcahamam park directorate.
The park entrance fee is approximately 50 TRY (~$1.50 USD), payable at the gate. Trail maps are distributed at the entrance and the park office can advise on current conditions and any temporary route closures. Hikers are advised to carry at least two litres of water per person; stream water should not be consumed without purification treatment. The forest altitude means temperatures drop sharply after sunset and during sudden weather changes, making an additional insulation layer advisable even on warm summer days.
Mobile network coverage exists near the park entrance but becomes patchy on longer routes into the forest interior. Emergency services in Kızılcahamam are reachable on the national emergency number 112. The visit pairs naturally with the thermal springs at Kızılcahamam town, where several hotels offer day-use bathing packages at 200–500 TRY — making a combined forest hike and thermal soak a popular full-day weekend itinerary from Ankara.
Activity facts
- Where
- Soğuksu National Park, Kızılcahamam, Ankara Province
Equipment
- Carry 2+ litres of water
- Sturdy trail footwear
- Park map available at entrance gate
Location
Soğuksu National Park, Kızılcahamam, Ankara Province
40.4713, 32.6479 View on map
Highlights
- 1,300 hectares of beech, oak, and fir forest with marked trails at 1,000–1,700 m elevation
- Mountain streams and forest clearings on trails ranging from 1-hour loops to 5-hour routes
- Low 50 TRY park entrance fee with trail maps available at the gate
- Forest temperatures significantly cooler than central Ankara even during midsummer
- Combine with Kızılcahamam thermal springs for a popular full-day excursion from the city
Tips for visiting
- Carry at least 2 litres of water per person — stream water requires purification treatment before drinking.
- Depart Ankara by 08:00 to allow time for hiking and an afternoon thermal soak before the 80 km return drive.
- Pack a light insulation layer even in summer; temperatures in the forest drop quickly when cloud moves in.
- Confirm trail conditions at the park gate before setting off on longer routes after recent heavy rain.
- Day-use thermal bathing at Kızılcahamam hotels typically costs 200–500 TRY — cash is generally required.
When to visit
May and June offer lush green forest canopy and comfortable hiking temperatures. September brings cooler air and the start of autumn foliage. Longer routes are best tackled in the morning to avoid any afternoon weather changes.
Accessibility
The park entrance has a car park, basic restrooms, and a flat picnic area accessible to most visitors. Hiking trails involve uneven terrain, inclines, and stream crossings not suitable for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility limitations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide to hike in Soğuksu National Park?
No guide is required for standard day hikes on marked trails. Trail maps are available at the park entrance gate, and the park office can advise on conditions. A guide is helpful for off-trail or longer forest routes.
How do I get to the park from Ankara?
Kızılcahamam is 80 km north of Ankara via the D-750 highway, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by private vehicle. Buses from Ankara's AŞTİ terminal serve Kızılcahamam, from where a short taxi ride reaches the park entrance.
Is camping allowed within the park?
Overnight camping is not generally permitted within park boundaries without advance authorisation from the Kızılcahamam park directorate. Day-use hiking with a return to Kızılcahamam or Ankara is the standard approach.
What is the difficulty level of the trails?
Most marked trails are moderate in difficulty: uneven terrain on packed earth and loose stone with occasional stream crossings. The entrance-area loop suits families with older children; longer forest routes require moderate fitness and sturdy footwear.
What are the opening hours and entrance fees?
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. The entrance fee is approximately 50 TRY (~$1.50 USD) per person, payable at the main gate. Fees may adjust seasonally; confirm with the park office on arrival.