Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second-largest city, home to around 5.8 million people in the metropolitan area. Founded as the Republic's capital in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Ankara replaced Istanbul as the seat of government and grew rapidly throughout the 20th century. The city blends its ancient Hittite and Roman heritage with modernist Republican architecture and a vibrant contemporary urban scene. Anıtkabir — Atatürk's mausoleum — is the defining landmark, while the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations ranks among the world's finest archaeological collections. Ankara sits on the central Anatolian plateau at roughly 850 metres above sea level, giving it a continental climate with hot dry summers and cold snowy winters.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Eymir Lake Circuit Trail
A paved looped trail circumnavigating Eymir Lake through METU's forested campus land. The route is almost entirely flat, well-maintained, and suitable for all fitness levels including families with prams. Views across the reservoir are pleasant and birdlife is abundant.
Trailhead: Eymir Lake Main Entrance, Gölbaşı, Ankara
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2
METU (ODTÜ) Forest Trail
Middle East Technical University maintains extensive planted pine and cedar forests within its campus grounds. A network of trails loops through the woods with signed paths. The forest provides rare shade in summer and is exceptionally popular with Ankara residents for weekend walks. Access requires campus entry (free, passport or ID at gate).
Trailhead: METU South Gate, Ankara
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3
Kızılcahamam Forest Trails
The forested hills around Kızılcahamam (80 km north of Ankara) offer the best hiking terrain accessible from the city. Beech and oak forests with well-marked trails provide excellent half-day or full-day hikes. The area is part of the Soğuksu National Park. Several trails lead to panoramic viewpoints over the valley.
Trailhead: Kızılcahamam Town Centre, Ankara Province
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4
Beypazarı Valley Walk
A scenic walk through the Beypazarı valley east of the historic Ottoman town, with views of the terraced hills, old carrot fields, and fairy chimney-like rock formations. Combine with a visit to the town's bazaar and Ottoman mansions.
Trailhead: Beypazarı Town Centre
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5
Gordion Site Walk
A gentle walk across the Gordion archaeological site and around the Royal Tumulus field, where dozens of royal burial mounds from the Phrygian period dot the flat landscape. The Great Tumulus of King Midas is the highlight. The site covers a large open area on the Anatolian steppe.
Trailhead: Gordion Museum, Yassıhöyük, Polatlı
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6
Atatürk Forest Farm (AOÇ) Green Walk
An easy stroll through the green lanes and orchard paths of Atatürk Forest Farm. The 16,000-hectare farm has well-signed paths through fruit orchards, vineyards, and forested areas. Not demanding hiking but a pleasant green escape within city limits.
Trailhead: AOÇ Main Gate, Yenimahalle, Ankara
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.