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.
The Atatürk Forest Farm (Atatürk Orman Çiftliği, abbreviated AOÇ) Green Walk is a 5-kilometre stroll through one of Ankara's largest and most historically significant green spaces, located in the Yenimahalle district on the western edge of the city. The farm was established personally by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1925 as a model agricultural enterprise and now functions as a public park, heritage site, and working farm covering approximately 16,000 hectares.
The AOÇ Main Gate on Akay Road in Yenimahalle is the primary access point. Metro line M3 (Batıkent–Kızılay) stops at Beştepe, within comfortable walking distance of the main gate. EGO bus line 136 also serves the farm entrance. Entry to the farm grounds is free, and parking is available near the main gate. No permit or identification is required.
The walk follows well-signed paved and gravel farm roads through fruit orchards, vineyard plots, experimental agricultural fields, and planted woodland strips. The terrain is essentially flat throughout with just 10 metres of cumulative elevation gain, and the route has no technical difficulty whatsoever. Signage is clear and the paths are wide enough for bicycles and families walking abreast.
Key features along the route include the fruit orchard sections that bloom white and pink in April and May — one of the most striking seasonal spectacles within Ankara city limits. The vineyard plots produce grapes for the on-site AOÇ Brewery, which continues to produce beer and dairy products following the original Atatürk model. Ornamental ponds and waterway channels run through the farm's interior, attracting wildfowl. The Atatürk Farm Museum at the main complex contains farming machinery and historical exhibits from the early Republican period, and the brick brewery and farm buildings represent distinctive early Republican architectural style.
Visitor facilities are extensive: multiple cafés and restaurants serve food and drinks throughout the farm, including the historic AOÇ restaurant near the main entrance. Toilet facilities are distributed across the site at regular intervals. A miniature railway operates seasonally within the grounds and is popular with families. The site operates year-round and is one of Ankara's most visited day-trip destinations for local residents.
Trail facts
- Best season
- April–June for blossom; September for harvest atmosphere
- Terrain
- Paved and gravel farm roads
Highlights
- Fruit orchards in bloom (spring)
- Vineyard paths
- Farm museum
- Ponds and waterways
Tips for visiting
- Spring (April to May) is the best time to visit for the fruit orchards in blossom — the orchard paths are particularly striking when trees are in full flower.
- The AOÇ Brewery and dairy shop near the main entrance sells farm-produced beer, yoghurt, and cheese that make good souvenirs of the visit.
- Bring a picnic — the shaded benches and lawns inside the farm are ideal picnic spots and are very popular with Ankara families on weekends.
- The miniature railway operates on weekends and is popular with children; expect queues of 20–30 minutes on busy afternoons in spring.
- The inner farm areas beyond the tourist complex are quieter and offer a more genuine agricultural atmosphere; walking deeper into the orchard and vineyard sections rewards those who venture further.
When to visit
Spring (April to May) is the most popular season, when fruit orchards bloom and temperatures are mild for extended outdoor strolling. September brings harvest atmosphere to the vineyard sections. The farm is pleasant year-round, though its character is most vivid during the growing season from April through October.
Accessibility
The Atatürk Forest Farm is largely accessible for wheelchair users and pushchair users, as the main farm roads and visitor areas are paved and flat. Accessible toilet facilities are available near the main entrance. Some inner orchard and vineyard tracks are compacted gravel rather than paved, which may require assistance for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for AOÇ?
Entry to the farm grounds is free of charge. Individual attractions such as the museum, miniature railway, and some café areas may carry separate fees.
How do visitors reach AOÇ by public transport?
Metro line M3 (Batıkent–Kızılay) stops at Beştepe, within walking distance of the AOÇ main gate. EGO bus line 136 also serves the farm entrance from central Ankara.
Is the farm still a working agricultural enterprise?
Yes — portions of the farm remain operational, producing dairy products, beer, and agricultural goods under the AOÇ brand. Products are sold at the on-site shop near the main entrance.
How long does a walk through AOÇ take?
The suggested 5-kilometre route takes approximately 1 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace, but the full farm grounds extend much further and visitors can easily spend a half-day exploring the orchards, vineyards, and museum.
Is AOÇ suitable for families with young children?
Yes — the flat paved paths, miniature railway, ponds, and extensive picnic areas make AOÇ one of Ankara's most family-friendly green spaces, suitable for all ages.