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.
The Gordion Site Walk is a gentle 4-kilometre circuit across the Gordion archaeological site and surrounding tumulus field at Yassıhöyük village in Polatlı district, approximately 100 kilometres southwest of central Ankara. Gordion was the ancient capital of the Phrygian kingdom and one of the most significant archaeological sites in Anatolia, renowned as the court of King Midas and the location of the legendary Gordian Knot.
Visitors from Ankara typically travel by rental car, taking the E-90 motorway westward and following signage to Polatlı then Yassıhöyük (approximately 1.5 hours). A round-trip taxi from central Ankara costs approximately 700 TRY. Public transport is limited — buses run to Polatlı town, from where local taxis cover the remaining 14 kilometres to the site at approximately 100 TRY each way.
The walk begins at the Gordion Museum (closed Mondays; entrance approximately 90–120 TRY per adult, subject to change), which provides essential historical context through artefact displays and a site map. The circuit follows flat gravel and grassy paths across the exposed Anatolian plateau at roughly 700 metres elevation with only 20 metres of cumulative gain. No technical skill, specialist footwear, or prior hiking experience is required.
The key landmark is the Great Tumulus (Büyük Tümülüs), the largest of over 80 burial mounds visible across the site, rising some 55 metres above the surrounding plain and associated with the Phrygian royal dynasty including the legendary King Midas. The interior burial chamber can be entered as part of the museum visit. The broader tumulus field to the east clusters dozens of smaller earth mounds across the steppe, giving the landscape a distinctive, other-worldly quality. The ancient city mound (höyük) itself reveals excavation trenches and exposed architectural layers spanning multiple civilisations.
No water sources exist on the open plateau trail. The museum café provides refreshments and toilet facilities. No shade is present on the exposed terrain — the site is fully open to sun and wind. Evening light in spring and autumn casts long shadows across the tumuli field, creating exceptional conditions for photography.
Trail facts
- Best season
- April–June and September–October
- Terrain
- Flat gravel and grassy paths
Highlights
- Ancient Phrygian burial mounds
- King Midas tumulus
- Anatolian steppe landscape
- Archaeological excavation areas
Tips for visiting
- Visit the Gordion Museum before walking the site — the artefact displays and site map inside the museum make the outdoor circuit far more meaningful.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and more water than seems necessary — the open Anatolian plateau provides no shade and the walk is more exposed than its short distance suggests.
- The Great Tumulus burial chamber interior is included in the museum ticket; a personal torch can be useful in the lower passages, though some lighting is provided.
- Morning visits before 11:00 are cooler and the site is generally quieter; most visitors arrive mid-morning on weekends.
- Combine the site walk with a stop in Polatlı town for a traditional lunch — the town has several local restaurants near the central bazaar.
When to visit
April to June and September to October offer the most comfortable walking conditions on the exposed Anatolian plateau, with mild temperatures and dramatic low light across the tumulus field. Summer (July to August) brings intense heat and strong sun; winter visits are possible but cold winds make extended outdoor walks uncomfortable.
Accessibility
The Gordion site walk is largely flat — the terrain is gravel and grass that a wheelchair with assistance could manage on dry days, though there is no formal accessibility infrastructure on the outdoor circuit. The museum building has ground-floor access. The Great Tumulus interior involves a low, narrow passage that is not wheelchair-accessible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the entrance fee for Gordion?
The Gordion Museum and archaeological site charge a combined entrance fee of approximately 90–120 TRY per adult (subject to annual adjustment); the fee includes access to the Great Tumulus interior burial chamber.
Is Gordion accessible by public transport from Ankara?
Direct bus services do not reach the site. Buses run from Ankara to Polatlı, from where local taxis cover the remaining 14 km to Yassıhöyük. Most visitors rent a car or arrange a private taxi from Ankara.
How long does the full site walk take?
The 4-kilometre circuit around the tumulus field and main mound takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace, plus 45–60 minutes inside the museum for a complete visit.
Is the site open year-round?
The site is generally open throughout the year; the museum is closed on Mondays. Hours and fees should be confirmed on arrival as seasonal adjustments apply.
What is the historical significance of Gordion?
Gordion was the royal capital of the Phrygian civilisation and the site associated with the legendary King Midas. Alexander the Great reportedly cut the Gordian Knot here in 333 BC, making it a landmark of both ancient history and mythology.