Open Travel Guide
Attractions in Erzincan

Erzincan Attractions Guide 2026

Erzincan's essential sights and the lesser-known places locals would rather you found.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 22+ attractions in Erzincan — Kemah Gorge and Castle, Mama Hatun Külliyesi (Complex) and Altıntepe Urartu Fortress top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Erzincan is a provincial capital in eastern Turkey set at 1,185 metres in a broad valley carved by the Fırat (Euphrates) River. The province stretches from the volcanic peaks of the Mercan Mountains in the west to the high plateaux bordering Erzurum in the east. Erzincan is renowned throughout Turkey for two things: its exquisite telkari silver filigree jewellery tradition and its Tulum peyniri — a crumbly, pungent cheese matured in a goatskin pouch. The surrounding landscape rewards visitors with deep river gorges, thermal springs, Urartu-era ruins, and one of eastern Turkey's best ski resorts at Ergan Mountain.

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Erzincan.

  1. 1

    Kemah Gorge and Castle

    Natural Landscape / HistoricalFree2–3 hours
  2. 2

    Mama Hatun Külliyesi (Complex)

    Historical / Seljuk ArchitectureFree1–2 hours
  3. 3

    Altıntepe Urartu Fortress

    Archaeological SiteFree1–1.5 hours
  4. 4

    Girlevik Waterfall

    Nature / WaterfallFree1–2 hours
  5. 5

    Ergan Mountain Ski Resort

    Outdoor Recreation / Winter SportDay ski pass: 400–600 TRY / $12–18 per personFull day
  6. 6

    Kemaliye (Eğin) Historic Town

    Historic Town / ScenicFree3–4 hours or overnight
  7. 7

    Ekşisu Thermal Springs

    Natural / WellnessFree (natural springs); thermal facilities 80–200 TRY / $2.40–61–3 hours
  8. 8

    Erzincan Archaeology and Ethnography Museum

    Museum30–60 TRY / $0.90–1.801–1.5 hours
  9. 9

    Moloz Canyon (Karanlık Kanya)

    Natural Landscape / CanyonFree (road tunnel toll 10–20 TRY / $0.30–0.60)1–2 hours (drive-through + photo stops)
  10. 10

    Erzincan Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque)

    Religious / HistoricalFree (modest dress required; women must cover hair)30–45 minutes

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.

Tip

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.

Tip

Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.

Tip

Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.

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