Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Erzurum

Erzurum Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Where to walk in Erzurum — from easy half-days to serious treks, with honest difficulty grades.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Palandöken Summit Trail, Palu Gölü (Crater Lake) Loop and Tortum Valley Nature Walk. This guide profiles 6+ hiking trails in Erzurum, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Erzurum is a historic city at 1,890 metres elevation in northeastern Turkey, commanding the high plateau where ancient Silk Road caravans once crossed. The city holds one of Turkey's finest concentrations of Seljuk and Mongol architecture — the Çifte Minareli Medrese, Yakutiye Medresesi and Üç Kümbetler tombs stand beside an Ottoman castle with sweeping panoramas. Fifteen kilometres from the centre, Palandöken mountain hosts one of the Middle East's premier ski resorts. Erzurum is the birthplace of cağ kebabı, the horizontally-spit-roasted lamb unique to the region, and the origin of oltu taşı jet-stone jewellery.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Palandöken Summit Trail

    12 km round trip5–7 hours round tripStart: 2,200 m (chairlift top) / Summit: 3,176 m / Gain: ~976 m

  2. 2

    Palu Gölü (Crater Lake) Loop

    6 km loop2.5–3.5 hoursStart: 2,650 m (chairlift top) / Lake: 2,700 m / Gain: ~100 m

  3. 3

    Tortum Valley Nature Walk

    5 km one way (lakeside to waterfall)2–3 hours one wayStart: 1,200 m / Flat riverside walk

  4. 4

    Uzundere Canyon Trail

    8 km round trip3–4 hoursStart: 1,400 m / Gain: ~300 m

  5. 5

    Dumlu Mountain Day Hike

    10 km round trip4–5 hoursStart: 1,800 m / Summit: 2,869 m / Gain: ~1,069 m

  6. 6

    Gürcükapı Old City Heritage Walk

    3 km loop1.5–2 hoursFlat urban walk with minor inclines

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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