Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Eskişehir

Eskişehir Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

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

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Phrygian Valley Rock Trail (Yazılıkaya–Midas), Sündiken Mountains Forest Walk and Porsuk River Greenway Walk. This guide profiles 8+ hiking trails in Eskişehir, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Eskişehir is a vibrant university city in western Anatolia, known as Turkey's "student capital" and the birthplace of meerschaum carving. The Porsuk River winds through the city centre past Venetian-style canals, gondola rides, and colourful bridges. The historic Odunpazarı district preserves beautifully restored Ottoman timber houses and is on Turkey's tentative UNESCO World Heritage list. Eskişehir hosts two major universities — Anadolu University and Eskişehir Technical University — whose combined enrolment of over 100,000 students gives the city a youthful, progressive energy unusual for inner Anatolia.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Phrygian Valley Rock Trail (Yazılıkaya–Midas)

    8–12 km round trip (variable)3–5 hoursModest — 100–200m gain on plateau terrain

  2. 2

    Sündiken Mountains Forest Walk

    4–10 km (multiple trails)2–4 hours200–400m gain to upper forested ridges

  3. 3

    Porsuk River Greenway Walk

    5–10 km (one way along river)1.5–3 hoursFlat — negligible

  4. 4

    Kaymaz Forest Walk

    3–7 km (circular)1.5–3 hoursGentle rolling terrain — 50–150m gain

  5. 5

    Sivrihisar Hill Walk

    2–4 km1–2 hours100–200m gain to castle ruins on hill above town

  6. 6

    Bozan Reservoir Rim Trail

    5–8 km2–3 hoursModerate — 100–200m over rolling terrain

  7. 7

    Yazılıkaya Phrygian Monuments Circuit

    6–10 km3–4 hoursPlateau terrain — 80–150m gain

  8. 8

    Odunpazarı–Bostancı Urban Walk

    3–4 km1–2 hoursFlat with gentle slopes in Odunpazarı — 20–40m

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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