Artvin: Turkey’s Green Paradise in the Eastern Black Sea

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Tucked into the forested mountains of northeastern Turkey, Artvin is one of the country’s most untouched and awe-inspiring regions. With its alpine villages, steep valleys, rushing rivers, and rich Georgian heritage, Artvin offers a raw, breathtaking slice of nature that feels a world away from Turkey’s touristy west. Travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path adventure, eco-tourism, and cultural depth will find Artvin an unforgettable destination.

Bordering Georgia and hugging the rugged slopes of the Kaçkar Mountains, Artvin is ideal for hikers, photographers, and anyone who wants to truly disconnect and breathe in crisp mountain air. It’s a land of wooden houses, misty peaks, tea gardens, and timeless traditions.

Top Places to Visit in Artvin

Borçka Karagöl (Black Lake): Hidden deep within a pine forest near the town of Borçka, this emerald-green lake is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in all of Turkey. The surrounding national park is a haven for nature walks, picnics, and wildlife photography—especially when autumn colors set the hills ablaze.

Macahel Valley (Camili): This remote UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is one of Turkey’s best-preserved ecosystems. With its bee-keeping villages, lush forests, and wooden mosques, Macahel offers a chance to experience rural life at its purest, where nature and culture exist in harmony.

Savsat and Savsat Karagol: A charming mountain district known for its stunning highland scenery, stone houses, and alpine meadows. Şavşat is part of the Cittaslow movement and is perfect for slow travel. The nearby Şavşat Karagöl (a second “Black Lake”) is another dreamy spot for a peaceful escape.

Artvin City and Atatepe: While the city itself is small and compact, the panoramic view from Atatepe, home to one of the world’s largest Atatürk statues, offers sweeping views of the Çoruh River and surrounding valleys.

Georgian Churches: The region is dotted with ancient Georgian Orthodox churches, many in picturesque states of ruin, such as Işhan, Barhal, and Dört Kilise. These centuries-old stone churches add cultural and spiritual depth to your journey through the mountains.

Hatila Valley National Park: Close to the city center, this dramatic valley features high cliffs, suspension bridges, and walking trails, perfect for hiking and photography.

Top Things to Do in Artvin

Go Hiking in the Kaçkar Mountains: With trails ranging from easy walks to challenging ascents, the Kaçkar range is one of the best trekking destinations in Turkey. Expect alpine lakes, wildflowers, and unforgettable views.

Attend the Kafkasör Festival (June): Artvin’s most famous cultural event celebrates local traditions with bull-wrestling, folk dancing, and music in a mountaintop meadow. It’s a unique, deeply local experience that brings people from all over the region.

Taste Local Cuisine: Try regional specialties like laz böreği (sweet layered pastry), kuymak (cheesy cornmeal), and karalahana çorbası (black cabbage soup). Organic honey and fresh trout are also regional highlights.

Visit Traditional Highland Villages (Yaylas): Artvin’s yaylas like Bilbilan and Arsiyan are perfect for summer getaways. Locals move their livestock and lives up to the highlands in warmer months—a beautiful tradition that continues today.

Photography and Birdwatching: Artvin is a dream for photographers and bird lovers. Dense forests, waterfalls, and river canyons provide a constantly changing canvas of light and shadow.