Erzurum City

Erzurum is located in the eastern Anatolia region. It is bordered to the north by Artvin and Rize, to the east by Kars and Agri, to the south by the states of Mus and Bingol, to the west by Bayburt and Erzincan. Turkey is the fourth largest state in Turkey and is characterized by the fact that most of its territory is mountainous where the hills and mountains make up 65 percent of the land area with an average height of 2000 meters above sea level.

Erzurum is one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey and is visited by a large number of tourists annually, and has a highly qualified ski resort, a haven for winter sports enthusiasts who want to ski for eight months on the steep slopes covered by soft snow.

The road that runs through spectacular mountain views leads to Palandoken Winter Sports Resort, just 6 km from Erzurum. Erzurum has a large number of hotels as well as the longest skiing trail and the best quality snow in Turkey, making it a favorite place for expert skiers, one of the nearest ski resorts to the airport; only five minutes drive after your plane arrives you can get out on the snow slopes of Palandoken, where the quality of snow is on par with the Swiss Alps.

1. Tortum Lake
Turtum Lake is one of Turkey's most charming natural treasures. It is located 105 kilometers from the center of the city of "Erzurum" in the north and the city of Uzundere only 8 kilometers. According to geologists, in ancient times the collapse of a mountain west of the village of Balıklı led to the destruction of the Tortum Çayı River, and thus the formation of Turtum Lake .

In 1987, the area was linked to the city of Uzundere after it belonged to the city of Tortum, but it remained called the name of its old city "Tortum". It is about 10 kilometers long, and ranges from 600 to 1000 meters in depth 40-50 meters. It is surrounded by high rocky mountains and green bushes from everywhere.

If you are driving on the Erzurum-Artvin road to the west of the lake, you can go down and enjoy the spectacular view of the lake from above, and you can also see another wonderful view is the reflection of the imagination of the mountains and clouds on it when the lake is calm and free of waves.

You can also camp on the edge of the lake and relax nearby and catch fish such as Sazan and Alabalık abundant.

2 - Tortum waterfalls

These magnificent waterfalls are located north of Tortum Lake, 100 kilometers from the center of Erzurum, the largest in Turkey and the third in the world after Angel waterfalls, Victoria and Niagara.

The waterfall is about 48 meters high and 22 meters wide. Its importance is due to the existence of a dam established in 1960 to generate hydroelectric power from the lake water through canals and tunnels, which is why we recommend you visit it between May and June when the lake water level is high, and then the waterfall flows abundantly with a majestic view often accompanied by the presence of rainbow throughout Daytime period. Those wishing to visit the waterfall should try the pleasure of walking under the splash of water through the stairs there.

Next to the waterfall area are restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. For cheap accommodation in Uzundere, there are a lot of affordable hotels in the area.

3. Tortum Yedigöller
The Yedigöller region is located in the village of Ulubağ in the town of İspir, on the craters of the Kackar Dağları volcanic mountains. It was formed from the pooling of the inner lake of Tortum in the form of seven small lakes northwest of the Tortum waterfalls, near the Erzurum-Artvin road.

You can also take a stroll on the edge of the lake and savor the delicious Alabalik fish dishes in the many restaurants nearby.

4 - Palandoken Center

Palandoken offers many opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts, covered with soft snow that falls for the first time in November and settles until June, and ski enthusiasts can admire the scenic landscapes through it, and it is an ideal place to forget the pressures and pressures of daily life.

It has been in great demand in recent years for its ease of access, and the modifications made to its skating rinks, which are suitable for beginners and professionals who are enthusiasts of skiing.

Palandoken has been declared one of the best winter tourism centers in Turkey since its inception in 1992, especially after it successfully hosted the University Winter Games in the world in 2011, and ranked 18th in the ranking of the best ski centers, according to the "New York Times" American.

Palandoken has seven beginner skating rinks, seven intermediate skating rinks, two professional skating rinks and four natural skating rinks.

Palandoken attracts local tourists from various Turkish states, as well as foreigners, especially citizens of Russia, Poland, Iran, Georgia and European countries. Palandoken is 20 minutes from the state airport and only 4 km from the city center.

Thanks to the lighting system in this ski center, visitors can also practice their hobby during the night.

In addition to its famous tourist and historical attractions, local food stands out in Erzurum, most notably the famous kebab. One of the symbols of the Turkish state is the lignite stone, which is used in the manufacture of prayer beads.