Things To Do
in Akkuş
Akkuş is a highland town in Ordu Province nestled in the Pontic Mountains, offering panoramic valley views and a refreshingly cool climate. The area blends lush forests, terraced farmland, and traditional stone-and-wood architecture that speaks to its rural heritage. Life here moves at a slower pace, centered on farming, cedar-packed hills, and warm hospitality from local families.
Visitors come for outdoor adventures, fresh regional cuisine, and a glimpse of authentic Black Sea mountain culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in the charming town of Akkuş and settle into your cozy accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets to get a feel for the local culture. Enjoy a delicious Turkish breakfast at a quaint café, sampling fresh bread, olives, and local cheeses.
Visit the Akkuş Museum to learn about the town's rich history and heritage through its intriguing exhibits. Spend some time exploring the local market, where you can find handmade crafts and fresh produce. Engage with friendly locals, who are often more than willing to share stories about their beloved town.
Enjoy a traditional dinner at a family-run restaurant, featuring local specialties such as gözleme and kebabs. As the sun sets, take a walk along the riverbank, where the calming sounds of water enhance the peaceful ambiance. Share stories with your companions or meet locals over a cup of tea at a nearby café.
Embark on an early morning hike through the scenic trails of Mount Tuman, breathing in the fresh mountain air. The stunning views of the surrounding landscape provide a perfect backdrop for photography. Enjoy a packed breakfast in nature, surrounded by lush greenery.
Continue your exploration with a guided tour to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region. After a fulfilling hike, rest at a mountain lodge while soaking in the breathtaking vistas. Engage with fellow hikers over a warm lunch featuring local dishes.
Return to Akkuş and unwind at your lodging, reflecting on the day’s adventures. Head out to experience the vibrant town life, where you can find entertainment ranging from live music to traditional dance performances. Savor an evening meal featuring local wines and desserts as you enjoy the cultural atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥗Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $25-60 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within town | $1-5 |
| 🧀Groceries (basic items for a week) | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning mountain scenery and fresh air
- Warm, welcoming local communities and authentic rural culture
- Access to diverse outdoor activities in a compact area
- Affordable costs and traditional Turkish hospitality
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities than cities
- Smaller selection of international cuisine and shopping
- Some areas may have limited English-speaking locals
- Seasonal travel can be affected by weather and road conditions
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Nerede?" - Where is it?
- "Burası güvenli mi?" - Is this area safe?
Places to Visit in Akkuş
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic overlooks that capture the patchwork valleys, pine forests, and traditional village rooftops below.
Narrow, winding lanes with timber-framed houses and flowering balconies—great for atmospheric street photography.
Scenes of slow-moving rivers, green terraces, and dramatic mountain backdrops at different times of day.
Food in Akkuş
Akkuş Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught hamsi prepared grilled, fried, or as part of a light pilaf; commonly enjoyed with corn bread and yogurt.
Must-Try!
A rich, melted cheese and butter dish cooked with cornmeal; served piping hot with bread and sometimes chopped green herbs.
Golden corn bread that pairs beautifully with cheese, honey, or savory dips.
A slow-cooked wheat or barley dish with meat, offering a hearty, festival-ready flavor.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market where residents sell honey, cheeses, vegetables, and dairy products; street snacks like gözleme and simit pop up seasonally.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm greeting with a smile and a handshake is common. Tea is a staple of hospitality—accepting tea is polite, even if you’re not thirsty.
In rural areas, modest dress is appreciated, especially when visiting smaller villages or religious sites. Remove shoes when entering some homes and certain religious spaces.
Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially elders; show politeness and address people respectfully.
Safety
Tipping in Akkuş
Ensure a smooth experience
In casual eateries and cafés, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In larger or tourist-oriented places, a similar 5-10% is common; taxis usually don’t expect tips, but rounding up is fine.
Cash in Turkish Lira is widely accepted in Akkuş; some larger or tourist-facing places may take credit cards. ATMs are available in town; keep cash for markets and smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cold with possible snowfall in higher elevations; some roads can be challenging. Pack warm layers and sturdy footwear; expect fewer open cafes but stunning snowy landscapes.
Milder weather and blooming flora; ideal for hikes and photography with lush greenery and clear air.
Warm days with cooler evenings; possible rain showers. Great for outdoor activities, though humidity is lower than coastal areas due to altitude.
Colorful foliage and harvests; comfortable daytime temperatures and tranquil countryside scenery.
Akkuş at Night
Hiking in Akkuş
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic highland route through forests and open meadows with viewpoints toward surrounding peaks.
A moderate hike along a river valley with lush vegetation and small cascades.
A circular ridge walk offering expansive valley views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Airports
How to reach Akkuş by plane.
Nearest regional airport with domestic connections; access to Akkuş typically by road via a bus or private transfer.
Larger international airport option with more flight choices; can be reached by road or private transfer to Akkuş.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly ethnic Turkish communities with strong rural traditions; many families have lived in the area for generations.
Turkish is the primary language; basic Kurdish or Laz phrases may be heard in some pockets, but Turkish is dominant in daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime and local matches in nearby towns; casual games are common in the evenings.
The surrounding mountains attract hikers, with numerous scenic routes suitable for various skill levels.
Seasonal freshwater fishing in streams and rivers near the town and valleys.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Akkuş.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Akkuş, vegetarian options include grilled vegetables, beans or lentils, salads, rice or corn breads, and dairy-based dishes like muhlama. Communicate simply in Turkish: 'Sebze var mı?' (Do you have vegetables?) and 'Süt ür ünleri var mı?' (Do you have dairy products?).