Things To Do
in Artvin
Artvin is a mountainous province in northeastern Turkey where lush green valleys, fast rivers and steep ridges meet the eastern Black Sea climate. It is known for dramatic landscapes — deep canyons, alpine plateaus, ancient stone bridges and cedar forests — and a strong local culture mixing Turkish, Laz, Hemshin and Georgian influences. Outdoor pursuits like rafting on the Çoruh, trekking in Hatila Valley and visiting the Karagöl-Sahara alpine meadows draw nature lovers year-round.
Small towns and villages offer rustic hospitality, local honey and trout, and quiet away-from-it-all experiences rather than big-city amenities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Artvin Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the city. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in a local café, savoring traditional Turkish tea and simit while taking in views of the surrounding mountains. As you wander through the historic streets, stop by the local artisan shops to admire handmade crafts and souvenirs.
In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Atatürk Street, filled with vibrant shops and street vendors. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try regional specialties like hamsi (anchovy) or kuymak (cornmeal and cheese dish). Afterward, take a guided tour of the Artvin Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in a local café to relax and enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee. Spend some time strolling along the riverbanks, watching the locals engage in evening activities. End your day with a dinner at a restaurant featuring stunning views of the city, sampling more local dishes.
Begin your day by heading to the picturesque Borçka Karagöl National Park, known for its serene lake and lush surroundings. After a refreshing breakfast in a nearby village, set out on a nature trail that winds through dense forests and along the water's edge, capturing the beauty of the landscape with your camera. Look out for local wildlife as you trek, including various bird species and endemic flora.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature. Spend the afternoon kayaking on the lake's calm waters, allowing you to appreciate the stunning reflections of the mountains and trees. Alternatively, you can choose to hike to the viewpoints for panoramic vistas that will take your breath away.
As evening falls, return to Artvin and enjoy a leisurely dinner at a lakeside restaurant, soaking in the peaceful ambiance. Engage with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories and experiences from your day. Conclude your evening with a stroll under the stars, reflecting on the natural beauty you encountered.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Tea or coffee at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚌Local dolmuş/bus ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $35-80 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning, less-crowded natural scenery ideal for outdoor lovers and photographers
- Rich, distinct local culture and high-quality local products (honey, trout, cheeses)
- Remote with limited tourist infrastructure in many areas
- Narrow, winding mountain roads and variable weather can complicate travel
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Hesap lütfen" - The bill, please
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Yardım eder misiniz?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Artvin
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over the city and Château-like stone ruins framed by the Çoruh River — spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
Deep canyon, wooden footbridges and waterfalls; excellent for landscape and nature photography with layered river scenes.
High-altitude lake with reflective waters surrounded by fir forests and summer meadows — perfect mirror shots in calm weather.
Vast alpine meadows dotted with shepherd huts and grazing livestock; dramatic cloudscapes and seasonal wildflowers.
Traditional wooden houses, terraced orchards and intimate village life scenes set against biodiverse forests — excellent for ethnographic and macro nature shots.
Food in Artvin
Artvin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh river trout grilled or pan-fried; widely available in riverside restaurants around Artvin, Borçka and Yusufeli.
Must-Try!
Melting local cheese with cornmeal and butter — a gooey, savory breakfast or side dish popular across the eastern Black Sea region.
Dense corn bread often served with dishes made from collard greens (kara lahana) or stews; a staple in mountain villages.
Artvin and the Camili region are renowned for wild-flower honey and farmhouse cheeses sold at village markets and roadside stands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market selling fresh vegetables, cheeses, honey and local preserves — a good place to sample and buy regional products.
Small vendors near the lake offer grilled corn, tea and packaged honey; great for quick local snacks during hikes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple 'Merhaba' or 'Selam' and a handshake are common; in rural areas men and women may be more reserved — follow their lead.
Dress conservatively in villages and when visiting religious sites; remove shoes if invited into someone’s home.
Elders are treated with deference — greet elders first and accept offers of tea politely as a sign of respect.
Ask before photographing people, particularly in small villages and religious contexts; many will be flattered but some may decline.
Safety
Tipping in Artvin
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants tip 5–10% if service is not included; round up taxi fares and leave small change for café staff. For guides and drivers on multi-day trips, tip according to satisfaction — roughly 10% is appreciated.
Turkish lira is standard; credit and debit cards are accepted in bigger hotels, restaurants and shops, but many village vendors and markets are cash-only. ATMs are available in Artvin city, Borçka and larger towns; carry cash for remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days in valleys and cool nights in higher meadows; ideal for hiking, lake visits and festivals. Expect green landscapes, but bring rain gear—summer storms are common.
Spectacular fall colors on the slopes and fewer tourists; cooler temperatures and perfect conditions for photography. Some higher mountain roads may close as snow approaches late in the season.
Cold with heavy snowfall in upland areas; some roads and passes can be impassable. Winter offers snow-covered landscapes and local winter traditions but requires a 4x4 and winter gear.
Snow melts feed rivers and waterfalls, wildflowers bloom in alpine meadows; variable weather with both sunshine and late-season snow at altitude.
Artvin at Night
Hiking in Artvin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short and moderate canyon hikes with wooden platforms and river views — suitable for day hikes and nature photography.
Alpine lake loop with forested sections and meadowlands; accessible and scenic with opportunities for lake-side camping.
High-altitude meadows with gentle ridge walks, great for wildflowers, panoramic photography and pastoral scenes.
Network of trails linking remote villages through biodiverse forests — ideal for ethnobotany, birdwatching and immersive village visits.
For experienced hikers and mountaineers: access higher alpine terrain and glacier-fed valleys; requires good gear and local guide knowledge.
Airports
How to reach Artvin by plane.
The closest modern airport serving both Rize and Artvin provinces; around 1–2 hours' drive to many parts of Artvin depending on your destination. Offers domestic flights and easy access by car or shuttle.
Major regional airport about 2.5–4 hours west of Artvin city by road; more flight options and car rental services, suitable for visitors coming from farther away.
Across the border in Georgia near Hopa; practical for visitors on coastal routes or cross-border trips (carry passport and check border/visa rules). Drive time varies by crossing and border controls.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, present across urban and rural areas.
Distinct ethnic groups in the eastern Black Sea region with their own cultural traditions, language elements and music.
Historical and contemporary Georgian cultural influences are visible near the border and in some village traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular spectator and participant sport, with local amateur clubs and passionate community support.
Cultural wrestling events and the Kafkasör plateau gatherings celebrate regional customs and occasionally include competitions and displays.
Rafting, kayaking on the Çoruh River and mountaineering/hiking in the Kaçkar and local ranges draw adventure athletes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Artvin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with urban centers: request vegetable stews, corn bread, cheeses and salads; inform hosts that many dishes include butter or cheese.
Vegan choices are more difficult in villages due to heavy use of dairy and breads — focus on boiled vegetables, lentil soups where available and carry snacks; gluten-free options are rare, so bring staples if you have strict needs.
Local dishes frequently use nuts (walnut, hazelnut) and dairy; communicate allergies in Turkish or carry a translated note to show cooks.