Things To Do
in İkizce
İkizce is a small, green district in Turkey’s Black Sea region known for its humid forests, terraced hazelnut orchards and tranquil river valleys. The town center offers a glimpse of traditional rural life with wooden houses, local tea gardens and a relaxed pace. Visitors come for nature walks, simple village cuisine and to experience seasonal agricultural rhythms like hazelnut harvests.
İkizce is quiet compared with coastal cities, making it a good base for low-key outdoor activities and photography.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning historical buildings in the heart of İkizce. Stroll through the narrow streets, admiring the unique architecture that reflects the town's rich history. Don't forget to stop by a local café for a traditional Turkish breakfast with olives, cheese, and fresh bread.
After lunch, visit the İkizce Museum, where you can delve into the local history and culture through fascinating exhibits. Take a leisurely walk along the town's riverbank, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and perhaps spotting some local wildlife. Indulge in some shopping at the local artisan shops, where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for dinner, where you can savor authentic Turkish dishes like kebabs and mezes. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as the town comes alive with locals and tourists alike. Cap off your evening with a stroll through the town square, soaking in the sights and sounds of İkizce at night.
Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast before setting out for a nature hike in the lush hills surrounding İkizce. The crisp morning air and scenic views will invigorate your spirit as you explore the trails. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna, as well as breathtaking viewpoints along the way.
After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch in a picturesque clearing, surrounded by nature's beauty. Spend some time relaxing and taking photos of the stunning landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. As the afternoon progresses, consider a guided tour that educates you about the local ecosystem and wildlife.
Return to İkizce for a well-deserved dinner, perhaps trying some freshly caught fish from the nearby rivers. Enjoy your meal at a cozy eatery with outdoor seating, allowing you to soak in the evening ambiance. End your day with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Cup of tea or coffee | $0.50-2 |
| 🚌Local bus/dolmuş ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🛏️Basic guesthouse or pension (double) | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Lush, scenic landscapes and tranquil rural atmosphere
- Authentic local culture and seasonal agricultural experiences (hazelnut harvest)
- Good opportunities for low-impact outdoor activities and photography
- Affordable prices and friendly hospitality
- Limited nightlife and few tourist facilities
- Public transport can be infrequent—having a car helps
- Weather can be rainy and muddy much of the year
- Medical facilities in town are basic; for serious care you must travel to a larger city
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Yardım lütfen" - Help, please
- "Afiyet olsun" - Enjoy your meal (said to diners)
Places to Visit in İkizce
Visit one of these nice places.
Photogenic old stone or wooden bridges spanning clear mountain streams; great for reflections, flowing water shots and village life scenes.
Rows of hazelnut trees on terraced hillsides create textured landscapes, especially striking during harvest season and golden autumn.
Close-ups of carved eaves, colorful doors and narrow lanes capture local architecture and everyday life.
Upland pastures and forest clearings offer panoramic views over valleys and, on clear days, glimpses toward the Black Sea—ideal for sunrise or sunset shots.
Food in İkizce
İkizce Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A melted cornmeal and local cheese dish often served for breakfast or brunch; rich and buttery. Find it at local breakfast spots or family-run lokantas.
Must-Try!
Small anchovies are a Black Sea staple—pan-fried, grilled or in pilafs. While İkizce is inland, nearby coastal towns serve the best versions.
Roasted hazelnuts, helva with hazelnut, and hazelnut-based pastries are common; available at local markets and from village producers.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small town market (pazar) where villagers sell seasonal vegetables, fresh bread, cheeses, honey and hazelnuts. Great for sampling local produce and buying snacks.
Informal tea gardens and vendors sell strong Turkish tea, sesame rings (simit) and simple pastries—ideal for a light snack between activities.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings and a friendly attitude go a long way—say 'Merhaba' when entering shops and remove shoes if invited into a home. Hosts are often hospitable and may offer tea; accept at least one cup to show appreciation.
Dress conservatively in villages and when visiting mosques—cover shoulders and legs; women may wish to carry a light scarf for mosque visits.
Show deference to older people, avoid loud behavior in quiet neighborhoods, and ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in private or religious settings.
Safety
Tipping in İkizce
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants a tip of 5–10% is appreciated but not always expected in small village lokantas. Round up fares for taxis or leave small change; give small tips to hotel staff or guides for good service.
Turkish lira (TRY) is standard; cards are accepted at larger businesses but many small shops, markets and rural vendors prefer cash. Keep some cash for markets, small cafés and remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Wet and mild with abundant greenery and blooming wildflowers; trails can be muddy and some rural roads slippery. Great for birdwatching and springtime farm activity.
Warm but generally milder than inland Turkey; humidity can be noticeable. Best time for hiking, outdoor picnics and visiting highland pastures—late summer is hazelnut harvest time.
Crisp air and colorful foliage on hillsides; harvest activity (hazelnuts) creates lively local scenes and markets full of fresh produce. Occasional rain begins to increase as winter approaches.
Cool to cold with frequent rain and possible snow at higher elevations; some rural roads may be harder to access. Quiet season—good for cozy meals and photographing misty valleys.
İkizce at Night
Hiking in İkizce
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short to moderate routes along rivers and up ridges that pass through hazelnut orchards and forest; ideal for half-day hikes and photography.
Higher elevation meadows and plateaus in the wider Ordu region reachable by car—offers panoramic views, seasonal grazing lands and cooler summer hikes.
Wooded circuits suitable for birdwatching and nature walks; trails can be muddy after rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended.
Airports
How to reach İkizce by plane.
The closest major airport serving the Ordu province with domestic flights and some seasonal connections; accessible by road with shuttle buses or car transfers to district centers.
A larger regional airport farther west along the Black Sea coast—an option if flights to Ordu are limited, reachable by longer drive or intercity bus connections.
A major airport east along the Black Sea coast offering more frequent flights and international connections; useful if combining a visit with eastern Black Sea destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population is engaged in agriculture—particularly hazelnut growing—and family-run farms shape daily life.
Like many rural areas in Turkey, younger people often move to larger cities for work, so older age groups are well-represented in the local population.
Small shopkeepers, café owners and craftsmen who maintain traditional trades and provide services to residents and visitors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally; locals follow local and national teams and children commonly play in village fields.
Informal but widely enjoyed—residents and visitors use the countryside for regular walks and seasonal excursions to plateaus and pastures.
Small-scale freshwater and coastal fishing are common pastimes in the Black Sea region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting İkizce.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian visitors will find many egg-, cheese- and vegetable-based dishes, as well as fresh salads and breads. Communicate preferences clearly (e.g., 'Et yok' = no meat); some dishes may be cooked with butter or meat stock, so ask if strict vegetarian or vegan.
Vegan options are more limited in village restaurants—focus on vegetable stews, grilled vegetables and salads but confirm use of dairy. Gluten-free needs attention: breads and many pastries contain wheat; request simple grilled items and salads and communicate allergies in Turkish if possible.
Hazelnuts are ubiquitous in the region; warn food providers about nut allergies and avoid desserts and snacks unless ingredients are confirmed.