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

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Nature Hike in the Surrounding Hills
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Riverside bridges and streams

Photogenic old stone or wooden bridges spanning clear mountain streams; great for reflections, flowing water shots and village life scenes.

Hazelnut terraces and orchards

Rows of hazelnut trees on terraced hillsides create textured landscapes, especially striking during harvest season and golden autumn.

Traditional wooden houses and village lanes

Close-ups of carved eaves, colorful doors and narrow lanes capture local architecture and everyday life.

Forest ridges and plateaus

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.

Culinary Guide

Food in İkizce

İkizce’s cuisine reflects the Black Sea region’s emphasis on fresh produce, milk products and hazelnuts. Meals are simple, hearty and built around seasonal vegetables, seafood on the coast, and local preserves. Tea is the ubiquitous drink, served almost everywhere, while hazelnuts are a recurring ingredient in both savory dishes and sweets.

İkizce Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kuymak / Muhlama (regionally enjoyed)

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!

Hamsi-style preparations (on the coast nearby)

Small anchovies are a Black Sea staple—pan-fried, grilled or in pilafs. While İkizce is inland, nearby coastal towns serve the best versions.

Hazelnut desserts and snacks

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

Local weekly market

A small town market (pazar) where villagers sell seasonal vegetables, fresh bread, cheeses, honey and hazelnuts. Great for sampling local produce and buying snacks.

Tea gardens and street vendors

Informal tea gardens and vendors sell strong Turkish tea, sesame rings (simit) and simple pastries—ideal for a light snack between activities.

Climate Guide

Weather

İkizce has a Black Sea-influenced climate: mild, humid summers and cool, wet winters. Rain is common for much of the year, and higher elevations can receive snow in winter. The climate supports lush vegetation and the region’s hazelnut and tea crops.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and hospitality

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 and modesty

Dress conservatively in villages and when visiting mosques—cover shoulders and legs; women may wish to carry a light scarf for mosque visits.

Respect for elders and customs

Show deference to older people, avoid loud behavior in quiet neighborhoods, and ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in private or religious settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

İkizce is generally safe with low crime—standard precautions against petty theft suffice. Exercise caution on narrow, winding rural roads (especially in rain or fog) and avoid swimming in fast-moving streams. Carry identification, know the local emergency number (112 in Turkey), and inform someone if you take remote hikes.

Tipping in İkizce

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Spring

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.

Summer

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.

Autumn

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.

Winter

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.

Nightlife Guide

İkizce at Night

Nightlife in İkizce is low-key and centered on tea gardens, small cafés and occasional local gatherings. There are no nightclubs; evenings are best spent sampling regional food, listening to live or recorded folk music at community events or enjoying relaxed conversation in a tea garden.

Hiking in İkizce

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Local valley and ridge trails

Short to moderate routes along rivers and up ridges that pass through hazelnut orchards and forest; ideal for half-day hikes and photography.

Highland pastures and plateaus (Çambaşı-style uplands)

Higher elevation meadows and plateaus in the wider Ordu region reachable by car—offers panoramic views, seasonal grazing lands and cooler summer hikes.

Forest loop trails

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.

Ordu–Giresun Airport (OGU)

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.

Samsun Çarşamba Airport (SZF)

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.

Trabzon Airport (TZX)

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

The small town center and nearby lanes are highly walkable on foot, with most attractions close by. Rural and hillside areas are best explored by car, bike or on foot with sturdy footwear—some trails and roads are steep or uneven.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural families and farmers

A significant portion of the population is engaged in agriculture—particularly hazelnut growing—and family-run farms shape daily life.

Elderly residents

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.

Local business owners and artisans

Small shopkeepers, café owners and craftsmen who maintain traditional trades and provide services to residents and visitors.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport regionally; locals follow local and national teams and children commonly play in village fields.

Hiking and walking

Informal but widely enjoyed—residents and visitors use the countryside for regular walks and seasonal excursions to plateaus and pastures.

Fishing

Small-scale freshwater and coastal fishing are common pastimes in the Black Sea region.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in İkizce is light compared with urban centers, but local roads are narrow and winding; expect slower driving speeds and occasional agricultural vehicles. Dolmuş minibuses and regional buses connect villages to district centers; schedules can be limited so check times in advance. Parking in town is usually straightforward.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting İkizce.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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 and gluten-free

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.

Nut allergies

Hazelnuts are ubiquitous in the region; warn food providers about nut allergies and avoid desserts and snacks unless ingredients are confirmed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

İkizce has basic healthcare services or a local family health center for routine needs; more advanced care and hospitals are located in larger nearby towns or the provincial capital. For emergencies call 112; bring any necessary medications and travel insurance documentation when visiting.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide