Things To Do
in Oltu
Oltu is a small historic town in eastern Turkey, perched along the Oltu River and framed by rugged hills. It sits in Erzurum Province, blending ancient stone architecture with a calm, rural rhythm. The town is renowned for its namesake Oltu stone jewelry and artisans who keep traditional craft alive in intimate workshops.
Visitors can wander narrow lanes, savor hearty Eastern Anatolian flavors, and use Oltu as a quiet base to explore the broader Erzurum countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey in Oltu as the sun rises over the Çoruh River valley, painting the mountains in soft pastels. Wander along the tree-lined promenade and stop by a local café for freshly baked gözleme and strong black tea. Absorb the scent of pine from the distant hills as you overview the town’s Ottoman-era rooftops from a riverside bench.
Check into a charming guesthouse set within traditional stone walls and savor a light lunch featuring regional cheeses and olives. Visit the Oltu Museum to dive into archaeological finds dating back to the Bronze Age and the late Roman period. Stroll through the shaded courtyard of the nearby Zileli Hamam to admire its domed architecture and ornate tilework.
Dine at a cozy family-run restaurant overlooking the river and sample local specialties such as kuymak and lamb kebab. Experience the warm hospitality of Oltu’s residents as musicians play live folk tunes under the dim glow of lanterns. End the night with a leisurely walk across a historic stone bridge, listening to the water rush below.
Set off on a guided tour through the Old City’s labyrinthine alleys, listening to tales of once-thriving caravans that passed through this crossroads. Pause at centuries-old wooden houses adorned with carved balconies and learn about the town’s architectural heritage. Stop by a local bakery to watch artisans shape simit and sweet pastries fresh from the oven.
Enjoy a riverside picnic lunch with local cold cuts, fresh bread, and seasonal fruits picked from nearby orchards. Explore the Güzel Konak, a restored mansion-turned-cultural-center showcasing Ottoman-era textiles and silverware. Wander along the Çoruh Riverbank Trail, spotting migratory birds and native wildflowers swaying in the breeze.
Return to the heart of town for an alfresco dinner at a terrace restaurant lit by twinkling lanterns. Indulge in Oltu’s famed lava stone neve with honey and walnuts, a sweet treat unique to the region. Cap off the evening at a roadside tea house, sharing stories with locals over piping hot çay.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| 🥗Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | $20-40 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $25-60 |
| 🚎Public transportation (1-day pass or single ride) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic regional culture and friendly locals
- Excellent base for exploring Erzurum province and Oltu’s stone craft
- Pleasant day trips and scenic landscapes
- Relatively affordable with straightforward, relaxed pace
- Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale tourist facilities
- Public transport can be sparse outside town centers
- Weather can be extreme in winter and heat can be intense in summer
- Language barrier in rural areas for non-Turkish speakers
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Nasılsınız?" - How are you?
- "İyiyim, teşekkürler" - I’m good, thanks
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Burası Oltu mu?" - Is this Oltu?
- "Nereye gidiyorsunuz?" - Where are you going?
- "Afedersiniz" - Excuse me
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Yardım eder misiniz?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Oltu
Visit one of these nice places.
Ridge-top fortress ruins with views over the town and surrounding hills, especially dramatic at sunrise or sunset.
Narrow streets lined with traditional stone houses, offering textured walls, wooden balconies, and atmospheric backdrops.
Scenic vantage points along the river where the water meanders through the valley—great for long-exposure shots and reflections.
Close-up photography of artisans shaping Oltu stone jewelry and the tools of the trade; capture texture and craft in situ.
Food in Oltu
Oltu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature lamb kebab cooked on a rotating spit and served from a long skewer; look for dedicated cağ kebabı restaurants in Oltu and nearby Erzurum.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked lamb or beef, often served with bread, onions, and yogurt; a staple for hearty meals.
Small Turkish dumplings typically topped with yogurt, garlic oil, and paprika; a comforting option in cold weather.
Meat-based soup that’s common in the region, perfect for warming up after a day of exploring.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly or periodic market where you can sample street snacks, buy fresh produce, and pick up local nuts and dairy products.
Skewered breads and thin flatbreads stuffed with herbs, cheese, or potatoes—great for a quick bite while wandering the streets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Merhaba' (Hello). Address elders with respect and, if possible, use polite titles like 'Bey' or 'Hanım.'
In rural areas, modest clothing is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites or villages.
Ask permission before photographing people or private spaces; a smile and a polite request go a long way.
Safety
Tipping in Oltu
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is customary if service is not included. Small tips for cafe staff and drivers are appreciated but not obligatory.
Turkish Lira is standard locally. Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops; cash is useful for smaller vendors and markets. Contactless payments are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with budding scenery; bring light layers and a light rain jacket for mixed showers.
Warm to hot days; carry water and a hat. Evenings can be cooler; perfect for outdoor dining and views from vantage points.
Clear skies and crisp air; ideal for day hikes and photography with golden light on stone architecture.
Cold, often snowy conditions; prepare for icy streets and chilly winds; indoor dining can be especially cozy.
Oltu at Night
Hiking in Oltu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail along the canyon and river corridor offering varied terrain and viewpoints.
Several short-to-moderate hikes in surrounding hills with panoramic valley views.
A day trip option for more robust hiking and alpine scenery within a couple hours’ drive.
Airports
How to reach Oltu by plane.
Main regional airport serving the area; frequent domestic connections and easy road access to Oltu.
Secondary regional airport within a reasonable drive; alternative access for broader travel in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly ethnic Turks with small Kurdish-speaking communities and other minority groups in the broader Erzurum region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region, with local clubs and community games common in many towns.
Nearby Erzurum areas (e.g., Palandöken) attract winter sports enthusiasts; winter sports culture influences nearby towns as well.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oltu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options include grilled vegetables, lentil or yogurt-based dishes, and bread with dips. Inform staff about any strict restrictions and beware that many dishes center on meat; look for vegetable mezes or ayran-based meals as safe choices.