Erzincan Province
Erzincan Province in eastern Turkey offers dramatic mountain scenery, Urartian ruins, world-class skiing at Ergan, and rich culinary traditions including the famous tulum cheese.
Erzincan Province in eastern Turkey offers dramatic mountain scenery, Urartian ruins, world-class skiing at Ergan, and rich culinary traditions including the famous tulum cheese.
Erzincan Province is one of eastern Turkey's most rewarding yet undervisited destinations, offering a compelling blend of dramatic mountain scenery, ancient history, and authentic Anatolian culture. Nestled along the upper Euphrates River valley, this province delivers rugged landscapes that rival more famous Turkish destinations. Visitors who make the journey are rewarded with warm hospitality, rich culinary traditions, and a sense of discovery that is increasingly rare in modern travel.
Erzincan sits in a broad fertile plain surrounded by the Munzur and Karasu mountain ranges in eastern Anatolia. The provincial capital, also called Erzincan, serves as the main hub for exploring the wider region. The city lies at approximately 1,200 metres above sea level, giving it a cool continental climate and spectacular alpine surroundings.
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers can be warm in the valley but are ideal for trekking in the highlands. Winters are cold and snowy, though the Ergan Mountain ski resort makes this season increasingly popular among domestic tourists.
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). Erzincan is an affordable destination even by Turkish standards, with budget accommodation, local meals, and transport costing significantly less than western Turkish cities. ATMs are widely available in the city centre, and major cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.
Ergan Mountain Ski Resort
Ergan is one of Turkey's finest and least crowded ski destinations, offering well-maintained slopes across a range of difficulty levels. The resort sits at elevations reaching above 3,000 metres, providing reliable snow cover throughout the winter season. Its uncrowded runs and modern facilities make it a favourite among those who prefer skiing without the queues of more commercial resorts.
Practical Tip: Book accommodation early during the January to February peak season, as availability is limited.
Kemah Gorge
The Kemah Gorge is a breathtaking natural canyon carved by the Euphrates River, featuring dramatic rock walls and a historic hilltop citadel perched above the water. The views from the ancient fortress ruins are among the most striking in the region, offering panoramas that blend natural and historical grandeur. The town of Kemah itself is a quiet, traditional settlement with a strong sense of local identity.
Practical Tip: Visit in the morning when light conditions are ideal for photography from the castle walls.
Munzur Valley National Park
Straddling the border with Tunceli Province, the Munzur Valley National Park is a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Crystal-clear rivers, dense forests, and mountain peaks create an ecosystem that supports bears, wolves, and golden eagles. The park is one of Turkey's most pristine wilderness areas and sees relatively few foreign visitors.
Practical Tip: Hire a local guide for trekking, as trails are not always clearly marked for independent walkers.
Erzincan City Centre and Bazaar
The city's traditional bazaar district is a lively, authentic space where locals shop for textiles, spices, and handcrafted goods. Unlike the tourist-oriented bazaars of Istanbul, this market operates entirely for the local community, making it a genuinely immersive cultural experience. The surrounding streets feature tea houses and small restaurants that offer an unfiltered glimpse into eastern Anatolian daily life.
Practical Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for the most active trading atmosphere.
Altintepe Urartian Ruins
Altintepe is one of the most significant Urartian archaeological sites in Turkey, dating back to the 8th and 7th centuries BCE. Excavations have revealed a palace, temple, and tomb complex that shed important light on this ancient civilisation that preceded the Armenian and Persian empires. The site museum houses remarkable bronze artefacts and ivory inlays recovered during decades of careful excavation.
Practical Tip: Combine a visit with the nearby Erzincan Museum for a fuller understanding of the regional history.
Girlevik Waterfall
Girlevik is a stunning waterfall located in a forested canyon roughly 30 kilometres from the city, making it a popular destination for weekend picnickers and nature seekers. The cascade drops dramatically through a series of rocky ledges surrounded by lush greenery. A well-maintained path leads to the base of the falls, making it accessible for visitors of all fitness levels.
Practical Tip: The waterfall is most impressive in late spring when snowmelt increases the water flow significantly.
Tercan Mama Hatun Caravanserai
Built in the late 12th century by the Georgian queen Tamar, this magnificent Seljuk-era caravanserai is one of the finest examples of medieval Anatolian architecture in the eastern provinces. The circular design of the mausoleum adjacent to the caravanserai is unique in Turkish architectural heritage. The site stands beside a river and retains a remarkable atmosphere of ancient purpose and craftsmanship.
Practical Tip: There is no entry fee, but donations for upkeep are appreciated at this undervisited but important monument.
Begin the morning at the Altintepe ruins to explore the Urartian heritage before the heat of the day. Move into the city for lunch at a traditional lokanta near the bazaar, sampling local specialities. Spend the afternoon exploring the bazaar district and the Erzincan Museum, then conclude the day with a short drive to Girlevik Waterfall for a scenic evening walk.
On the first day, explore the city centre, museum, and Altintepe. On day two, make the drive to Kemah Gorge and spend the morning at the citadel before continuing to Tercan to visit the Mama Hatun Caravanserai. On day three, head into the Munzur Valley for a guided half-day trek, returning to the city in the evening. This itinerary provides a strong balance of history, culture, and natural scenery.
Tulum Cheese: Erzincan is renowned across Turkey for its tulum peyniri, a sharp and crumbly cheese aged inside an animal skin. It is served at almost every breakfast table in the region and can be purchased fresh from local producers. Look for it at the bazaar where it is sold by weight.
Katmer: A thin, flaky pastry filled with walnuts or cheese and cooked on a griddle, katmer is a beloved local breakfast item. It pairs beautifully with a glass of hot black tea and is best eaten fresh off the griddle at a traditional pastane.
Kesme Soup: A hearty noodle soup made with hand-cut pasta, yogurt, and lamb broth, kesme corbasi is the defining comfort food of eastern Anatolian winters. It is rich, warming, and deeply satisfying after a day of outdoor activity.
Stuffed Lamb (Kuzu Dolma): On special occasions and at meatsofra-style restaurants, whole stuffed lamb is prepared with rice, nuts, and aromatic spices. This dish represents the pinnacle of the region's festive culinary tradition and is worth seeking out at local celebrations or specialist restaurants.
Ayran: The cold, salted yogurt drink known as ayran is the default accompaniment to almost every meal in the region. Locally produced ayran in Erzincan is particularly thick and tangy compared to commercial varieties found elsewhere in Turkey.
Walnut Paste (Dövme Ceviz): A dense, sweet spread made from ground walnuts and grape molasses, this is a traditional preserve eaten with bread at breakfast. It is produced in small batches by local families and can be found at the bazaar or in specialist food shops.
Erzincan has its own domestic airport with regular flights connecting it to Istanbul and Ankara, making it accessible without a lengthy overland journey. The city is also served by the Eastern Express railway, one of Turkey's most celebrated scenic train routes running from Ankara to Kars. Intercity bus services connect Erzincan to neighbouring provinces including Erzurum, Sivas, and Trabzon.
Within the city, minibuses (dolmus) and taxis are the primary means of transport. Renting a car is strongly recommended for exploring the province's natural and historical sites, many of which are located in rural areas with limited public transport connections. Local car hire agencies operate in the city centre and at the airport.
Erzurum: Located roughly two hours to the east, Erzurum is one of eastern Turkey's most important historical cities, home to a magnificent 12th-century theological school (the Cifte Minareli Medrese) and a hilltop citadel. It makes an excellent full-day excursion for visitors with a strong interest in Seljuk and Ottoman architecture.
Tunceli (Dersim): To the south, Tunceli Province offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in all of Anatolia. The region is culturally distinctive as the heartland of Alevi culture in Turkey, and its combination of natural beauty and cultural depth makes it a compelling addition to any eastern Anatolian itinerary.
Divriği: In neighbouring Sivas Province, the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary carved stone portals. The level of decorative detail is considered one of the highest achievements of medieval Islamic architecture and is a short drive from the provincial border.
Q: What is Erzincan Province best known for?
A: Erzincan Province is best known for its tulum cheese, the Ergan Mountain ski resort, Urartian archaeological sites, and dramatic mountain and river landscapes in eastern Turkey.
Q: Is Erzincan safe for tourists?
A: Yes, Erzincan is considered a safe destination for both domestic and international tourists. The city and province are welcoming to visitors, and petty crime rates are low compared to larger Turkish cities.
Q: How do I get to Erzincan?
A: The easiest way is by direct flight from Istanbul or Ankara to Erzincan Airport. Alternatively, the scenic Eastern Express train from Ankara stops at Erzincan, and intercity bus services connect the city to multiple regional hubs.
Q: What outdoor activities are available in the province?
A: Erzincan Province offers skiing at Ergan Mountain, trekking in the Munzur Valley National Park, river walks near Kemah Gorge, and visits to the Girlevik Waterfall. The region is particularly suited to adventure tourism during spring and autumn.
Q: When is the best time to visit Erzincan?
A: Late spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons for general sightseeing and outdoor activities. Winter is ideal for skiers, while summer offers warm valley temperatures and accessible high-altitude trails.