This northeastern Turkish town sits between the Black Sea and mountains, with dense forests and the Çoruh River nearby. Local restaurants serve authentic Black Sea cuisine.
Artvin clings to a hillside above the Çoruh River in northeastern Turkey, with the 4,000-meter Kaçkar Mountains rising behind it. Walk through pine forests to reach the calm waters of Karagöl Lake, explore the 9th-century Şavşat Castle, or time your visit for the Caucasus bull wrestling festival in summer. You'll find centuries-old Georgian churches in hidden valleys and can hike past Ottoman mosques on mountain trails that connect remote villages across the region.
Getting to Artvin
You can fly to Trabzon or Batumi airports and rent a car for the drive to Artvin. From Istanbul, the drive takes about 20 hours. The mountain roads near Artvin twist through steep valleys - drive carefully, especially from November to March when snow is common.
Natural Landmarks and Parks
Karagöl-Sahara National Park covers 3,251 hectares across two zones. At Karagöl, you can walk around a mountain lake lined with pine trees. In the Sahara section, you'll see wooden houses and meet families who still practice seasonal farming in the Black Sea highlands. The Çoruh River runs through deep valleys where you can join rafting trips. The Kaçkar Mountains reach 4,000 meters, with hiking paths connecting small mountain villages.
Historical Buildings and Fortifications
Three medieval castles still stand in Artvin. You can climb to Şavşat Castle, built in the 9th century by the Armenian Bagratunis dynasty, where several towers remain intact. Artvin Castle sits on a rock overlooking the Çoruh River, dating from the 10th century. At Ardanuç Castle, you can explore unusual interior rooms that once caught Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent's attention. The city's Ottoman buildings include the 1792 Salih Bey mosque and the 1783 Çelebi Efendi fountain.
Mountain Activities and Trekking
You can hike the Trans-Kaçkar route from Yusufeli Yaylalar village to Rize's Çamlıhemşin Ayder highlands - this trail requires mountain experience. For easier walks, head to the Altıparmak Mountains. In winter, you can ski on the high slopes, while summer brings good conditions for camping and off-road driving. Local guides can help you navigate the mountain paths through thick forests.
Cultural Events and Local Life
Each summer, the Caucasus Culture and Arts Festival fills the Kafkasör plateau with music and traditional bull wrestling matches. The city's residents include Laz people, Kipchaks, and Muslim Georgians, each group maintaining their own traditions and recipes. In the mountain pastures (yayla), you can watch shepherds follow ancient routes, moving their animals between summer meadows and winter valleys.
Climate and Weather
Artvin has an oceanic climate with big temperature swings. Summer temperatures can reach 43.0°C (109.4°F), while winters can drop to -16.1°C (3.0°F). The Black Sea brings regular rain, especially near the coast, which keeps the forests green year-round.
