Located 1,757 meters above sea level in eastern Turkey, this high-altitude city serves as the regional capital and acts as a key economic center of the country's easternmost region.
At 1,950 meters above sea level, Erzurum is Turkey's highest major city. From the stone-carved Twin Minaret Madrasa to the snow-covered slopes of Palandöken Mountain, this eastern Turkish city combines centuries of Seljuk architecture with modern winter sports infrastructure. Local chefs prepare the distinctive Cağ Kebab by slow-roasting marinated lamb on horizontal spits.
Skiing and Winter Activities at Palandöken
The slopes of Palandöken Mountain start just 30 minutes from downtown Erzurum. With its peak at 3,150 meters, the mountain has 22 marked runs ranging from gentle beginner slopes to challenging black diamond trails. Since hosting the 2011 Winter Universiade, the area includes a 120-meter ski jumping ramp, an ice hockey arena with 3,000 seats, and a dedicated curling hall. Snow typically covers the slopes from December through March, with temperatures staying below freezing.
Medieval Buildings in the City Center
The Twin Minaret Madrasa (Çifte Minareli Medrese), built in 1253, stands out with its intricate stone carvings and two 26-meter-tall minarets. From the citadel fortress walls, you'll see panoramic views of the city's minarets and mountains. The fortress museum displays regional artifacts, including Ottoman-era weapons and daily items. The 12th-century Grand Mosque contains original Seljuk stone archways and geometric patterns carved into its walls and pillars.
Regional Food and Restaurants
Cağ Kebab starts with lamb marinated in onions, salt, and black pepper for 12 hours. Chefs stack the meat on horizontal spits and slice it directly onto warm flatbread. Try su böreği, where thin layers of dough enclose a filling of local cheese, or ekşili dolma - cabbage leaves wrapped around spiced rice and simmered in sour sauce. For dessert, look for kadayıf dolması, where shredded wheat pastry encases ground walnuts or pistachios.
Transportation Options
The Doğu Express train departs daily at 17:55 from Erzurum to Ankara, taking 22 hours through eastern Turkey's mountain landscapes. You can fly to Erzurum International Airport, 14 kilometers from the city center, with multiple daily connections to Istanbul and other Turkish cities. Public buses connect the airport, city center, and Palandöken Mountain. The central district's historical buildings lie within walking distance - you can walk between most sites in 15-20 minutes.
