Ilgaz Mountains
Ilgaz Mountain is a popular tourist destination located in the Black Sea region of Turkey. It is known for its natural beauty such as forests, lakes and high peaks, as well as outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, skiing and snowboarding.
Ilgaz Mountain National Park is a protected area that covers most of the mountain range and offers well-marked trails and scenic views. Visitors to the park can also enjoy camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
In addition to its natural beauties, Ilgaz Mountain is also rich in cultural and historical aspects. There are many historical buildings and monuments located throughout the park, including old mosques, forts and mausoleums that shed light on the past of the area.
In general, Ilgaz Mountain is a must-visit destination for those who love the outdoors and want to experience the unique beauties and cultural heritage of Turkey’s Black Sea region.
Where is Ilgaz Mountain?
Ilgaz Mountain is located in the Black Sea region of Turkey, especially in the province of Çankırı. It is located on the border of Sıradağlar, Çankırı and Kastamonu provinces and can be easily reached by road from both provinces. Ilgaz Mountain National Park, which covers a large part of the mountain range, is located near the Ilgaz district of Çankırı province. You can see Mount Ilgaz on Google Maps
How High Is Ilgaz Mountain?
There are two points that can be considered as peaks in the Ilgaz Mountains. These are the Big Hacettepe and Small Hacettepe Hills. On the eastern slopes of the mountain is Büyükhacet Tepe peak. Büyükhacet Tepe is popularly known as Hacet Ilgaz. Hacet Ilgaz Hill is at an altitude of 2587 meters (approximately 8,488 ft.). On the western slopes of the mountain, there is Küçükhacet Tepe peak. Küçükhacet Tepe is popularly known as Çatal Ilgaz. This peak is also at an altitude of 2546 meters (approximately 8353 ft.).
How to go to Ilgaz Mountain?
Depending on your starting location and your preferred mode of transportation, there are several ways to reach Ilgaz Mountain:
By car: Ilgaz Mountain is located in the Black Sea region of Turkey and can be reached by car from several nearby cities, including Çankırı, Kastamonu and Ankara. The mountain range is easily accessible by road, with well-marked highways leading to the park entrance.
By Bus: There are regular bus services to Ilgaz Mountain from neighboring cities such as Çankırı, Kastamonu and Ankara. There are regular bus services from the city centers to the park entrance, and tickets can be purchased at the bus station or online.
By Train: If you prefer to travel by train, there are several trains from Ankara and other surrounding cities to Çankırı and Kastamonu, from where you can hire a bus or taxi to Ilgaz Mountain.
By Air: The nearest airport to Ilgaz Mountain is Esenboğa International Airport in Ankara, approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) away. You can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the mountain ranges from the airport.
Whatever mode of transport you choose, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance and check for any updates or changes to the schedules, especially during the peak travel season.
Is Ilgaz Mountain Volcanic?
No, Ilgaz Mountain is not a volcanic mountain. It is a mountain range formed as a result of tectonic uplift and erosion. The mountain range is composed of sedimentary rocks, including limestone and sandstone, that have been raised and shaped over time by geological processes such as weathering and erosion. The rugged terrain of Ilgaz Mountain offers a challenging environment for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and snowboarding, and is known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
The Legend of Ilgaz Mountain
Ilgaz Mountain has many local legends and legends that are deeply intertwined with the cultural and historical heritage of the region. One of the most popular legends is the story of a young woman named Ilgaz, who lives in a village close to the mountain range.
According to the legend, Ilgaz was a beautiful and kind-hearted woman who lived in the village with her family. One day, a powerful and evil wizard came to the village and tried to capture Ilgaz and take him away. Ilgaz bravely fought the wizard, but was eventually caught. The magician took Ilgaz to his castle on the top of the mountain.
Villagers searched everywhere for Ilgaz but could not find it. After searching for several months, they discovered that Ilgaz was being held captive in the wizard’s castle. A group of brave warriors set out to save Ilgaz, but the mage was too strong.
However, Ilgaz had a secret weapon, his courage and kindness. He used his compassion and selflessness to help the mage see the fault of his ways. The sorcerer finally freed him and renounced his evil ways. Ilgaz returned to the village as a hero and the mountain range was named after him because of his bravery and mercy.
The legend of Mount Ilgaz continues to be a widely spoken story in the region and is passed down from generation to generation. Considered a symbol of hope and courage, the mountain range is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience its unique cultural and natural beauties.
Ilgaz Mountain National Park
Established in 1995, Ilgaz Mountain National Park covers an area of 80,000 hectares and is known for its natural beauty as well as its diversity of flora and fauna. The mountain is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bears, lynx, and various bird species.
Ilgaz Mountain Mountaineering
Ilgaz Mountain is one of the most frequented spots by mountaineers and nature lovers in Turkey. The height of the mountain and the tracks it has are very suitable for mountaineering activities.
Mountaineering on Ilgaz Mountain requires good physical fitness as the trails can be steep and challenging. There are several marked routes to the summit, and most take 4 to 7 hours to complete.
There are several mountain huts and campgrounds in the area that provide shelter and facilities for climbers and hikers. Visitors are advised to bring plenty of food, water and warm clothing, as well as navigation equipment, as the trails can be challenging in bad weather.
Places Near Ilgaz Mountain
There are many areas near the mountain that visitors to Ilgaz Mountain can visit. Some of them:
Ski Center: The ski center has a large and wide ski track. At the same time, the ski center has facilities and equipment for those who want to ski.
Salt Cave: It is a cave formed by the extraction of salt from very old salt mines. It contains remarkable items.
Çankırı Museum: It is a museum that introduces the province of Çankırı and includes historical elements.
Bayramören Bridge: It is a bridge made of wood in a different style. It is a building that must be visited by those who come to the region.
Laundry Museum: It is a laundromat built during the Ottoman Period. Since it is the largest and oldest laundry in Turkey, it has been converted into a museum. It contains historical fabrics and items.
You can see Mount Ilgaz Photos on Google Photos
You may also want to learn about Turkey’s highest mountain, Mount Ararat. Please click on the link to read more about majestic Mount Ararat.
