Getting started: About Erzurum
Before exploring Erzurum, a few notes about the city:
- Located at the eastern tip of Türkiye, Erzurum is the fourth-largest province in Türkiye in terms of surface area and the third-largest in Eastern Anatolia in terms of population.
- The city of Erzurum is on the outskirts of Palandöken, a destination for winter tourism, in particular skiing and snowboarding. Due to its geography, the ski season in Palandöken stretches from November to the end of April.
- The spring and summer months in Erzurum are ideal for cultural and sightseeing tours.
- Winters in Erzurum tend to be severe. As one of the coldest provinces in Türkiye, Erzurum has harsher continental climate characteristics and the daytime temperature in winter is around – 5 degrees Celsius. In the city, snow can remain on the ground for an average of 70 days a year. Dress warmly if you intend to visit Erzurum in winter.
- The province of Erzurum hosts a city in the Cittaslow Turkish National Network: Uzundere, a beautiful and calm town set at the intersection of the Eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia regions. Uzundere offers a blend of both regions with its nature and cultural features. In addition, Öşvank Church, Tortum Lake and Köttek Cave, among the places to visit in Erzurum, are in this district.
- Bayburt, the closest neighbor of the city of Erzurum in the north, is accessible by road and offers exquisite nature views along the way. The Baksı Museum is in Bayburt as is the lovely Çoruh River.
- Turkish Airlines operates numerous direct flights from İstanbul and Ankara to Erzurum every day. To visit this fascinating area, just click here for an Erzurum flight ticket.
Places to visit in Erzurum
Erzurum is an impressive city replete with venerable inns, baths, mosques, churches and elaborate madrasas. In addition, the region features natural beauties and breathtaking views.
Twin Minaret Madrasa
One of Erzurum’s symbolic structures, the Twin Minaret Madrasah is believed to have been erected in the thirteenth century. Dating from the Seljuk period, the structure reveals the refined details of the Seljuk artistic tradition.
Yakutiye Madrasa Turkish-Islamic Arts and Ethnography Museum
Yakutiye Madrasa, built in 1310 during the Ilkhanid period, is considered one of the most spectacular buildings in the city of Erzurum. Featuring important symbols in its details of the Central Asian Turks, the structure has served as the Museum of Turkish Islamic Works and Ethnography since its restoration in 1995 and hosts a noteworthy collection.
Three Tombs
The history of the Three Tombs, considered among the most visually pleasing mausoleums in Anatolia, dates to the 14th century. While it is estimated that the largest tomb was built for Emir Saltuk, the provenance of the other tombs is unknown.
Öşvank Monastery
The Öşvank Church, in the village of Çamlıyamaç of the quiet Uzundere district, was built between 963-973 during the Georgian Bağratlı Dynasty. The elegant Öşvank Church underwent repairs during the Byzantine period.
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Set on the borders of the Yakutiye district, the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque was the first Ottoman mosque in Erzurum. The graceful structure was built in 1562 by the renowned Koca Sinan – Sinan the Architect, also known as Sinan the Great.
Tortum Waterfall and Lake Tortum
On the border of the Caucasus Ecological Region, one of the world’s most notable areas in terms of biodiversity, endemic plants, birds, and butterflies come to life. The region is also home to the gorgeous Tortum Waterfall in Uzundere, among the largest waterfalls in the world, with a 21-meter-wide waterfall flowing from a height of 48 meters.
We also suggest visiting the Tortum Lake Glass Observation Terrace – at 200 meters, the highest glass observation terrace in Türkiye. The Observation Terrace offers incredible views of Lake Tortum, the largest landslide embankment lake in the country.
Tortum Waterfall is outstanding not just for its breathtaking beauty, but also for its ice climbing activities. An annual Ice Climbing Festival is held in Erzurum during the winter months to celebrate this extreme sport.
İspir Yedigöller
Ispir Yedigöller, at an average elevation of four thousand meters, is a gift to the city and the world, featuring 11 intensely blue volcanic lakes. Ispir Yedigöller is popular for camping and mountaineering.
Erzurum thermal springs
The Pasinler, Ilıca and Köprüköy thermal springs in Erzurum are filled with mixed quality mineral water of 2,500 mg/lt mineralization. As well as offering a relaxing interlude, soaking in a hot spring can have a positive effect on many ailments from rheumatic diseases to joint pain and stress disorders.
Winter sports and extreme sports in Erzurum
Ski and snowboarding: Palandöken
One of the world’s prominent ski centers and the star of Erzurum, Palandöken features the highest peak in Türkiye. The resort’s snow thickness reaches up to 2-3 meters in the winter season, and the quality of the snow is quite high. Palandöken is a popular destination for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
Ice climbing: Uzundere
Another activity that draws extreme sports enthusiasts to Erzurum is ice climbing. Indeed, one can climb a frozen waterfall in Erzurum. ☺ The ice floes, which reach up to 300 meters when the waterfalls freeze, are perfect for ice climbing. In the Uzundere area, ice climbing training is available for novices.
Rafting & Canoeing: Hınıs Canyon, Çoruh River
Erzurum is home to 260 of the 376 kilometers of the Çoruh River, a popular site for rafting and canoeing. Also well-known for those activities as is the seven-kilometer-long Hınıs Canyon stream, when it is running high. The Great Mosque of Hınıs (Hınıs Ulu Camii), built in 1734, is on a grassy bank along the Hınıs Canyon.
Dining in Erzurum
Erzurum’s most famous dish is undoubtedly cağ kebab. Cağ kebab is made by marinating pieces of lamb, horizontally stacking them and then grilling the chunks rotisserie-style. Served with raw onion and green peppers, this savory dish is not to be missed.
Hıngel, similar to ravioli, is another beloved Erzurum dish. Dumplings are stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and potatoes and served plain or with yoghurt.
Other Erzurum dishes that we strongly recommend include
- Aşotu soup (a type of yoghurt and meatball soup)
- Kadayıf dolması (stuffed kadayif)
- Kete (a type of pastry)
Erzurum airport transportation
Municipal buses operate between the Erzurum city center and Erzurum Airport. The distance between Erzurum Airport and the city center is 14 km and the drive takes about 20 minutes. You can visit the link to rent a car with Turkish Airlines privileges – rental cars are available at the airport.
The Kardelen Kart is used for the city’s public transportation system. We wish you a safe flight and a great trip in advance!
