Thermal Spring Paradise and Pine-Scented City, KIZILCAHAMAM

The city is one of beautiful Anatolian town, surrounded by pine forest and having a rich thermal spring water. Located at northern of Ankara & 80 km distance from the capital of Turkey. Another hand; the city kinda close to another popular tourism destination like Bolu, Safranbolu,Sapanca.
Well, guys, I'm talking about Kizilcahamam, this small town waiting to be discovered.

I have been living here for a year and exploring the city when I have available time. The city center doesn't inspire the people, but out of the city has many facilities for exploring like historical monuments, fossil trees and much more. Let it begins to share some of them. 

Soguk Su Milli Park (Soguk Su National Park): Has covered with pine forest, full of oxygen, long walking areas & a very convenient place for camping, just note that; for to make camp, you ll need a permit by Ministry of Environment &Forestry, also keep it mind that you may have chance to encounter wild animals. Get Ready!:) Just kidding, I have already ask and 'so far nothing happened' officer said. 

The region, mostly using for barbecue by local people. That's why in a huge area having the equipment to make barbecue. Besides that, around 13 km having trekking footpath and on the way, you ll have seen fossil trees, vulture surveillance tower, observation terrace.
Fossil trees, fossilized oak, pine trees have formed millions of years before.
Karagol (black lake): 35 km distance from the city, the lake among the pine trees, magnificent place for camping, 

Alicin Monastery: Built it in the time of the Roman Empire & 90 meters altitude and kinda tough to climb. Watch out! 
 
Kizilcihamam known as the Thermal spring. That's why many of people coming to a thermal pool for treatment. Thermal water with the average temperature of 40 degrees, emerging from the underground, having various gases, minerals, also has proven to be good for skin care, inner diseases. You may use it in the hotels or in private thermal pool, but if you wanna come for treatment, you need to visit here with certain periods. Better to talk doctor first.

In the city, there are many hotels large and small. One of it definitely leading of them. The name is Cam Thermal Resort, Spa &Convention Center. The hotel is 5 star, non-alcohol & located in the magnificent nature. Offers health &nature tourism. Here the website of hotel, https://www.camhotel.com.tr. Another hand the hotel offers nature sports activities, like ATV Motorcycle, climbing, zipline, mountain bike, jeep safari, etc...

City center, like typical other small Anatolian cities, honestly, there is not much to tell. Keep it mind the weekends Kizilcahamam getting really crowded and traffic may bother you because of daily visitors from neighbour cities.
I would like to talk about food, especially if you likes meat, you are in right place. Roast Lamb, Kizilcahamam Meatball &Sousage, KAPAMA (lamb cooked with rice), delicious village Anatolian breakfast. 
In this small town, there are many restaurants, my favorites ones, Kofteci Ahmet and Seyr-et restaurant. 
By the way, can easily reach natural products. There are many small shops which sell natural, villagers hand-maid product. Especially you gonna see everywhere pine-scented cologne. Don't forget the buy it.:)

How about transportation? 90 km distance Ankara Esenboga airport, there are some private bus tours. Some of it 
http://www.ankaratransfer.org/2013/09/kzlcahamam-transfer.html 

Using the bus to coming here? Metro travel company has available direct voyages &
from the Ankara city center every an hour untill 10:00 pm, there is local Kizilcahamam minibus. So as a result; highly recommended for camping or short term vacation.

One more small tip, There is a another anatolian town just behind the Kizilcahamam, around 20 km distance. 
90 km distance from the Ankara city center, population around 7500.  

Well this small typical anatolian town name is Camlidere.
This small town with a population of only 7500 is home to many museums. Natural life &animal museum, Seyh Ali Semerkandi, The old Scales museum and lastly Toys museum inside the train.

Many luxury villas stand out at the entrance to Camlidere city. I think it's just used as a summer home..
In addition to the beauty of nature, in the city is a place where the most important Muslim Sheik have lived in the past and this person's grave is full of visitors every day.
The shrine is surrounded by many restaurants,cafes and shops. Other side of Shrine having by graves and trees.

Many ponds near the city also have a nature park, the most known, Olucdag and Camkoru National Park.

Transportation at Çamlıdere is a bit troublesome, bus service available at certain

times, return to the last 5: 00 pm, the most suitable personal vehicle to visit.
Daily excursion for Çamlıdere definitely enough for a trip, So those who prefer Kizilcahamam for the vacation, I strongly recommend seeing Camlidere.

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