KASTAMONU · INTO NATURE

Slow down.
Get closer to nature.

Listen to the canyon, breathe in the forest. Find your nature stop and discover what to expect before you go.

Start exploring Your first visit?
Protected landscapes & nature stopsPhoto: Horma Canyon

GET TO KNOW IT BEFORE YOU GO

What is a protected area?

These places safeguard natural heritage for future generations. Visiting conditions vary. Start by distinguishing a national park from an individual waterfall or canyon stop.

Understand the different types

National park

A large natural heritage landscape. Plan visits around designated visitor sites.

Nature park

A natural setting valued for recreation. Activities depend on local rules.

Natural monument

Protects a distinctive natural feature, such as a rock formation or an old tree.

Nature conservation area

Strict protection for science and education. Do not treat it as a general recreation site.

Wildlife area

Focuses on protecting wildlife habitat. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Wetland

A water-shaped habitat. Check shoreline access and use rules.

Nature visitor site

An itinerary label in this guide, not a separate legal protection status.

Source: DKMP · Definitions ↗

FIND YOUR NATURE ESCAPE

Which landscape calls to you?

Choose an interest and explore the stops. Compare up to three places to help you decide.

4 nature stops

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Horma CanyonNature visitor site

Pınarbaşı

Horma Canyon

A wooden walkway offers close views of the canyon walls and water. Consider pairing it with Ilıca.

Canyon walk on a wooden walkway

How should I plan my visit?
Allow time
Plan a half-day outing and arrange your return transport.
Plan access
Treat the Pınarbaşı entrance and the Ilıca exit as separate locations.
Come prepared
Expect heights and potentially wet surfaces. Confirm that the walkway is open.

Times are editorial planning suggestions and vary with travel, pace and weather. Confirm accessibility, open trails and fees with the operator before visiting.

Official visitor information ↗
Explore this place ↗
Ilgaz MountainNational park

Kastamonu · Çankırı border

Ilgaz Mountain National Park

Mountain air, forests and winter landscapes. A mountain experience that changes with the seasons.

Mountains and forest; snowy winter scenery

How should I plan my visit?
Allow time
Allow half a day or a day for your chosen activity.
Plan access
Plan via the Kastamonu–Çankırı road corridor; check winter road conditions.
Come prepared
Mountain weather can change quickly. Bring layers and suitable footwear.

Times are editorial planning suggestions and vary with travel, pace and weather. Confirm accessibility, open trails and fees with the operator before visiting.

Official visitor information ↗
Explore this place ↗
Ilıca WaterfallNature visitor site

Pınarbaşı

Ilıca Waterfall

A waterfall stop at the end of Horma Canyon. Add it to your itinerary for water and woodland scenery.

Waterfall views and photography

How should I plan my visit?
Allow time
Plan a short visit or combine it with Horma for a half-day outing.
Plan access
Look into access via Ilıca village; walking through Horma is a separate option.
Come prepared
Take care on wet rocks; do not assume entering the water is permitted.

Times are editorial planning suggestions and vary with travel, pace and weather. Confirm accessibility, open trails and fees with the operator before visiting.

Official visitor information ↗
Explore this place ↗
Around the Küre Mountains: Horma CanyonNational park

Kastamonu · Bartın

Küre Mountains National Park

A landscape of forests and canyons. Plan for a broad region rather than a small park with a single entrance.

Forest and canyon scenery

How should I plan my visit?
Allow time
Dedicate a day to one visitor area.
Plan access
Choose a specific visitor site before planning transport.
Come prepared
Use marked visitor routes; canyon traverses need separate preparation.

Times are editorial planning suggestions and vary with travel, pace and weather. Confirm accessibility, open trails and fees with the operator before visiting.

Official visitor information ↗
Explore this place ↗
Other records and location notes (5)

Location or protection status information for these records needs further confirmation before planning a visit.

Bear Rock Natural Monument

Protection status and visitor access under this name have not yet been verified. Contact DKMP before travelling.

DKMP Regional Directorate ↗

Ersizlerdere - Aksu Nature Conservation Area

The official source describes Ersizlerdere Canyon Nature Park in Küre. This older record’s name and location cannot be confidently matched to that site.

View the official site information ↗

Göldağı Wildlife Development Area

Protection status and visitor access under this name have not yet been verified. Contact DKMP before travelling.

DKMP Regional Directorate ↗

Karaçomak Reservoir Wetland

Protection status and visitor access under this name have not yet been verified. Contact DKMP before travelling.

DKMP Regional Directorate ↗

Tatlıca Waterfalls Natural Monument

Tatlıca Waterfalls are in Erfelek / Sinop, outside Kastamonu. Do not use the Hanönü location in the older record.

Read on the Culture Portal ↗

A LITTLE PREPARATION GOES A LONG WAY

Before you set off

01 · Choose your entrance

A national park can cover a large region. Plan a specific visitor site and your return.

02 · Check conditions

Confirm weather, trail openings, transport and the accessibility provisions you need.

03 · Give nature space

Stay on marked paths, take litter home and do not feed wildlife. Follow local rules.

Complete your trip with ready-made routes →

Which one is for you?