Beautiful pine trees on background Ilgaz Mountain
Ilgaz Mountain and its surrounding region, designated a national park in 1976, is the highest point in the Western Black Sea Region. This natural wonder is renowned for its year-round recreational appeal. Situated between Kastamonu and Çankırı, and accessed through a mountain pass at 1,875 meters altitude, Ilgaz forms a 50 km circular massif.
The national park not only boasts geological richness but also hosts a ski resort and lies close to Ankara, making it a popular destination for both seasonal tourists and adventure seekers.
Ilgaz Mountain, Kastamonu, Turkey
Geological and Natural Features
Located at the crossroads of the Black Sea and Central Anatolia, the Ilgaz Mountains stretch over 160 km from southwest to northeast. Volcanic rocks and serpentines dominate the terrain, and the mountains sit atop the North Anatolian Fault—Turkey’s most active seismic fault line. This contributes to a constantly evolving topography filled with ridges, peaks, and valleys.
Thanks to its dynamic landscape, Ilgaz National Park is a favorite among nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area supports a wide range of recreational activities across all four seasons, from hiking and camping to skiing and wildlife observation.
The autumn colors in Ilgaz
Flora and Fauna of Ilgaz Mountain National Park
Ilgaz Mountain National Park enjoys a moderate climate, with average temperatures of 9.8°C. Summer highs reach 20°C, while winter lows dip to 0°C. The park’s proximity to Ankara enhances its appeal for winter sports, especially skiing.
The park is rich in flora, especially coniferous trees such as fir, black pine, and red pine. A well-developed forest understory, fast-flowing rivers, and diverse endemic plant species provide ideal habitats for wildlife, including deer, roe deer, wild boar, foxes, bears, and wolves.
There are plenty of mountain villages towards Mt. Ilgaz
Things to Do
The natural beauty of Ilgaz invites visitors to engage in a variety of activities:
Hiking and Botanical Trails: Explore scenic routes through rich forest ecosystems.
Winter Sports: Enjoy skiing on two slopes with a chairlift and T-bar lift.
Outdoor Recreation: Trekking, birdwatching, photo safaris, mountain biking, and picnicking are popular during warmer months.
Camping: Camp amidst serene natural settings, surrounded by the lush forest canopy.
Accommodation and Facilities
There are seven accommodation facilities within and near the park, offering a total of 1,338 beds. The area gets particularly busy during the winter season. Besides ski infrastructure, including slopes and lifts, Ankara University also operates facilities in the region, catering to both local and international tourists.
