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Soğuksu National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Soğuksu National Park is located near the town of Kızılcahamam in Ankara Province and was officially established in 1959. Covering 1,187 hectares, the park sits at a climatic crossroads between the semi-arid Central Anatolian steppe and the humid Black Sea forests. Its diverse flora is dominated by Scots pine, larch, and oak trees, providing a rich habitat for various wildlife species. The park is most famous as a sanctuary for the Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus), a globally near-threatened bird of prey that breeds in the area's ancient trees. Elevations in the park range from 1,000 to 1,800 meters, creating a rugged terrain convenient for hiking and birdwatching. In addition to its ecological significance, the surrounding region is renowned for its natural thermal springs and high-quality mineral water. The park's geological history is marked by volcanic formations and fossilized remains, making it a site of interest for both nature enthusiasts and scientists studying the natural history of Central Anatolia.

Location: Turkey
Top sights: Ankara Kara Akbaba Yaban Hayatı Geliştirme Sahası · Soğuksu National Park · Şehitlik Anıtı

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-4	-2	2	7	12	16	19	20	16	10	4	-2
Rain mm	56	44	50	43	58	56	21	20	30	43	38	55

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The national park is easily reachable by car or regular minibus services from the town of Kızılcahamam. The main entrance is well-paved, offering straightforward access to the central recreation zones and thermal springs.

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Best season

The park is a popular retreat year-round, with summer providing a cool escape from the city heat under the dense pine canopy. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for hiking, while winter transforms the landscape into a snowy environment.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape features rolling hills covered in thick forests, interspersed with thermal springs and scenic viewpoints. The primary walking paths near the facilities are generally flat and easy, while venturing deeper involves unpaved trails.

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What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes are sufficient for the main areas, but light hiking boots are recommended for exploring the woodland paths. Depending on the season, bring a light jacket for the cooler forest shade, and a camera.

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Parking

Ample designated parking areas are usually available within the national park, especially near the main picnic and thermal spring zones. Parking is generally straightforward during weekdays but can become quite congested on summer weekends.

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Safety

The main recreational areas are very safe and family-friendly, but visitors should be cautious around naturally hot spring pools. When hiking deeper into the woods, it is best to stick to marked trails to avoid getting disoriented.

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Time needed

A typical visit for a picnic, a short nature walk, and viewing the thermal areas usually takes around three to four hours. For those aiming to extensively hike the forest trails, planning a five to six-hour visit is quite common.

Geography

Coordinates

40.46670, 32.61670

Facts

Established on February 19, 1959, making it one of Turkey's oldest national parks.
The national park covers a total land area of 1,187 hectares.
A critical nesting site for the rare and protected Cinereous Vulture.
The highest point within the park reaches an elevation of 1,789 meters.
Home to more than 160 bird species and diverse mammals like wild boar.
Approximately 80% of the park's territory is covered by dense coniferous forests.