Do you ever have moments when you're overwhelmed by the city's noise, the endless hustle, and the polluted air? When you just want to stop and take a deep breath, filling your lungs with real oxygen? In those moments, only one place should come to mind: the Kaz Mountains (Kazdağları). In ancient times, Homer referred to it as "many-fountained, mother of wild beasts," known in mythology as Mount Ida. This region boasts one of the highest oxygen levels in the world, second only to the Alps, promising not just clean air but also legends that will touch your soul and unforgettable memories. So, what should be at the very top of your list of Things to Do in the Kaz Mountains? Let's take you away from the city's stress and on a delightful hike in this oxygen paradise.

Take a Dip in the Cool Waters of Hasanboğuldu Pond, Fed by Sütüven Waterfall

One of the first things to greet you when you step into the Kaz Mountains is a sorrowful love story. This isn't just a visit to a waterfall and a pond; it's a chance to witness the immortal love of Emine and Hasan. According to legend, Emine, a Yörük girl living in the mountains, and Hasan, a young man from the plains, fell in love. However, Emine's family, believing Hasan couldn't endure the harsh mountain life, gave him a difficult test: he had to carry a 60-kilogram sack of salt on his back up to their camp.   

For the sake of his love, Hasan shouldered the heavy load, but halfway there, at the spot where the pond is today, his strength gave out, and he collapsed. Despite all of Emine's efforts, she couldn't get Hasan back on his feet and ran to the camp for help. When she returned, Hasan was gone. Days later, seeing the scarf she had gifted him floating on the pond's surface, she realized her beloved had drowned and hanged herself from a nearby plane tree. From that day on, the pond has been called "Hasanboğuldu" (Hasan Drowned), and the tree is known as "Emine's Plane Tree."   

The setting of this touching story is one of nature's most generous spots. The waters of Sütüven Waterfall, cascading from a height of about 17 meters, create a cool melody as they strike the rocks, true to the meaning of its name ("water leaping from stone to stone"). The Hasanboğuldu Pond, fed by the waterfall, is famous for its icy waters, cold enough to make you shiver even on the hottest summer day. If you wish to witness this legend and feel the power of nature, here's a piece of advice: this place gets very crowded, especially on weekends, sometimes reaching a "rush hour subway" level of intensity. Therefore, to truly experience its mystical atmosphere, opt for an early morning visit on a weekday. You can find picnic areas and stalls selling local products, but remember that lighting barbecues or camp stoves is forbidden to protect nature. If you're curious about other tales from these lands, be sure to check out our article on Be sure to check out our Things to Do in Balıkesir page.

Visit Authentic Stone Villages like Yeşilyurt or Adatepe

To understand the soul of the Kaz Mountains, you must explore the time-defying stone villages nestled on its lush slopes. Two of these villages, each with its own unique character, will transport you to another world: Adatepe and Yeşilyurt.

Adatepe is like an intellectual sanctuary. Once a Greek village that was later abandoned, it was rediscovered in the 1980s by a group of intellectuals fleeing the city and was reborn from its ashes. Protected as a conservation site since 1989, the village preserves its stone architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and serene atmosphere just as it was. Sitting under the centuries-old plane trees in the village square for a coffee and tasting the famous herbal ice cream are must-do activities here. While in Adatepe, there are two places you cannot miss: First, Turkey's first olive oil museum. Converted from an old soap factory, this museum tells the age-old story of the olive's transformation into oil. Second is the Altar of Zeus. A short walk from the village, this hill is where, according to mythology, Zeus, the King of the Gods, watched the Trojan War. The pleasure of watching the sunset over the Gulf of Edremit and Lesbos Island from here is beyond words.   

Yeşilyurt, on the other hand, offers a more boutique and comfortable authenticity. Formerly known as Büyük Çetmi, it's a charming village situated between the mountain and the sea, like an "oxygen tent". Just like Adatepe, Greek and Turkish cultures coexisted here for years, and the traces of this union can be seen in the architecture of the stone houses. What sets Yeşilyurt apart is that many of its restored stone mansions have been converted into high-quality boutique hotels, making the village an excellent base for exploring the Kaz Mountains. As you wander through the village square, you can try local delicacies like homemade tomato paste, tarhana (a dried food ingredient), and the local Çetmi Dessert sold by the villagers.   

Connect with Nature on the Hiking Trails within the National Park

If you want to descend into the heart of the Kaz Mountains and feel its famous oxygen down to your bones, there's only one thing to do: lose yourself on the trails of the Kazdağı National Park. This massive 21,450-hectare protected area is not just a forest but a biological treasure, home to over 800 plant species, 32 of which are endemic (found only here). One of the most special creatures that will accompany you on these hikes is the Kaz Dağı Fir, named after these mountains and found nowhere else in the world.   

So, which route should you choose in this unique geography? Here are a few suggestions:

For Breathtaking Views: Şahindere Canyon This is one of the most impressive spots in the national park. The 26 km long canyon acts like a chimney for the gulf, combining the iodine-rich sea air with the mountain air to create that famous oxygen richness. Watching the view from the glass terrace built at a commanding point over the canyon is both a thrilling and enchanting experience. The approximately 10 km trail is ideal for those looking for a moderately difficult hike.   

In Pursuit of Endemic Beauties: Tozlu Plateau Hike If your goal is to see the famous Kaz Dağı Fir with your own eyes, your route should be the Tozlu Plateau. This trail, about 6 km round trip, will introduce you to one of the most special inhabitants of the Kaz Mountains.   

For Summit Enthusiasts: Sarıkız Peak Reaching the mountain's 1784-meter summit is both a physical and spiritual journey. The path to the summit usually starts with jeep safari tours and continues with trekking after a certain point. At the top, you'll be greeted not only by a magnificent view but also by the site of the sorrowful Sarıkız legend.   

There's a very important rule you need to know before you set out: in the sensitive protected areas of the national park, especially on the routes leading to the summit and the depths of the canyon, you must be accompanied by a licensed local guide. This rule is vital for both your safety and the preservation of this unique nature. For the most up-to-date route information and guide services, you can consult the National Park information office in Zeytinli. If you are a fan of nature walks, you should also check out our article on You should also take a look at our article on Sarımsaklı Nature Park..

While You're Here...

You can enrich your Kaz Mountains trip with a few small getaways. The Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Gallery near the village of Güre holds the title of Turkey's first private ethnography museum. In this UNESCO-awarded gallery, an interesting collection awaits you, from objects of Turkmen culture to a giant sea turtle. If you want a bit of sea air after the coolness of the mountains, the coastlines of Akçay and Altınoluk offer a nice alternative with their restaurants and promenades. For a quieter village experience, you can visit Çamlıbel Village, the final resting place of the master actor Tuncel Kurtiz.   

Source: For the most current and official information about Kazdağları National Park (entrance fees, open routes, rules, etc.), you can visit the official website: (http://www.kazdagimilliparki.com/).   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best time to visit the Kaz Mountains? The Kaz Mountains are a paradise in all four seasons. In spring, you can witness the awakening of nature; in summer, you can cool off in the cool plateaus and icy waters; in autumn, you can get lost in landscapes painted with every shade of yellow and red; and in winter, you can experience the unique silence and peace brought by the white blanket of snow. Every season has its own unique beauty.   

2. What kind of accommodation options are there in the Kaz Mountains? The region offers accommodation options for every budget and taste. Boutique hotels in restored stone mansions in Yeşilyurt and Adatepe are the most popular choices. For those who want to be completely immersed in nature, there are well-equipped camping and glamping sites like Hızır Camp, as well as wooden bungalows and pensions. You can also find thermal hotels in areas like Güre.   

3. Is it mandatory to hire a guide for hiking in the National Park? Yes, it is mandatory for some routes. Especially on high-protection and challenging trails like the inner parts of Şahindere Canyon and the Sarıkız summit, you are required to walk with a local guide authorized by the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. A guide is not required for more popular and accessible recreation areas like Hasanboğuldu. It is best to get the most accurate information for your planned route from the National Park office.