Do you find yourself wondering where should we go? when the weekend arrives? Imagine a lush green place where you can escape the city's noise, endless traffic, and concrete jungle to be one with nature. That dream awaits you in the Kartepe district of Kocaeli, just an hour and a half from Istanbul: Ormanya Natural Life Park. As the largest natural life park in Europe and the third largest in the world, this massive 2,000-decare area promises much more than your average park. So, if you're wondering about the things to do in Ormanya Natural Life Park, fasten your seatbelts! More than just a simple park visit, gateways to entirely different worlds are waiting for you.
Take fairytale-like photos in the area known as Hobbit Houses
The first place that will greet you as you step into Ormanya, and likely where you'll spend most of your time, is undoubtedly Ormanköy, or as we all know it, the Hobbit Houses. This place is like a magical door opening to a fantasy world straight out of The Lord of the Rings series. The tiny wooden houses tucked under the shade of oak trees, with their round doors, colorful windows, a small pond, and a watermill, will instantly draw you into a magical atmosphere.
It's worth noting that these charming houses were built purely for decorative purposes, meaning you can't go inside or stay in them. However, this doesn't detract from their charm at all. On the contrary, it hosts a cheerful crowd of photography enthusiasts competing to capture the perfect shot. This fairytale-like set was also used for the filming of BKM's movie Gamonya: Land of Dreams.
Here's a little tip for you: try to catch the soft morning light for the best photos, or instead of posing right in front of a house's door, step back a bit to include the pond and the mill in your frame for much more impressive compositions. This is the place where you'll find that perfect shot to liven up your social media feeds!

See many animals, from deer to llamas, in the zoo section
The heart of Ormanya undoubtedly beats in the hundreds of creatures it hosts. The animal habitats in the park are cleverly divided into two sections to meet visitor expectations: the Children's Zoo and the Wildlife Area. This separation maximizes both the welfare of the animals and the experience of the visitors. Unlike traditional zoos, Ormanya feels like a sanctuary that respects and protects its animals. The presence of the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, in particular, proves that the park is not just an exhibition space but also a conservation center.
The Children's Zoo, as the name suggests, is a favorite among the little visitors. Here, children get the chance to see many adorable animals up close, such as alpacas, ponies, cute lemurs, kangaroos, goats, and rabbits. This section is both highly entertaining for children and a fantastic educational area for them to learn about nature and animals.
The Wildlife Area offers a completely different experience. Here, wild animals like fallow deer, gazelles, roe deer, and wild horses live not behind cages, but in large, open areas designed to be as close to their natural habitats as possible. Our role as visitors is to watch them quietly from a distance and not interfere with their natural lives. Remember, the staff will frequently remind you not to feed the animals in this area. You will meet many different creatures in this large family, which is home to over 760 animals from 67 different species, from llamas to zebras, and ostriches to water buffalo.

Spend time on the nature hiking trails or bike paths
Ormanya is not just a place to look and pass through; it's also an adventure park where you can actively enjoy nature. If you want to burn off some energy, fill your lungs with fresh forest air, and get some exercise, the park's hiking and biking trails, which total over 20 kilometers, are perfect for you. This aspect of the park offers a great system that encourages visitors to explore the quieter, untouched corners of the forest instead of just staying at the popular spots.
For hiking enthusiasts, there are 5 different trails distinguished by colors according to their length and difficulty levels. This means whether you want a short stroll with your child or are looking for a long route to challenge yourself, there's an option for you. Cyclists can enjoy pedaling on the 8-kilometer path specially designated for them.
We've prepared the guide below to help you decide which trail is right for you:
Ormanya Hiking Trails Guide
| Trail Color | Length | Estimated Hiking Time | Difficulty Level | Ideal For? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Trail | 3 km | 30-45 min | Very Easy | Families with children, beginners, those with limited time |
| Orange Trail | 4 km | 45-60 min | Easy | Those looking for a short and pleasant nature escape |
| Green Trail | 5 km | 60-75 min | Easy-Medium | Regular hikers, ideal for nature photographers |
| Blue Trail | 6 km | 75-90 min | Medium | Visitors with moderate fitness who want a bit more pace |
| Red Trail | 8 km | 100-120 min | Medium | Experienced hikers who want to experience the park's longest route |
Put on your sneakers and pick a color! You can take a pleasant stroll with your family on the Yellow trail or challenge yourself on the Red trail to discover the silence in the depths of the forest.

Alternative Places to Visit Nearby Since You're Already Here
If you want to extend your trip after a wonderful day in Ormanya, the region offers you great options. Ormanya, Maşukiye, and Sapanca form a tourism triangle that seems made for each other, and the distances between them are quite short.
After getting your fill of nature in Ormanya, you can taste the famous trout cooked in clay pots at the restaurants serving under the cool waterfalls of Maşukiye, just 15 minutes away, and raise your adrenaline level with activities like ziplining. If you prefer a quieter end to your day, you can head to the shores of Sapanca Lake to watch the sunset and take a pleasant walk along the coast. If you want to spend a pleasant day by Sapanca Lake, don't forget to check out the Sapanca Travel Guide.
If your visit is during the winter months, the Kartepe Ski Center, waiting for you with its white blanket of snow, would be a fantastic alternative. For more information about Kartepe, the region's most popular spot for winter sports, and other places to visit in Kocaeli, visit our Kocaeli Things to Do page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is there an entrance fee for Ormanya? No, entry to Ormanya Natural Life Park is currently free of charge. A small fee may be requested for the parking lot if you arrive with your private vehicle. However, we recommend checking official sources for the most up-to-date information before you go.
2. Can we bring pets to Ormanya? Unfortunately, no. To protect the health of the other animals in the park and maintain the balance of natural life, visitors are not allowed to bring their own pets (dogs, cats, etc.) inside. There is a separate area within the park with domestic farm animals that children can enjoy.
3. How to get to Ormanya? What are the visiting hours? Ormanya is located in the Kartepe district of Kocaeli, on the edge of the D100 Highway, and is very easy to reach by private car. If you want to use public transport, you can reach the park with municipal buses number 281 and 287 departing from the center of Izmit. The park is open every day except Mondays. Visiting hours vary by season; it is generally open from 09:00 to 20:00 in the summer and from 09:00 to 17:00 in the winter.
Source: For the most current and official information about the park's visiting hours, special events, or possible rule changes, we recommend visiting (https://www.kocaeli.bel.tr/hizmet/ormanya-26.html).


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