18 · City guide
Çankırı
From the salt city to the peaks of Ilgaz
Çankırı lies in the transition zone between the Central Anatolian steppe and the Black Sea forests. In the city center, the castle housing the tomb of Emir Karatekin, the Seljuk-era Taş Mescit (Stone Prayer Hall), the Büyük Mosque (Great Mosque) from the era of Mimar Sinan and Ottoman madrasas can be seen on a short walk. The salt cave in Balıbağı takes you inside a rock salt deposit believed to have been worked since the Hittites. To the north, the Yıldıztepe ski center on the Çankırı slope of Ilgaz Mountain and Kadınçayırı Nature Park, the yaylas (highland pastures) of Yapraklı and the cherry orchards of Eldivan make up the nature routes. With its yaran gatherings and geographically registered local flavors, Çankırı is also rich in culinary culture.
Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.27
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Practical information
Machine translated — This content was machine-translated and may differ from the original Turkish text.- Note
- Snow chains and winter tires may be required on the Ilgaz road in winter
- Climate
- Continental; winters are harsh and snowy around Ilgaz and Çerkeş
- Best time
- May–October; December–March for skiing
- Getting there
- About 130 km to Ankara; Ankara Esenboğa Airport is the nearest major airport; intercity bus terminal
- Getting around
- The historic center is walkable; a private vehicle is recommended for the salt cave and districts