Places to Visit in Artvin: Those I Visited Starting from Rize

Living in Rize Artvin For me, it's much more than just a neighboring city on the map. When I crave a bit of greenery, some winding mountain roads, and a real escape where my phone doesn't have reception, I often find myself driving towards Artvin. Moreover, Artvin is the kind of city where you can't really say you've "seen it" after just one visit. Arhavi is different, Borçka is different, and Şavşat requires a completely different route. And when I cross over to the Yusufeli side, the colors of nature and the character of the geography change completely.

Karagol-Sahara National Park

Even though the road to Şavşat seems a bit long every time I go, I forget all those winding roads the moment I reach Karagöl. In my eyes, this is more than just one of the places in Artvin to take photos. Even just sitting by the lake and doing nothing for half an hour is an activity in itself.

The national park has two distinct characteristics. The Karagöl side is dominated by the lake and dense forest, while the Sahara side has a more plateau-like atmosphere. There is approximately a 25-kilometer road from the center of Şavşat to the Karagöl section. Official records state that the park covers an area of ​​over 3.250 hectares, and that the Karagöl section offers picnic, camping, and accommodation facilities.

I particularly love the morning hours. As the day progresses and the number of visitors increases, it becomes difficult to capture the lake's tranquil atmosphere.

My note regarding the entrance fee as of August 2026: The entrance fee is 60 TL for pedestrians and 180 TL for those arriving by car. The fee is 120 TL if you arrive by motorcycle.

Mençuna Waterfall

For me, coming to Arhavi and leaving without seeing Mençuna is like leaving the trip unfinished. You can't reach the waterfall by car. When I leave the car below and start walking into the forest, that's when my favorite part of the trip begins.

The path rises in places, and the stones can become slippery, especially in humid weather. I prefer hiking boots with stronger soles instead of sneakers. After about 15-25 minutes of walking, the sound of the waterfall intensifies, and as you round the last bend, Mençuna appears before you. The waterfall, which cascades from a height of approximately 90 meters, is much more powerful, especially in spring.

I always bring water with me when I come here. Even in summer, the forest is cool, but the humidity on the way up can be tiring.

Atatatepe

When I want to quickly reach a beautiful viewpoint in Artvin city center, Atatepe is one of my first choices. Here, I understand much better how the city is built on top of the mountains.

The giant Atatürk statue here already catches the eye from afar, but for me, the real beauty lies in the viewpoint. Especially as the sun begins to set, Artvin's valleys and houses built on the slopes look even more impressive. In the source route, Atatepe is also highlighted as one of the panoramic viewpoints close to the city center.

When I want to take photos, I prefer the late afternoon instead of midday.

Double Bridges

It doesn't seem very possible for me to pass through the Twin Bridges on the way to Mençuna without stopping. The two historical stone bridges standing side by side in the middle of Arhavi's lush green nature really look beautiful.

The bridges are believed to date back to the Ottoman period. Stone Kemer The combination of the structures, the water flowing beneath them, and the surrounding forest makes one linger here longer than expected. It's also recommended to visit the Twin Bridges and Mençuna Waterfall on the same day along the source route.

My usual route is Çifte Köprüler – Mençuna Waterfall. This way, I don't need to change routes on the return journey.

Barhal Church

When I cross over to the Yusufeli side, the atmosphere and scenery of Artvin change. The area around Barhal, now known as Altıparmak Village, is one of the places in Artvin where I feel most different.

Dating back to the 10th century, the Barhal Church is now used as a mosque. Looking closely at the stonework, I clearly feel that the history of the region is not limited to the Ottoman period. Considered one of the important examples of Georgian architecture, the building is one of the prominent historical stops in Yusufeli on the source route.

Instead of just seeing the building and leaving, it's much nicer to spend some time exploring the village.

Dolishane Church – Hamamlı Church

If I'm looking for a historical stop around Artvin city center, I always add Dolishane Church to my itinerary. Located in Hamamlı Village, the structure dates back to the 10th century, and its stonework, especially in its exterior architecture, catches my attention.

Examining the architectural details inside and on the facade reminds us of the layered history of Artvin. The source material also describes the building as one of the important landmarks bearing traces of the Georgian Kingdom period.

Maral Waterfall

I absolutely hate leaving Macahel without seeing Maral Waterfall. It's a different experience than Mençuna. The road is more challenging, but the nature feels wilder.

The waterfall, which cascades from a height of approximately 63 meters, is located within the dense vegetation of the Camili-Macahel basin.

On the Maral side, the thing I pay most attention to is the road conditions. After the rain, some sections can become more difficult. Therefore, on the Macahel route, I take my time and, if possible, travel during daylight hours.

Hatila Valley National Park

When I want to see a dramatic valley view without venturing too far from Artvin city center, Hatila is one of the most practical routes for me.

The most well-known spot in Hatila Valley is the glass viewing terrace. When I step onto the terrace, which stretches over the valley, looking down feels a little strange for the first few seconds. I've seen many people with a fear of heights struggle to get close to the edge.

The national park covers an area of ​​over 16.943 hectares and is located within the borders of Artvin city center.

2026 entrance fee I paid 180 TL when I went by car. Pedestrian entry is 60 TL, and motorcycle entry is around 120 TL.

 Savsat Karagol

When I say "I went to Karagöl" in Artvin, I specifically mention which Karagöl I'm talking about. Because the Karagöl in Borçka and the Karagöl in Şavşat are not the same place.

Şavşat Karagöl offers me a calmer and more serene lake experience. Walking around the lake, sitting on the shore, and watching the forest reflected in the water are my favorite things to do here. Although it looks completely different under the snow in winter, I prefer late summer and early autumn because of the ease of access. The source content also highlights Şavşat Karagöl for its tranquil atmosphere and lakeside walks.

Since this area is located in the Karagöl section of the Karagöl-Sahara National Park, the entrance fee for cars in 2026 was 180 TL, and the entrance fee for pedestrians was 60 TL.

Ardanuc Castle

The first thing that strikes me when I enter Ardanuç is the ruggedness of the geography. Ardanuç Castle is situated in a spot that perfectly suits this landscape.

The source text traces the castle's history back to the 5th century and states that, due to its strategic location, it has been controlled by various powers throughout history.

I specifically schedule this visit for the same day as the Hell Creek Canyon. This way, I combine my trip from Artvin city center towards Ardanuç with two important stops.

Iskenderpasa Mosque

The Artvin route isn't entirely comprised of lakes and plateaus. While exploring the city, the İskenderpaşa Mosque is a nice spot to pause and reflect on Artvin's urban history.

The source material indicates that the structure dates back to the 16th-century Ottoman period and is notable for its wood craftsmanship.

I combine my city center tour with a visit to Atatepe. This way, I can create a compact route of a few hours in Artvin city center without embarking on a long car journey.

Papart Valley

Papart is one of my favorite routes when I'm looking for a bit more peace and quiet in Artvin. The dense greenery from the Borçka area continues here, but I can find a calmer atmosphere compared to the crowded tourist spots.

Hiking and nature photography are popular activities in the valley. Papart Plateau is also a place that can be added to the itinerary, especially during the summer months.

My unchanging rule on these kinds of mountain roads is to check the weather forecast. Living in Rize, I know very well how the weather can change from sunny in the morning to sunny in the afternoon.

Macahel – Camili Village

When asked to "choose just one place" in Artvin, Macahel is one of the places I find most difficult to decide on.

Camili Basin TurkeyIt is known as the first biosphere reserve of the region. Traditional wooden houses, dense forests, streams, and mountains all come together to truly show me another side of the Black Sea. The source content also features Macahel as one of the key stops on the route due to its natural beauty and biodiversity.

I don't like to cram Macahel into a single day trip. The road is winding and scenic, so I like to stop frequently. Spending at least a night there makes it much easier to visit both Camili and Maral Waterfall.

Ishan Church

One of the historical structures around Yusufeli is the Ishan Church. According to historical sources, the building dates back to the 9th century and is described as one of the important works remaining from the Georgian Kingdom period.

When I arrive in this region, I don't just feel like I've seen a historical artifact. Just thinking about how structures of this scale were built centuries ago amidst the mountains changes the atmosphere of the trip.

Berta bridge

I have a special fondness for Artvin's historic stone bridges. Berta Bridge is one of the places I like to stop at for a break on the route towards Ardanuç.

The source page describes it as one of the stone bridges from the Ottoman period.

You don't need to set aside hours to visit the bridge, but if I'm heading in the same direction, I definitely stop by. In Artvin, some of the most beautiful moments happen at these short roadside stops.

Otingo Hot Springs

For those looking to add a relaxing break to their nature trails around Borçka, Otingo offers a unique alternative. The region is known for its natural thermal waters. The source also highlights Otingo as one of Borçka's prominent locations known for its thermal springs.

Since the operating and usage conditions here can change periodically, I don't think paying a fixed fee is fair. Checking if it's open and understanding the current terms and conditions right before I go is the safest method I use here.

Borcka Karagol

Leaving Rize, one of the easiest major nature destinations to reach in Artvin is Borçka Karagöl. It's about 25 kilometers inland from Borçka town center. The road gets more winding towards the end, but the view when you reach the lake is truly worth it. According to DKMP (Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks) records, the lake is a landslide dam lake formed as a result of a landslide that occurred in the early 19th century.

I always make sure to walk around the lake. Just stopping at the entrance to take photos and then leaving means you miss the real atmosphere of the place.

The fee I paid upon entry in August 2026. The fee is 180 TL for cars. If you come on foot, it's 60 TL, and if you come by motorcycle, it's 120 TL.

If I'm going on the weekend, I especially prefer going early in the morning.

Hell Creek Canyon

Its name is a bit frightening, but Hell Creek Canyon is one of the most interesting natural formations I've seen in the Ardanuç area.

The canyon is located within a protected area of ​​approximately 31,8 hectares. Walking among the narrowing rock walls inside, I enter a harsh landscape very different from Artvin's lush green face. The official nature tourism resource also states that the area is protected due to its geological and geomorphological formations.

Wearing non-slip shoes is important for me here. Some parts can be uncomfortable on wet surfaces.

In the 2026 tariff Pedestrian entry is 60 TL, car entry is 180 TL, and motorcycle entry is 120 TL.

Karchal Mountains

For me, the Karçal Mountains are a little different from the classic "place to visit" category. Instead of coming here, taking photos for half an hour, and leaving, I go straight into nature.

The mountainous area stands out with its rich vegetation and wildlife. It is especially popular for trekking and camping during the summer months.

I don't recommend unplanned walks in this area. Fog can arrive very quickly. Rize Although this is something I'm used to from the highlands, on high mountain routes like Karçal, it's much safer to travel with GPS, appropriate equipment, and if possible, someone who knows the area.

Savangin Stream

If you prefer the quieter corners of Arhavi, you might like Savangin Stream. Located at the source, it's recommended as an area for nature walks, picnics, and cooling off during the summer months.

In Arhavi, instead of just focusing on Mençuna, I like to spend some time exploring the surrounding streams and village roads. Because sometimes the most beautiful aspect of Artvin is not the tourist attractions themselves, but the roads between two points.

Savsat Castle

For me, going to Şavşat and only seeing Karagöl always feels incomplete. Şavşat Castle is a great stop to include the historical side of the district in your itinerary.

The source material dates the castle back to the 9th century and describes it as one of the region's important historical structures.

If I have time on my way back from Karagöl, I like to stop by the castle and end the day there.

Livane Castle

Livane Castle, one of the historical landmarks around Artvin city center, stands out with its commanding view of the Çoruh River. Sources indicate that the structure dates back to the 10th century and is important for understanding Artvin's history.

This is one of the things that impressed me most in Artvin. On one side, there are miles of forests and valleys, and just a few kilometers later, a structure dating back centuries appears before me, which sets this city apart from an ordinary nature destination.

How many days should I stay in Artvin?

I don't really like planning a one-day trip to Artvin. The distances may look short on the map, but the winding roads make travel times longer. Macahel, Şavşat, and Yusufeli, in particular, should definitely not be squeezed into the same day.

If I were you, at least 3-4 days I separate them:

• Day 1: Arhavi – Çifte Köprüler – Mençuna Waterfall
• Day 2: Borçka Karagöl – Macahel – Camili
• Day 3: Artvin City Center – Atatepe – Hatila Valley
• Day 4: Şavşat – Karagöl – Şavşat Castle

If I want to see Yusufeli and Ardanuç in detail as well, I'll extend the route to 5-6 days.

When to Go to Artvin?

My favorite time is from the end of May to the beginning of October. In spring, the waterfalls flow powerfully, in summer the mountain roads become easier to access, and in autumn, the colors are especially beautiful, particularly around Karagöller.

Coming from Rize, I'm used to the rain, but in Artvin, rain doesn't just mean getting wet. The route can change suddenly due to dirt roads, trails, and fog. That's why I take the weather forecast seriously, especially on the Macahel, Maral, and high plateau routes.

My biggest mistake while visiting Artvin in the beginning was trying to cram too many places into one day. I later learned that Artvin isn't a city to be explored quickly. Here, the journey is part of the trip.

You need to spend a little extra time sitting by the lake in Karagöl, listen to the sounds of the forest on the Mençuna road, pull over to the side of the road for the view on the way to Şavşat, or not worry about a few hours without phone signal in Macahel. That's exactly why I love Artvin.

Price note: As of August 2026, the current toll rates for protected areas in Artvin, such as Borçka Karagöl Nature Park, Karagöl-Sahara National Park, Hatila Valley National Park, and Cehennem Deresi Canyon, are 60 TL for pedestrians, 120 TL for motorbikes, and 180 TL for cars. Since these rates may change periodically, it's advisable to recheck them before planning a trip in the near future.