Tired of the massive crowds of this crazy city or just sick of the usual vibes and having been everywhere already? Then you must be in search of a quick and easy escape from Istanbul for the weekend! Since I grew up there, I can immediately suggest you such a place: Düzce. It is two and a half hours away by bus, or an hour less if traveling by car
Before introducing the must-see attractions, I should briefly tell you a little general information about Düzce. Located by the Karadeniz coast and bound by mountains, highlands and lowlands make up much of the landscape in Düzce. It has green serenity, peaceful nature, and plenty of empty picnic sites, as its population is even less than Gaziosmanpaşa. In fact, the only real downside in this city is that the people living there can sometimes be wary of foreigners, but of course they are still hospitable like the rest of Turkey. The reason why you will probably come across questions like “What’s your nationality?” and stereotypical assumptions is that much of the population in Düzce consists of various nationalities: Circassians, Abkhazians, Manavs, Kurds, Gypsies and so on. So some advice is to not take it personal when they ask you. If you use kind manners, you’ll inevitably gain their respect.
Akçakoca
Akçakoca, also known as “the pearl of the Black Sea”, is the only county of Düzce that has a coast. It has been ever-developing in terms of tourism since many hotel chains have found a place for themselves there. However deep and rough the sea seems, its beaches are mostly empty and therefore calm since residents are usually engaged with gathering hazelnuts, a major crop there. Along with the coast, there are many waterfalls, villages, lakes and a cave named “Fakıllı” in Akçakoca. Just be ready for surprises!
Highlands
Düzce takes its green color from its highlands, where you can go camping, trek, gather mushrooms , and savor the brief moments where you can be alone with nature. Odayeri, Kardüz, Balıklı, Pürenli, Kızık, Torkul, Çiçekli, Sinekli, Kocayayla, and Topuk highlands are just a few of the ones on offer. I will introduce you the ones I’ve visited and liked the most.
Odayeri
If you have a car, you can traverse the 28 kilometers to Odayeri! Along the trip, as always, the greenest of scenery will accompany you. When you reach this highland, you can chat with the local people who will give you the phone number of the owner of the one and only hostel. The hostel consists of two single-floor buildings. You can rent a room or the building itself. Also the hostel has a garden full of swings and hammocks, strange chairs and a creatively designed fountain.
I went there in September and that day started sunny. However, eventually an enchanting (at least for me) fog soon rolled in. A little bit frightening, but rather nourishing, my day in Odayeri was a fantastic meeting with nature.
Kardüz
In Turkish “kar” means snow and “düz” means flat. Much farther from the city centre – 48 km away from it – the Kardüz Highland is most popular for its winter tourism. Visitors can enjoy safaris, trekking, riding, biking and camping activities. Additionally, you can gather a bunch of thyme in Kardüz.
Balıklı
Taking its name from the fish in the spring flowing through the highland, Balıklı is a place where you can get lost in deep forest (as I did). It is surrounded by different kinds of trees and small bungalows.
Güzeldere and Samandere Waterfalls
Waterfalls provide fresh vibes and remind us of life’s passing by, captured in the water pouring to the floor. Güzeldere Fall is 18 km away from the center while Samandere is 26 km away. They are both peaceful but Güzeldere is suitable for camping and also has a motel with bungalows.
If you want your watermelon drawn from fresh water, you should check out these two places!
Outdoor Restaurants
Binef At Çiftliği (Binef Horse Farm) is one of the most popular outdoor restaurants, and also has horses for those who want take their first ride. It doesn’t have a wide range on the menu but they do at least serve some alcohol (not a typical feature of the restaurants there). They also make the famous Circassian food “haluj”.
Sessiz Bahçe in Konuralp serves Turkish breakfast between 09.00-13.00 while you put your feet under the water.
Cumayeri Dokuzdeğirmen Village Rafting Facility is serving a great outdoor activity to those interested in rafting. It is a little bit far away from the city center, but worth experiencing.
So take your backpack, get your camera, and head to the nearest green city named Düzce. We promise you that you will not be disappointed!
Photos courtesy of the author.
