Ardahan
Ardahan City Guide

Thanks to Ardahan hotels, you can travel to the city in all four seasons. Although it is usually visited in spring and summer because it is very cold in winter, it is suitable to visit in all four seasons. Whether you want a trip that stands out in terms of cultural or natural beauties, this city has many must-see places.
Information about Ardahan, Places to Visit, What to Eat?
Ardahan bus ticket campaigns organized by different bus companies are preferred by those who want to make an economical trip. Thanks to these campaigns, transportation to the city becomes both comfortable and cheaper. Ardahan, which is the choice of those who want a pleasant trip with its must-see places, is also preferred by those who want to take a joyful journey through history. You can also benefit from Ardahan bus ticket campaigns to reach the city and thus gain detailed information about the places you must see.
Some of the must-see places in Ardahan are:
- Çıldır Lake: With its natural beauties, Çıldır Lake is the first natural beauty you should visit in Ardahan. It is located at an altitude of 1959 meters above sea level and is the largest freshwater lake in the Eastern Anatolia region, attracting attention. After Lake Van, Çıldır Lake is Turkey’s second largest lake. It is very popular among those who want to camp or picnic with the natural lake view in summer and can be visited between April and November. Especially for winter activities like ice skating, Çıldır Lake must be visited, where activities such as sledding or horseback riding can also be done.
- Akçakale Island: Akçakale Island is located within Çıldır Lake. It is a very important place historically, hosting ruins that are thousands of years old. Akçakale Island, which gets its name from the region it is in, Akçakale Village, is declared a protected area due to its unspoiled natural beauties. It hosts very important ruins that have survived from the Neolithic Age until today.
- Ardahan Castle: Ardahan Castle, one of the city’s most historical and important symbols, was built in the 16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent. It is known that there were other castle ruins before on this site, and Ardahan Castle was built on top of these ruins. It is important historically for Ardahan. Ardahan Castle, which has an incomparable view with the Kura River passing in front of it, is also remarkable because it has survived until today since the 16th century.
- Kura River: One of the city’s most important natural beauties, the Kura River, is considered a gift given to a terrain decorated with rugged mountains and plains. Starting from Göle district, it passes through Georgia and Azerbaijan, reaches the Azar River, and flows into the Caspian Sea. The Kura River, suitable for activities such as rafting and sport fishing, passes through the middle of the city and decorates all the views, making it quite impressive.
- Yalnızçam Ski Resort: Ardahan is one of the cities experiencing the harshest winters. This generally causes the city to be visited mostly in spring and summer, but if you plan to travel in winter, you should know that skiing is one of the activities you can do. Yalnızçam Ski Resort is located inside Yalnızçam National Park at an altitude of 2750 meters. It offers suitable conditions for both amateur and professional ski athletes and is 13 km away from the city. You can reach Yalnızçam Ski Resort by public transport or your own vehicle. It has three different slopes. Ski rental, accommodation, and food and beverage services are also provided at Yalnızçam Ski Resort, which is one of the most visited touristic destinations of the city in winter. Yalnızçam Ski Resort, which is comparable to large ski resorts, is visited by foreign tourists.
Having been under the rule of different nations and therefore influenced both historically, culturally, and in terms of cuisine, Ardahan has unique features of its own. It is possible to say that there are some tastes you must try during your travel to Ardahan. Among these flavors, which appeal to different palates, are:
- Apple stuffed dolma,
- Bozbaş (a traditional stew),
- Ekmek aşı (bread soup),
- Evelik soup,
- Fried dough (Pişi),
- Kuymak (cornmeal and cheese dish),
- Kelecoş yarpuzlu köfte (meatballs with mint),
- Rice pilaf with goose meat.
You can try these dishes through restaurants located in the center and districts, and they will leave a lasting impression on your palate. Ardahan is one of the cities that should be preferred for a unique trip also in terms of taste.
Ardahan Accommodation
Ardahan, one of the calm and peaceful cities of Eastern Anatolia, offers various alternatives for accommodation as well. Hotels, guesthouses, and other accommodation facilities in the city are generally located in the center, which provides great convenience in terms of transportation. Ardahan Bus Terminal, located in Karagöl Neighborhood in a central location, also allows easy access to accommodation points. The bus terminal's location opposite Ardahan Governorship and the Kura River makes it possible to reach hotels in the city center on foot.
Among the accommodation facilities you can choose in Ardahan are city hotels, boutique hotels, and guesthouses. Especially hotels in the city center offer advantages in terms of proximity to the bus terminal and easy access to shopping points, restaurants, and historical sites. Practical transportation can also be provided between the bus terminal and hotels with public transport vehicles in the city.
Taxi or car rental services are also available for guests who wish. Thus, you can move freely in the city and explore natural beauties in nearby districts. The Ardahan Bus Terminal, which stands out with its modern structure, also has buffet, cafeteria, and resting areas where travelers can meet their basic needs, so you will not face difficulties in transportation and resting points during your accommodation period.
Whether you stay in city center hotels or prefer guesthouses close to nature, a peaceful and pleasant accommodation experience awaits you in Ardahan.
Transportation to Ardahan
Among the methods preferred the most for reaching the city are bus services organized directly from all over Turkey. You can prefer Ardahan bus ticket campaigns organized by different bus companies for a comfortable and economical trip. Year-round trips make transportation to the city quite easy.
You can also choose buses for transportation to Ardahan. Then, public transport vehicles, taxis, or car rental services can help you with city transportation.
Bus Companies Operating to Ardahan
Among the bus companies organizing trips to Ardahan from various cities of Turkey are Can Ardahan Tourism, Sıla Ardahan Kalesi, and Özlem Ardahan Tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is travel information to Ardahan?
The most preferred method for transportation to Ardahan is considered bus trips organized through the city’s bus terminal.
In which season should I go to Ardahan?
Touristic trips to Ardahan, which is very cold in winter, are generally made in spring and summer.
Is Ardahan culturally rich?
Ardahan, which is rich in both cultural and natural beauties, is visited for various purposes.
Can I have a seaside holiday in Ardahan?
Since Ardahan does not have a coastline, it is not suitable for seaside holidays.
Where to stay in Ardahan?
Ardahan offers different options for accommodation. Hotels or guesthouses providing different concepts can assist you in accommodation.
Is it possible to have a holiday suitable for every budget in Ardahan?
Ardahan can be visited for a holiday suitable for every budget.
Is Ardahan Bus Terminal close to the city center?
Ardahan Bus Terminal is located in a central location.
What is the most preferred method for transportation to Ardahan?
Ardahan Bus Terminal, located in a central position, is the most preferred method for transportation to Ardahan from different cities of Turkey.
Is Ardahan cold in winter?
Ardahan experiences harsh weather conditions in winter.
What can I buy as a gift from Ardahan?
Ardahan cheese and butter are among the main gifts you can buy from the city.