Things to do nearby
The hotel sits next to the ancient city, but the region goes much further: Ottoman Safranbolu, canyons, caves, forests, highland pastures and a day trip to the sea.
Eskipazar: right next to the hotel
Hadrianopolis ancient city
About 3 km west of Eskipazar town centre, in the area locals call Viranşehir. Inhabited in the Roman and early Byzantine periods, the city has yielded two baths, two churches, a theatre, a villa, a defensive structure and rock-cut tombs. Its church floor mosaics, with animal figures and the four rivers of paradise, have earned it the name "the Zeugma of the Black Sea". Excavations are run by Karabük University and the Kastamonu Museum.
Asar Castle and rock tombs
In Semail village, north-east of the town, a natural stronghold on rocks rising about 300 metres above the stream, with tunnels and stairs cut into the rock. Roman-era rock tombs can also be seen around Hadrianopolis.
Çetiören picnic area and Belen plateau
Çetiören, about 10 km from the town centre, is a wooded picnic and recreation area. In summer the cool Belen highland pasture is a favourite for walks and photography.
Safranbolu and around
Safranbolu old town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. The Çarşı quarter has timber and adobe Ottoman mansions, the 17th-century Cinci Han, the Köprülü Mehmet Paşa and İzzet Mehmet Paşa mosques, the Arasta bazaar, the clock tower and the City History Museum in the old government house. Visit house museums such as the Kaymakamlar Evi and look over the town from Hıdırlık Hill. Don't leave without trying Safranbolu lokum (Turkish delight) and saffron sweets.
Tokatlı Canyon, Crystal Terrace and İncekaya Aqueduct
About 7–8 km outside Safranbolu. Look down into the valley from the glass-floored Crystal Terrace over the canyon, and walk across the historic İncekaya Aqueduct.
Bulak Mencilis Cave
About 8 km from Safranbolu, a cave with stalactites and stalagmites whose open section is visited along a walkway.
Yörük village
About 11 km from Safranbolu, a village whose traditional architecture has been preserved. The Sipahioğlu Mansion and the village's historic laundry house are worth seeing.
Karabük and Yenice
Karabük city centre
Kardemir, founded in 1937, was the Turkish Republic's first integrated iron and steel works, and the city grew up around this industrial heritage. It is the nearest large centre for shopping, eating out and everyday needs.
Keltepe ski centre
Near Karaağaç village in Karabük's central district, at about 2,000 metres. In winter it runs ski slopes and lifts; in summer you can drive up for the views. Ask about the season and road conditions before you go.
Yenice forests and Şeker Canyon
Yenice, about 35 km from Karabük, is known for its extensive forests. Şeker Canyon, about 5 km outside Yenice and roughly 7 km long, is popular with nature lovers for its walking trails, picnic and camping areas.
Day trips: Bolu and the Black Sea coast
Bolu: Gölcük, Abant and Yedigöller
Gölcük Nature Park near Bolu, forest-ringed Lake Abant and Yedigöller National Park, famous for its autumn colours, can be seen in one day or on separate trips.
Amasra
The historic harbour town of Amasra in Bartın, with its Genoese walls, two bays and fish restaurants, makes a long day trip via Safranbolu.
Transfers and tour guidance
Ask our reception when you plan your trips: with our transfer and tour guidance services we can work out the route together. When you come back in the evening, the indoor pool, hamam and sauna are waiting.