Province · Anatólia Oriental

Ardahan

Ardahan has green plateaus on the border with Georgia, Lake Çıldır, which often freezes in winter and hosts horse-drawn sleds, and the Devil's Castle (Şeytan Kalesi), perched above a canyon.

In the photo: Frozen Lake Çıldır, Ardahan

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The province

Get to know Ardahan

Ardahan occupies the high plain of northeastern Turkey, next to Georgia, with the capital above 1,800 meters. It is a land of pastures, livestock and geese, with long winters and short, cool summers, and the Kura River runs through the capital at the foot of Ardahan fortress.

Lake Çıldır, shared with Kars, sits at 1,959 meters and covers about 120 km². From December to March the surface often freezes, and locals take visitors on horse-drawn sleds and fish for carp through holes cut in the ice. In February a winter festival usually takes place with sled races and cirit, a traditional equestrian game.

Near the lake, Şeytan Kalesi (Devil's Castle) rises on the edge of a narrow canyon. North of Çıldır, Lake Aktaş marks the border with Georgia and has small floating isles.

Posof, at the far north, has lower valleys with orchards and forests, and the Yalnızçam plateaus receive skiers in winter. Local cuisine uses goose, butter and honey; havut bread and evelik soup are regional dishes.

When to go

For the frozen lake and sleds, the season usually runs from December to March, depending on how cold the year is. For the green plateaus, June to September, with cool days. April and May are thaw months, with muddy rural roads.

Getting there

The most used airport is Kars (KSY), about 90 km from Ardahan by road. There are buses between Kars and Ardahan, but Lake Çıldır and Şeytan Kalesi require a car, taxi or tour.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Ardahan

Can you walk on frozen Lake Çıldır?

When the ice is thick, locals run sled rides and ice fishing on the lake, especially on the Akçakale shore. Thickness varies year to year; follow local guidance and only go onto the ice where organized rides are operating.

Better to visit Lake Çıldır from Kars or from Ardahan?

Both work. Kars has more hotels and flights, so it is usually the base; Ardahan is closer to Posof and the northern plateaus.

What is Şeytan Kalesi?

It is a medieval fortress on a cliff, at the edge of a canyon, in the Çıldır district. The final stretch is on foot; go with sturdy footwear and avoid icy days.

How many days to allow for Ardahan?

One day is enough for Lake Çıldır and Şeytan Kalesi, usually from Kars. The Posof plateaus are for those traveling in summer with more time.