Ilgaz: Cultural Sites and Nature in the Surrounding Area

Ilgaz offers two aspects to consider when planning a trip: the town centre in the valley of the Devrez Çayı and several destinations in the nearby area. The centre is at an elevation of 960 m. If you are looking for a hotel in Ilgaz, this distinction can help you decide what to focus on: sites in the town centre, archaeological remains in the surrounding area, or activities in the nature park.

Hamam and Türbes in the Town Centre

The Tarihi Ilgaz Hamamı is located in Ilgaz’s Yeni Mahalle. After being restored by the municipality, it reopened on 23 September 2024. The Ilgaz Tekke Türbesi and Taşlık Sokak Türbe are also in the town centre of Ilgaz.

The locations distinguish the hamam in Yeni Mahalle from the two türbes in the town centre. For a culture-focused trip, you can keep these names in mind as separate points of interest in Ilgaz itself.

Archaeological Sites in the Nearby Area

The İndağı Caves and their rock tombs are 5 km from Ilgaz, on the road to Çankırı. Among the rock tombs there are five-storey structures dating from the Hellenistic period. An ancient settlement site lies in the village of Kurmalar; it is identified with the ancient city of Kimiatene. It is 15 km from the centre of Ilgaz district, and finds there include inscriptions and pottery fragments from the Hellenistic period.

The two sites have different points of interest: at İndağı, the caves and multi-storey rock tombs take centre stage, while Kurmalar is characterised by its settlement site, inscriptions, and pottery fragments. The distances are measured from different points: İndağı is 5 km from Ilgaz; Kurmalar is 15 km from the centre of Ilgaz district.

Nature Park and Regional Themes

Kadın Çayırı Nature Park is in a forested area, 17 km from the centre of Ilgaz district, and can be reached via a paved road. It is suitable for day trips, walks, enjoying the views, camping, and photography. This offers a different travel focus from the archaeological sites: here, outdoor activities are the main attraction. If you prefer nature and photography, these activities may influence your choice of where to stay.

Another regional speciality is Ilgaz-Sarıkılçık rice. It is grown on the fertile soils of Ilgaz district and is closely associated with the Ilgaz region. This adds an agricultural connection and a locally rooted product to the cultural and landscape themes.

Ilgaz district also offers a cultural point of interest: a 2022 municipal report describes a 150-seat multipurpose hall in the cultural centre complex for artistic and cultural events.

Getting There and Finding a Hotel

Ilgaz is connected to Ankara and Istanbul by bus. Check the connection and timetable for your travel date. As a road reference, Ilgaz is on the E80; from the rest areas at the town entrance, routes lead towards Bolu, Düzce, Sakarya, Kocaeli, and Istanbul.

When looking for a hotel in Ilgaz, you can first decide how you will travel and then choose the focus of your stay. The town centre with its hamam and türbes, the archaeological sites in the nearby area, and activities in the nature park cater to different interests.

Discover more destinations: Kuyupınar Köyü, Aşağıbozan, Çerkeş, Dedeköy, Orta, Kurşunlu, Çankırı, Dereköy

For the broader travel overview: Çankiri.