Discover Düzce: Waterfalls, Plateaus and Culture

A trip to Düzce can be planned around a range of themes: waterfalls and plateaus, wetlands and river activities, as well as archaeological sites and local traditions. Hiking, nature watching, water sports or cultural history can give your plans a specific focus. The destinations below show the variety of nature and cultural experiences in Düzce.

Waterfalls and Trails

Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park is located within Düzce’s Gölyaka District and covers 22.76 hectares. It has picnic areas, designated recreation areas in the forest and hiking trails. Alongside the waterfall, the park offers opportunities to spend time in the forest and go hiking.

Aydınpınar Waterfalls are located within the boundaries of Aydınpınar village, in central Düzce. The area consists of five successive groups of waterfalls. The trails are of moderate to above-moderate difficulty; trekking, photo safaris and camping are also possible. The different activities offer several ways to experience the same natural area, from hiking to staying in a tent.

Samandere Waterfall is located in Samandere village, in the municipality of Beyköy, and is among the first natural monuments registered in Türkiye. Facilities on site include picnic and recreation areas, nature trails, campsites and forest recreation areas. This natural monument combines protected status with practical opportunities to spend time outdoors.

Plateaus and Outdoor Activities

Düzce’s plateau system stretches from Kardüz Plateau to Abant National Park. In 2013, Kardüz Plateau was designated a Cultural and Tourism Protection and Development Area by a decision of the Council of Ministers. Activities available on Düzce’s plateaus include nature walks, mountain biking, camping, caravan touring, photo safaris, off-road activities and horseback riding.

In winter, Kardüz offers winter sports as well as jeep safaris, photo safaris, mountain biking, trekking and camping. On Topuk Plateau and at its pond, activities include cycling on the trails, camping by the pond, trekking and photo safaris. Fishing with a rod is also possible at the pond. Samandere Waterfall can be reached from Topuk Plateau and its pond.

Lake Efteni and the Büyük Melen River

Lake Efteni is located in Gölyaka District and is a hub in the ecological network where the streams of the Düzce Plain converge. The lake and its surroundings also lie on a migratory route for birds. Bird and plant watching are distinct nature experiences here, quite different from the hiking and camping activities at the waterfalls and plateaus.

Professional rafting and canoeing take place year-round on the Büyük Melen River near Cumayeri-Dokuzdeğirmen. This part of the river has a 13-kilometer stretch suitable for rafting. Paddling activities take center stage on the river, while experiences at Lake Efteni focus on observing birds and plants.

Archaeology and Architectural History

Düzce-Konuralp Museum opened in 2003. Its collection comprises a total of 6,237 objects: 1,848 archaeological, 491 ethnographic and 3,898 coin objects. Collection figures may change. Another way to explore history is the ancient theater of Prusias ad Hypium: it was built in the Hellenistic period and later expanded with additions from the Roman period.

In 2013, Ceneviz Castle was included on UNESCO’s Tentative List under the name “Castles and Fortified Settlements on the Genoese Trade Route from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.” At Ceneviz Kalesi Beach, the historic castle divides two beach sections that run east to west. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag; check the award status before your visit.

Fakıllı Cave has a total length of 1,017 meters, of which 350 meters are open to visitors. Check current access conditions before your visit. In Akçakoca’s Yukarı Mahalle, 160 historic houses have been designated as a protected area and placed under conservation. Alongside ancient and archaeological sites, you can also explore more recent architectural history and a historic townscape under protection.

Local Traditions and Food Culture

Akçakoca Melengücceği is a dessert tradition with a 700-year history. It is carried on by the Turkish residents known as “Manav,” who settled in Akçakoca after migrating from Central Asia. The local market in Akçakoca welcomes visitors with traditional regional foods and handmade ornaments. The selection at individual stalls may change.

Intangible cultural heritage is also part of Düzce’s culture. Aşta and Aşta Kesme Usulü refer to a ritual of the Abkhazian culture living in Düzce; it symbolizes hospitality, family unity and peace. A master of the Çerkez Kemençe is also registered with the Ministry in Düzce as a bearer of intangible cultural heritage. The instrument is called “Şikepşine” in Chechen or Circassian and consists of a body, soundboard and auxiliary materials.

Discover more destinations: Boğaziçi, Soğuksu, Sultaniye, Kalkın Köyü, Çakırlar Mahallesi, Beyköy, Gölyaka, Düzce, Akçakoca.

For the broader travel overview: Türkiye’s Black Sea Coast.