Kars' most comprehensive travel route, from Ani Ruins to Lake Çıldır, from Baltic architecture to spiritual tombs.
The first place that comes to mind when Kars is mentioned. Known as the 'City of 1001 Churches', Ani houses the most distinguished examples of Armenian, Seljuk, and Georgian architecture. Fethiye Mosque (Great Cathedral), Ebu'l Menuçehr Mosque (the first Turkish mosque in Anatolia), and the city walls are fascinating under the snow. It is the number one stop to witness history as a family.
This lake, whose surface freezes completely in winter, gives visitors the excitement of walking on ice and riding horse-drawn sleighs. Eating the famous 'Yellow Fish' caught by breaking the ice in restaurants by the lake is a Kars classic.
The most beautiful point where you can watch the city from a bird's eye view. Built by the Saltukids in the 12th century, the castle retains its majesty despite being destroyed and rebuilt many times. When you go up to the castle and look at the city, you can clearly see the distinction between old and new Kars.
In the easternmost part of Turkey, the capital of history and snow, Kars... On one hand, hosting civilizations with the thousands-of-years-old Ani Ruins, on the other hand, adorned with an aesthetic rivaling European cities with its Baltic architecture remaining from the Russian occupation era. Turning into a fairytale land when it wears its white wedding dress in winter, this city is also the most beautiful finale of journeys made with the Eastern Express. For conservative families, with its safe streets, halal and delicious cuisine (goose meat, gruyere), spiritual tombs, and unique nature, Kars is at the top of the list of places to see before dying. Here are 20 special stops you can discover step by step with your family.
Located at the foot of Kars Castle, over the Kars Stream, this bridge was built by the Ottoman Sultan Murad III. Made of black basalt stone, the bridge is an indispensable frame for Kars photos.
Converted from a church to a mosque just like Hagia Sophia, this structure was built by the Bagratid Kingdom in the 10th century. It draws attention with the 12 apostle reliefs on its dome and is the symbol of Kars' multicultural structure.
The tomb of Ebu'l Hasan Harakani, considered the spiritual guardian of Kars, is within the Evliya Mosque complex. Visiting this person, who played a major role in the spiritual conquest of Anatolia, gives spiritual peace.
Built as a cathedral during the Russian occupation and currently serving as a mosque, this structure is the most magnificent example of Baltic architecture. It holds an important place in Kars' silhouette with its wide windows and onion dome structure.
It is famous for its 'Crystal Snow' feature, found only in the Alps and Sarıkamış in the world. Skiing among Scotch pine forests is both safe and a visual feast for families. Indispensable for winter sports lovers.
Located deep in the Sarıkamış forests, this wooden lodge built by Tsar Nicholas II was constructed entirely without nails (using interlocking technique). This historical structure within nature is a great stop for photographers.
It is the 18th cheese museum in the world and the first in Turkey. You can see the production stages of Kars' famous gruyere and kashar cheese and taste them. It is also a very educational and fun place for children.
The birthplace of Kars gruyere, this village is Turkey's first eco-museum village. You can visit the dairies in the village and taste the completely natural and halal breakfast prepared by the locals.
Established inside a historical bastion, this museum interactively explains the Sarıkamış Operation and the wars in the region. It gives an emotionally charged history lesson with wax sculptures and reenactments.
Exhibiting historical artifacts unearthed from Kars and its surroundings, the museum reveals the history of the region extending from the Paleolithic era to the present. The historical wagon in its garden belongs to Kazım Karabekir Pasha.
Built to keep alive the cherished memory of tens of thousands of our soldiers who froze to death in the Allahuekber Mountains, this monument is the most spiritual and sad stop of the Kars trip. It should be visited to pray as a family.
An important stop for migratory birds, Kuyucuk Lake is a paradise for nature photographers and bird watchers. Hosting more than 200 bird species, the lake offers a quiet and peaceful nature getaway.
This waterfall on the Kars-Ardahan road falls from a height of 75 meters. The recreation area and viewing terrace next to it are ideal for taking a break during the journey and relaxing with the sound of water.
This house, where the patriotic poet Namık Kemal spent his childhood, has been restored and turned into a culture house. Here you can listen to Kars' famous 'Minstrel Duels' and get to know the local culture closely.
Located right next to the Stone Bridge, this historical bath is known as the place where the famous Russian poet Pushkin bathed. Bearing the classic features of Ottoman architecture, the structure looks very good in photo frames.
Walking on the wide avenues of Kars, you feel like you are in a European city. The most beautiful stone buildings of Baltic architecture, such as the Old Russian Governorate and the Finance Building, are on these streets. Ideal for a family evening walk.
A trip to Kars is not complete without eating the famous goose meat. There are many alcohol-free and family-friendly restaurants serving as 'Goose House' in the city. You can crown your trip with local delicacies such as goose in tandoori, evelik soup, and hangel.
Kars is one of the rare cities that appeals not only to your eyes but also to your soul and palate. Listening to the silence of history in Ani, walking on ice in Çıldır, and praying in the presence of Ebu'l Hasan Harakani will leave you with unforgettable memories. When you complete these 20 routes, you will not want to leave Kars.
