Kaçkar Mountains National Park Turkey Postcard

Kaçkar Mountains National Park, located in northeastern Turkey near the Black Sea coast, is one of the country’s most stunning natural areas. The park covers over 52,000 hectares of rugged mountains, alpine meadows, dense forests, and rushing rivers. It is famous for trekking, mountaineering, and breathtaking scenery, including glacial lakes, waterfalls, and high-altitude peaks that reach over 3,900 meters. The region has a rich biodiversity because it combines temperate Black Sea forests with alpine habitats, creating ideal conditions for both plants and animals. One of the most notable residents of the Kaçkar Mountains is the brown bear (Ursus arctos). These bears are primarily found in the dense forested valleys and higher mountain slopes, where they feed on berries, nuts, roots, and occasionally small mammals. While generally shy and elusive, brown bears are a key symbol of the park’s wilderness and ecological health. Visitors trekking in Kaçkar National Park may spot signs of their presence, such as tracks or claw marks, though actual sightings are rare. The park’s combination of stunning landscapes and the chance to encounter large mammals like brown bears makes it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.