Until 1937, a small neighborhood connected to Safranbolu, which is now a province, became a center of attraction. Karabük Iron and Steel Factory opened in 1937 and registered as the 78th province of our country in 1995. Although Safranbolu is the town of Karabük, it is a prominent settlement dating back to 3000 BC, Byzantine, Seljuk and finally Ottoman civilization ruled in the region.

Bartın is at the northernmost part of Karabük, which is surrounded by Kastamonu in the northeast, Çankırı in the south, and Bolu and Zonguldak in the west.

Climate and Local Cuisine

Karabük, which is surrounded by the aforementioned districts, has a flat appearance and is surrounded by hills. In general, while the climate of the Black Sea is dominant, the continental climate is felt because it is situated further from the coast. During some winter nights, the temperature drops below zero and forms a climate close to Central Anatolia. Karabük is rich in flora and has 70% forest area.

Karabük Cuisine is typical of the Black Sea Region. Peruhi, also known as homemade pasta, is identified with Karabük. “Safranbolu bükmesi” is an authentic taste of the region, reflecting the taste of the saffron plant, for which the cuisine is named.

Safranbolu bükmesi

Places to Visit

Karabük is naturally rich and has many places suitable for nature tourism. It is also home to important historic works.

• Houses of Safranbolu: Among the places to be visited in Karabük, Safranbolu houses are at the top of the list for domestic and foreign tourists. Houses from the 18th and 19th centuries reflect the life of the Ottoman city very well. Over a thousand different houses have been preserved under UNESCO’s list of world cultural heritages. The houses, which are usually two or three-storied, are painted with whitewash; it creates a very stylish appearance with and provides separate areas for women and men.
• Yörük Village: Yörük Village, located a couple of kilometers from Safranbolu, is one of the rare protected places, with seven centuries of history. Kasım Sipahioğlu Mansion is open to the public with its natural structure and beautiful restoration in the Yörük village where Turkmens migrated during the establishment of Anatolia. Many unique handcrafts are exhibited and sold in the village as well.
• Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque: The Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque that is located in Safranbolu in the Ottoman period is very attractive and boasts a courtyard with a sundial.

One of the traditional Safranbolu houses

• Hadrianopolis Ancient City: The Hadrianopolis Ancient City, located 3 kilometers from the Eskipazar district, was established in the 1st century BC. The remains of the Byzantine church, water cisterns, mosaics, columns, and frescoes can be found in the city.
• Incekaya Aqueduct: Built by Izzet Mehmet Pasha, the Grand Vizier of the Third Selim, the Aqueduct is 116 meters long and consists of 6 round arches.
• Bulak Mencilis Cave: Together with stalactites and stalagmites, only 400 kilometers of the cave, which is 6.5 kilometers long, is open for hiking. Take caution, as asthma and bronchitis are common risks, as the cave has a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius both in summer and in winter.
• Tokatlı Canyon: The most notable of canyons is the Tokatlı Canyon in Karabük, which hosts many of them. There are three different canyons along the 9 km hiking trail. The terrace overlooking the canyon provides a spectacular view.

Karabük is surrounded by the aforementioned districts

• Şeker (Sugar) Canyon: The Sugar Canyon, located in the Yenice district of Karabük, has a 6.5 km park. It is especially preferred for hiking and picnics.
• Safranbolu City History Museum: The historic museum contains the reconstruction of old shops and also has a nice view of the city.
• Safranbolu Yemenciler Bazaar: The bazaar, a UNESCO heritage site, has authentic urban architecture from the Ottoman period and many shops where you can find a wide variety of Turkish souvenirs.
• Karabük Iron and Steel Industry Museum: The museum, established in 1984 at the Kardemir steel production plant, displays exhibits about iron works.

Karabük is rich in flora and has 70% forest area.

Festivals

Aladağ Festivals, Zümrüt Yenice Culture and Art Festival, International Golden Saffron Documentary Film Festival, and Safranbolu Vintage Festival are remarkable festivals in Karabük held at various times throughout the year.

How to Get There

You can reach Karabük, 400 km from Istanbul and 220 km from Ankara, by road and bus. If you prefer to travel by air, Ankara Esenboğa Airport is 240 kilometers away.