List of Places to Visit in Van for Nature Lovers

Van is one of the top 10 provinces in Turkey with the largest surface area. It is located in the Eastern Anatolian region and is a very important city in terms of history, culture, winter tourism, as well as nature tourism. So, where did it get its name from? We can only answer this question with rumors. Evliya Çelebi said in his work called "Seyahatname" that Alexander the Great was inspired by the temple called "Vank" in the Van Castle and chose to give this name to the city. According to a known rumor, a person named Van was wanted to immortalize this important person because he ensured the development and beautification of the city. However, the most logical idea is that this name came from the Urartians. It is known that the Urartians used the words "Viane" and "Biane" for cities and that these concepts are related to the city and settlement.

Now that we have provided brief information, let's start our main topic. We all have times when we want to get away from the chaos of the cities, our busy lives, but most of all, our own thoughts and relax. The most beneficial application to be preferred in these times is undoubtedly to be in touch with nature. We wanted to help you, our readers, in this regard and prepared a list for a nature trip that is almost therapeutic.

Lake Van

A large part of Lake Van is located in the Tatvan district of Bitlis. Its waters are salty and soda. As the largest lake in Turkey in terms of surface area and the largest soda lake in the world in terms of water variety, it makes us feel its victory even while saying its name. It is called the "Sea of ​​Van" due to its appearance. The lake has 4 islands, which we will talk about separately later. These are: Akdamar, Çarpanak, Adır and Kuş Island.

Those who do not want to disturb the tranquility of nature can go hiking or picnicking in the green areas around the lake. On the lake, you can participate in activities such as canoeing or rowing. Entrance to the area is free. The important thing is arrival and if you live in the provinces of Ankara, Kayseri, Sivas, Malatya or Elazığ, you can try the Van Lake Express. Since it is generally preferred in the summer season, we recommend that you act first when you want to buy a ticket.

When it comes to Lake Van, how can we not mention its monster? The legendary creature that we have all heard of, at least once, the Lake Van monster... The rumors date back to the 19th century. The story begins with a person passing by with his friends who wanted to perform ablution to pray. However, what a great misfortune that, as soon as he entered the lake, a creature he had never seen before grabbed the man's leg and tried to drag him. His friends who saw this immediately tried to get the man out of the lake. However, when they did nothing, they decided to burn this interesting creature. However, our main character acted quickly and rose into the air with the poor man whose only wish was to pray, and then entered the lake. That's how the man disappeared.

Lake Erçek

Lake Erçek, located to the east of Lake Van, is a stopover point for many bird species. For this reason, it is also known as "Bird Paradise". It is a natural environment where migratory birds such as swordbills, flamingos, and white-headed ducks stop and breed. It is among the "B" class wetlands as it hosts endangered animals. There are no fish in the lake because its waters are salty and soda.

If you are a bird watcher or want to be one, you have found one of the places suitable for you. Of course, you don't have to be a bird watcher. You can also visit to take photos. You can camp for free with a tent or caravan and enjoy nature on the hiking trails. There is a toilet in the camping area to meet your needs. Let's also mention that the Flamingo Festival was held here every year before the pandemic.

Kanispi Waterfall

The Kanispi waterfall, located on the Van Çatak road, forms a snow-white color as it flows. For this reason, it is known that this place is called "Kanispi", which means white waterfall. It usually has a very strong flow at the end of April and starts to decrease in August. If you want to see the whiteness of nature, which we constantly experience with its blue and green, you can visit in the summer months. Especially if you do not have a fear of water! As a result of the restorations, there are benches, pergolas and even a children's playground where you can spend time comfortably.

Muradiye Waterfall

Named after the Ottoman Sultan Murat IV, Muradiye Waterfall can be an ideal place to spend a quiet day in Van. You can walk or have a picnic while listening to the melody of nature formed by the waters flowing from different heights. There is also a restaurant nearby. You can choose this place to cool off in the summer. In the winter, the waters of the waterfall freeze and offer a white landscape that makes you feel like you are in heaven. We recommend that you be careful if you are going to visit during these times. The shape of the frozen waters may make you miss the travertines of Pamukkale!

Müküs Stream

Müküs Stream is a district known for its natural beautiesIt is located in Bahçesaray. The old name of Bahçesaray is also Müküs. The waters of Müküs Stream, which continues its existence in harmony with nature, are clean and are the habitat of trout. It is one of the preferred places for rafting in Van for the last few years. In fact, a rafting team has even been formed in the district. In addition, you can have a picnic and fish if you want. Although not in the area, you can find suitable areas for camping around it.

Erek Mountain

We can say that Erek Mountain is one of the places that people who love adventure in nature should definitely go to. Van is located at the foot of Erek Mountain. Therefore, it is easy to reach. Adventurers who love climbing can visit especially in the summer. Because when you reach the summit, the view formed by Lake Van, Süphan and Artos mountains will make the journey bearable. Ice forms as a result of the snowfall during most of the year. Those who like to push their limits can also do glacier climbing during this period. We recommend that you add Erek Mountain, where you will gain beautiful experiences in both summer and winter, to your list of places to visit in Van. Mount Süphan

According to legend, Mount Süphan, known to have taken its name from two lovers named Siyabend and Hace, is located within the borders of the Adilcevaz district on the shores of Lake Van. It is an extinct volcanic mountain and is known to have last erupted in the 9th century BC. It is also the third highest mountain in Turkey. For this reason, it is one of the most enjoyable destinations preferred for climbing. Let's also state that the eastern part of the mountain is generally preferred for this activity. If you are going to do it in the summer, you can choose the months of June, July, August and September. Lake Van, which loves to show itself, will greet you as you climb higher. It is an area suitable not only for climbing but also for mountaineering activities such as hiking and camping. You can camp on the Süphan plateau. The higher parts of the mountain are covered with snow for most of the year. You will also witness glacial lakes here. The water resources on Mount Süphan meet the needs of the surrounding settlements. Aygır Lake, a volcanic dam lake located to the south of the mountain, is also fed by these resources. While you are here, you can have a picnic at Aygır Lake and find peace in the serenity of nature.

Artos Mountain

Artos Mountain is located in the Gevaş district of Van. It is also known as "Çadır Mountain" because it looks like a tent when viewed from a distance. There is a sulfur mine in the area and the strong winds allow energy production. Artos Mountain is one of the rare but important places that hosts many butterfly species. It is preferred by those interested in botany. It has a suitable area for mountaineering activities. It can be a new and enjoyable address especially for those who want to go trekking.

Adır Island

Adır Island is the largest of the four islands in Lake Van. The island contains the Lim Monastery, St. Georges Church, St. Sion Chapel and the jamatun, which is a meeting place and funeral place. The church and monastery are now old and worn out. However, the chapel and jamatun, which have defied the years in nature, are still standing.

Akdamar Island

Akdamar Island, located in the Gevaş district of Van, is the second largest island in Van. It can be a good option for nature trips to take a break from the chaos and have a peaceful time. However, it can also give you more than you want. Because the historical importance of the island also stands out. There is Akdamar Church in the region, where you can observe the Armenian architecture of the Middle Ages. The church was left by the Armenians and the plant and animal figures that greet the guests before they even enter manage to attract attention. Although it is not used for worship, you can visit it because it serves as a museum. There is a fee to enter the island. However, you can enter without paying an additional fee with your museum card.

Çarpanak Island

Forget all the islands you have seen... Because you will embark on a wonderful journey with the magnificent harmony of green and blue. Çarpanak Island is an address that should definitely be added to nature trips in Van. The island is located in the Tuşba district. It is known to be an important breeding center for seagulls. There is a historical ruin in the region that you will add like salt and pepper to your trip. This is the Ktuts Monastery dedicated to St. John. Although the monastery had sections such as a library, chapel, dining and sleeping rooms, and preaching halls, they have not survived to the present day. However, although it is getting more and more worn out, the church section is still standing.

Bird Island

Bird Island is the smallest of the four islands we mentioned. It is one of the natural wonders located in the Gevaş district of Van. It is also known as Arter or Lamb Island. Of course, we come across the remains of history here as well. There is a chapel in the region that is quite worn out. Although the area is small, you can spend more comfortable time because it is not very well known or preferred. You can meditate in the presence of nature and even read a book. The island, 2019It was declared as a ‘’Sensitive area to be strictly protected’’.

Written by: Berfin Aktaş