Tortum Waterfall Waterfall
Impressive waterfall and canyon in Erzurum Province
A broad waterfall on the Tortum River in Erzurum province with viewing platforms and picnic areas. Visitors photograph the cascade, walk nearby trails and visit the adjacent plateau and lake.
Tortum Waterfall at a Glance#
Address: Tortum Waterfall (Tortum Şelalesi), Tortum district, Erzurum Province, Turkey
Admission: Free
About Tortum Waterfall#
Tortum Waterfall (Tortum Şelalesi) is a high river cascade in Erzurum Province in eastern Turkey and a notable local natural attraction. The waterfall is fed by the Tortum River and lies downstream of a reservoir and dam.
The site is known for a large, dramatic drop visible from roadside viewpoints and platformed picnic areas; flow and appearance vary seasonally and with reservoir releases. Nearby viewing points overlook the narrow canyon and the downstream river valley, offering photo opportunities and short walks.
The waterfall is a natural feature that has been affected by infrastructure development in the 20th century when a dam and reservoir were built upstream for hydroelectric and water management purposes. The reservoir reduced the waterfall’s continuous flow, so seasonal releases and high-water periods now determine its full appearance.
Located in Erzurum Province in northeastern Anatolia, the falls sit in a rugged river valley roughly 90 kilometres northeast of the city of Erzurum. The immediate landscape is a mix of river canyon, reservoir shoreline, and roadside picnic areas providing viewing access.
- Best time to visit: Most impressive in spring when snowmelt and reservoir releases increase flow; parts of the fall can freeze in winter and form striking ice formations.
- Access and viewpoints: Access involves short walks from parking or roadside viewpoints; local picnic areas and platforms provide the main viewing spots.
What to See#
- Tortum Waterfall: A natural cascade on the Tortum River that historically formed a single high drop; flows are highly seasonal and depend on releases from the dam upstream.
- Tortum Lake and dam: A mid-20th-century dam and reservoir upstream that altered the waterfall’s natural flow and created Tortum Lake; reservoir management affects the waterfall’s appearance and volume.
- Canyon and viewing points: A narrow canyon and nearby picnic viewpoints that provide vantage points for seeing the falls and the surrounding limestone landscape.
Tips for Visiting Tortum Waterfall#
- Plan a visit in spring (late April-June) when snowmelt and rains make the falls fullest; in late summer and autumn flows can be much reduced.
- Expect a short walk from the roadside viewpoint rather than a long hike-arrive by car or local bus to the Uzundere/Tortum area and use the official lookout spots for the safest, best-placed views.
Best Time to Visit Tortum Waterfall#
Best visited in late spring to early summer (May-July) when snowmelt boosts the waterfall and access is easier.
Weather & Climate near Tortum Waterfall#
Tortum Waterfall's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (599 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - 2° | -4° | 49 mm | overcast | 91% | 1.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 4° | -2° | 46 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.5h |
| March | Acceptable | 0° - 10° | 4° | 44 mm | overcast | 78% | 1.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 6° - 16° | 11° | 57 mm | overcast | 74% | 1.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.1h |
| May | Good | 9° - 21° | 15° | 63 mm | overcast | 72% | 1.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.3h |
| June | Excellent | 12° - 25° | 19° | 63 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 14.8h |
| July | Excellent | 16° - 29° | 22° | 38 mm | some cloud | 69% | 1.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.6h |
| August | Excellent | 15° - 29° | 22° | 32 mm | some cloud | 65% | 1.6 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.6h |
| September | Excellent | 12° - 25° | 18° | 34 mm | some cloud | 63% | 1.4 m/s | 1.5 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 7° - 18° | 13° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 1.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Acceptable | 2° - 11° | 6° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 1.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.8h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 4° | -1° | 56 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 1.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.2h |
