Things to Do on Ayder Plateau: Zipline, Nature Walks and Thermal Spa Relaxation

Set at the foot of the Kaçkar Mountains in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, Ayder Plateau is now celebrated as much for its outdoor sports and activities as for its scenery. With its healing thermal spa, wooden highland houses and lush landscapes stretching along the Fırtına Valley, Ayder has become a must-visit stop on the Black Sea coast, whether you want a quiet getaway or an adrenaline-packed day. In this guide, we cover what to do in Ayder, how to get there, the best time to visit, the local flavors to try and the most beautiful photo spots.

A Brief History and the Cultural Fabric of Ayder Plateau

Ayder and the surrounding highlands have been shaped for centuries by the seasonal migration tradition (yayla göçü) of the Hemshin people who have long lived in the region. Families spent the winter in their villages near the coast, then in summer moved their livestock and household belongings up to the high-altitude pastures, where they lived for several months. The wooden highland houses, stone-based granaries and narrow footpaths still standing today bear the traces of this tradition. The area's healing thermal spring has also been known to locals for centuries. People here have long believed the water eases rheumatic complaints, and many visitors come in summer specifically for the spa. Hemshin culture, with its distinctive music, horon dances and handicrafts such as the Hemshin tulum (bagpipe) and knitwork, is a living heritage that travelers encounter on the plateau.

Things to Do and Places to See in Ayder

What sets Ayder apart from other Black Sea highlands is its wide range of activities, which go well beyond classic "sightseeing" tourism.

Fly Over the Fırtına Valley on a Zipline

As you approach Çamlıhemşin, zipline courses at roadside facilities send you speeding over the Fırtına Stream. Looking down on the green valley and the stream tumbling like a waterfall is one of the most memorable moments of any Ayder trip. No previous experience is needed. The facility provides all safety equipment, and after a short briefing you are ready to fly.

Nature Walks and Trekking Routes

Ayder is one of the gateways to Kaçkar Mountains National Park, so the region offers everything from short walking trails to full-day trekking routes. Paths starting from the plateau center lead through pine and spruce forests to nearby highland pastures. If you're after a more challenging route, you can add the neighboring plateaus to your itinerary with the Huser Plateau Tour.

Gelintülü Waterfall and Historic Stone Bridges

Fed by waters flowing down from the Kaçkar peaks, Gelintülü Waterfall resembles a bridal veil and is one of the most photographed spots in the region. The historic stone bridges you pass on the road from Çamlıhemşin up to Ayder make ideal stops for a break from walking or for taking in the view.

Unwind at the Healing Thermal Spa

Ayder's oldest attraction is, without a doubt, its thermal spa. The spa facility in the plateau center has separate sections for women and men. For many visitors, soaking away the fatigue of a long hike in the hot mineral water is an essential part of the day. Remember to bring a swimsuit, slippers and a towel, and expect a short wait during peak season.

How to Get to Ayder Plateau? A Guided Tour Is the Easiest Way

If you don't know the area, half your day can be lost on the road and looking for parking. Join our guided tour and enjoy your Ayder Plateau trip with a carefully planned, minute-by-minute itinerary.

• Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or a meeting point
• Sightseeing with a guide who knows the region
• The assurance of a TÜRSAB-licensed agency
• Choose a group tour or a private tour with a vehicle just for your family

You can check dates, prices and the itinerary and book online on the Ayder Tour page. If you'd like a plan tailored to you or your group, message us on WhatsApp and we'll put the route together with you.

Best Time to Visit

The most popular time to visit Ayder is the summer season from June to September, when nature is at its most vibrant. The weather is cool and the greenery is at its lushest during these months. However, it gets busy, so booking accommodation and the spa early is essential. May and October offer a good middle ground for those who prefer a quieter visit, and the shifting play of mist and clouds is more striking at this time of year. In winter the plateau is blanketed in snow and road conditions can become difficult, so make sure your vehicle and tires are suitable for a winter visit.

Local Flavors: What and Where to Eat in Ayder

The restaurants lining the bazaar in the plateau center, along with eateries set in converted highland houses, serve up the region's authentic flavors. Trout restaurants by the stream are especially popular for lunch, where freshly caught trout is usually served grilled or pan-fried. Highlights of the local cuisine include:

• Mıhlama (Muhlama): A thick, rich dish made with butter, cornmeal and fresh cheese, served hot. It's a classic for both breakfast and dinner.
• Kuymak: Another cheesy cornmeal specialty similar to mıhlama, sometimes enriched with extra butter.
• Fresh Trout: Raised in the region's cold mountain streams, trout is grilled or pan-fried with local herbs.
• Hemşin Börek: A hearty baked pastry made by layering thin sheets of dough with cheese or potato.
• Hemşin Honey: A dark, intensely aromatic honey made from the rich wildflowers of the local highlands, and one of the most popular local products among travelers.
• Highland Tea: Rize's famous tea is a must-have drink, served after a spa visit or during breaks on the trail.

The Best Photo Spots

For photography lovers in Ayder, the best light comes early in the morning, before the mist settles over the mountain peaks. Panoramic shots taken from the trails climbing above the plateau center capture the wooden houses and the green valley in a single frame. The area in front of Gelintülü Waterfall, the historic stone bridges and the starting point of the zipline course are also among the most shared photo spots. When the clouds start drifting into the valley in the afternoon, the misty scenery is an opportunity not to be missed, especially in autumn, if you want to capture dramatic shots.

Practical Tips Before Your Visit

• Because of the altitude, evenings can turn chilly even in summer, so bring a packable jacket or cardigan.
• Choose waterproof shoes with non-slip soles for hiking and trail walks.
• If you plan to visit the thermal spa, bring your swimsuit, slippers and towel.
• Some small shops in the plateau bazaar may prefer cash to cards, so keep some cash on hand.
• Weekends get busy in summer, so book your accommodation and spa visit in advance.
• Before taking part in ziplining or similar activities, listen carefully to the facility's safety rules.

Ayder Plateau is one of the rare places that offers both outdoor adventure and a peaceful thermal spa break. From the thrill of the zipline to the warmth of the healing waters, and from fresh trout to misty mountain views, you can enjoy a wide range of experiences in a single day or over a holiday of several days. If you'd like to explore the region with us, take a look at our Ayder Tour itinerary.