Çorum Travel Guide

Discover the best things to see and do in Çorum, including culturally important attractions, natural wonders, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture and customs, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Çorum

Located in the Central Karadeniz region of Turkey, Çorum is a vibrant city that blends modern amenities with historical charm. Çorum is renowned for its rich history and heritage, making it a popular destination for cultural enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The city boasts a diverse range of attractions, including museums, historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, and delicious cuisine. In this travel guide, we will explore the best things to see and do in Çorum, including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, accommodations, local culture and customs, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations.

List of Places to Visit in Çorum

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Çorum Archeological Museum: This museum showcases the rich history and culture of Çorum, from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman era. The museum features a vast collection of artifacts, including coins, ceramics, and sculptures.
  2. Alacahöyük Archeological Site: Located 36 km from Çorum, this site is one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia, dating back to the Hittite period. Visitors can explore the ruins of a Hittite temple and palace, as well as the ancient city walls and tombs.
  3. Hattusha: Another site of the Hittite civilization, Hattusha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 98 km from Çorum. It features impressive ancient ruins, including a royal palace, temples, and city walls.

Natural Attractions of Çorum: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Boğazkale Canyon: Located 40 km from Çorum, Boğazkale Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnics, and scenic views of the valley and river.
  2. Oğuzlar Lake: This beautiful lake is located 25 km from Çorum and is an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and bird-watching.
  3. Yazılıkaya: This spectacular natural monument features rock formations that resemble writing. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Çorum

  1. Kalecik National Park: This park is a popular spot for hiking and biking, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It features well-maintained trails, picnic areas, and a lake.
  2. Osmancık Nature Park: Located 70 km from Çorum, this park is known for its beautiful waterfalls, forests, and wildflowers. It is an ideal spot for hiking, picnics, and camping.
  3. Boğazkale Canyon Trail: This 10 km trail winds through the stunning Boğazkale Canyon, offering breathtaking views of the valley and river. It is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking.

Best Things to Do in Çorum: Activities and Tours

  1. Çorum Balloon tour: A hot air balloon ride over Çorum and its surrounding landscape is a unique and unforgettable way to experience the city.
  2. Çorum Traditional Turkish Bath: Try a traditional Turkish bath experience in Çorum, including a sauna, steam bath, and massage.
  3. Çorum Jeep Safari Tour: Explore the beautiful countryside of Çorum on a guided jeep tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Çorum

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Çorum Archeological Museum
Day 2 Visit Hattusha and Alacahöyük Archeological Sites
Day 3 Hiking and biking in Kalecik National Park
Day 4 Explore Boğazkale Canyon and Yazılıkaya
Day 5 Hiking and picnics in Osmancık Nature Park
Day 6 Try a traditional Turkish bath
Day 7 Balloon tour and jeep safari tours

Food and Drink Scene of Çorum

Must-try Dishes

  1. Toyga soup: A delicious soup made with mushrooms, yogurt, and spices.
  2. Keşkek: A traditional dish made with slow-cooked meat and wheat.
  3. Talas böreği: A pastry filled with cheese and spinach.

Local Beverages

  1. Boza: A sweet fermented drink made with bulgur, wheat, or rice.
  2. Salep: A hot drink made with orchid root, milk, and sugar.
  3. Şalgam juice: A spicy and sour turnip juice that is a popular local beverage.

Where to Stay in Çorum: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Erdem Otel: A modern and comfortable hotel located in the heart of the city.
  2. Mola Otel: A luxury hotel with excellent amenities and beautiful views of the city.
  3. Green Park Resort: A cozy and affordable guesthouse located in a peaceful area.

What to Buy in Çorum: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Çorum pottery: Handmade pottery items are a popular souvenir in Çorum.
  2. Honey: Çorum is famous for its sweet and delicious honey.
  3. Carpets and Kilims: Çorum is known for its beautiful handmade carpets and kilims.

Local Culture and Customs of Çorum

Çorum is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and its people are proud of their customs and traditions. Visitors should show respect for local customs, such as removing shoes before entering homes and mosques, dressing modestly, and greeting locals with a smile.

Best Time to Visit Çorum

The best time to visit Çorum is during the spring and autumn months, between April to June and September to November. The weather is pleasant during these times, and the city hosts various cultural events and festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Çorum

Do:

  1. Try local dishes, such as Toyga soup, keşkek, and talas böreği.
  2. Visit historical landmarks, museums, and natural attractions.
  3. Show respect for local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  1. Wear revealing clothing in public places.
  2. Drink alcohol in public places.
  3. Disrespect local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Çorum

Çorum is a relatively safe city with low crime rates. Visitors should take standard precautions to ensure their safety, such as keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding deserted areas at night.

Health in Çorum

Çorum has excellent medical facilities and services, and visitors can easily find emergency medical care if needed. Tap water in Çorum is generally safe to drink, but visitors may prefer bottled water for personal preference.

Getting to Çorum: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Çorum

The nearest airports to Çorum are Ankara Esenboğa Airport and Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport, both located approximately 200 km away. From there, visitors can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car for transportation to Çorum.

Bus Stations Near Çorum

Çorum has a main bus station, with regular transportation services from major cities in Turkey. Visitors can take a bus to Çorum from Ankara, Istanbul, and other cities.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Çorum by renting a car or taking a taxi from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Çorum

Visitors can get around Çorum by bus, taxi, or car rental. The city also has a well-developed cycling network, with designated bike lanes and trails.

Where to Go Next from Çorum: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Ankara: The capital city of Turkey is located 250 km from Çorum and is famous for its museums, historical landmarks, and vibrant nightlife.
  2. Amasya: A picturesque city located 100 km from Çorum, Amasya features Ottoman-era architecture and impressive natural beauty.
  3. Safranbolu: Located 150 km from Çorum, Safranbolu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its well-preserved traditional Ottoman architecture and cobbled streets.

Conclusion

Çorum is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture, offering a diverse range of activities and attractions for visitors. From museums and historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone in Çorum. Visitors can also use Çorum as a base to explore nearby destinations and excursions, such as Ankara, Amasya, and Safranbolu.