Tatvan Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Tatvan, Turkey with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about cultural attractions, natural wonders, and more.


Introduction to Tatvan

Tatvan is a city located in the eastern part of Turkey, which offers visitors a combination of rich cultural attractions and natural wonders. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes, making it an ideal location for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Tatvan also has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums and historical sites. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or culture, Tatvan has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Tatvan

Below are some of the must-visit places in Tatvan:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Van Golu Museum: A museum showcasing the natural history of the region, as well as artifacts from the Ottoman and Seljuk empires.
  • Nemrut Crater Lake: A volcanic lake with crystal clear blue water and a breathtaking view of Mount Nemrut.
  • Van Fortress: A historic citadel dating back to the Urartian period.

Natural Attractions of Tatvan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Nemrut: A dormant volcano with stunning views over Lake Van and Tatvan city.
  • Van Lake: One of the largest lakes in the world, with many islands to explore and a variety of bird species.
  • Akdamar Island: A small island in Lake Van, famous for its Armenian Cathedral and beautiful scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tatvan

Tatvan has many hiking and biking routes that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Some popular routes include:

  • Nemrut Crater Lake Hike: A 6 km hike that takes you around the beautiful Nemrut Crater Lake.
  • Mount Suphan Hike: A challenging but rewarding hike that takes you to the top of Mount Suphan.
  • Van Biking Trail: A 58 km trail that takes you on a scenic route around Van Lake.

Best Things to Do in Tatvan: Activities and Tours

  • Sail on Lake Van: Take a boat tour on the beautiful Lake Van and explore the various islands.
  • Visit the hot springs: There are many hot springs in the area, including the Muradiye and Tatis hot springs.
  • Try kiteboarding: Visit the Tatvan Kiteboarding club and take a lesson on this exhilarating water sport.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tatvan

Day 1: Visit Van Golu Museum and Van Fortress Day 2: Hike around Mount Nemrut and explore the Nemrut Crater Lake Day 3: Take a boat tour on Lake Van and visit Akdamar Island Day 4: Bike around Van Lake and enjoy the scenery Day 5: Explore the hot springs and experience the healing properties of the thermal water Day 6: Visit the Tatvan Kiteboarding club and try your hand at kiteboarding Day 7: Relax and enjoy the local cuisine at one of Tatvan’s many restaurants

Food and Drink Scene of Tatvan

Tatvan has a unique cuisine with influences from the Ottoman and Armenian empires. Some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kavurma: A dish made from slow-cooked meat and vegetables in a tomato-based sauce. Served with rice and bread.
  • Shakarlama: A dessert made from layers of pastry and syrup.
  • Peynirli pide: A type of Turkish pizza made with cheese, olives, and tomatoes.

Local Beverages

  • Ayran: A refreshing yogurt-based drink, perfect for hot days.
  • Çay: Turkish tea, typically served in small tulip-shaped glasses.

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

There are numerous accommodation options in Tatvan to suit every budget. Some popular options include:

  • Grand Hotel Tatvan: A 5-star hotel with stunning views of the lake and mountains.
  • Aymur Hotel: A mid-range hotel with modern amenities and a central location.
  • Nasibağ Hotel: A cozy guesthouse with traditional decor and a friendly atmosphere.

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

  • Van Kilim: A traditional carpet made by hand in the Van region, usually featuring geometric patterns in bright colors.
  • Tipitip: A traditional felt hat worn by Kurdish and Turkish men.
  • Oltu stone: A type of volcanic stone from the Oltu district of Erzurum province, often used to make jewelry and other decorative items.

Local Culture and Customs of Tatvan

Tatvan is a conservative city, and visitors should dress modestly, particularly when entering mosques or other religious sites. It is also important to respect local customs, such as removing shoes before entering a home or mosque.

Best Time to Visit Tatvan

The best time to visit Tatvan is during the summer months between June and August when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the winter months offer the opportunity to ski on the nearby mountains and experience traditional winter activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tatvan

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Remove your shoes before entering a home or mosque.
  • Try the local cuisine and explore traditional dishes.

Don’t:

  • Take photos of military or government buildings without permission.
  • Drink tap water or eat raw vegetables without washing them first.
  • Touch or pick up stray animals, as they can carry diseases.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tatvan

Tatvan is generally a safe city, but visitors should be aware of pickpocketing and other petty crimes in tourist areas. It’s advised not to walk alone at night and to take taxis to avoid getting lost.

Health in Tatvan

Visitors to Tatvan should be up to date on their routine vaccinations, and it’s recommended to get a Hepatitis A vaccine before travel. Avoid drinking tap water and eat only fruit that you can peel.

Getting to Tatvan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tatvan

The nearest airport to Tatvan is Van Ferit Melen Airport, which is approximately 60 km away. Another option is Erzurum Airport, which is around 220 km away.

Bus Stations Near Tatvan

Tatvan has a central bus station with regular buses to cities across Turkey, including Istanbul and Ankara.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Tatvan from Istanbul, Ankara, and other cities in Turkey.

How to Get Around in Tatvan

Taxis and dolmus (shared minibuses) are the most common forms of transportation in Tatvan. Bicycles and scooters are also available to rent for exploring the area.

Where to Go Next from Tatvan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mount Ararat: A holy mountain located in the eastern part of Turkey, visible from Tatvan on a clear day.
  • The city of Van: A historic city located on the shores of Lake Van, with many cultural and natural attractions.
  • Iranian Border: Border with Iran is only a few hours’ drive from Tatvan.

Conclusion

Tatvan is a unique and diverse city that offers visitors the opportunity to explore natural wonders, experience traditional culture, and try delicious cuisine. With its numerous museums, historic sites, and outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that Tatvan is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers from around the world.

Mt. Nemrut Crater Mt. Nemrut Crater