Ergan Dağı is 3,256 metres high and has a ski run with a vertical extent of about 12 kilometres. The mountain gives Erzincan a distinctive winter profile; at the same time, the range of experiences extends beyond winter sports. In Kemaliye, the canyon, tunnel route and historic townscape stand out, while Tercan and Kemah showcase their own architectural histories. When planning, it is worth first asking yourself what you are most interested in: winter activities and scenery, or architecture, archaeology and crafts?
Ergan Dağı and winter sports
An official description dated 27 December 2022 refers to a two-lane road to the ski centre, with lighting and a hot-mix asphalt surface, as well as a two-stage chairlift system. Check the operating details before your trip. Activities listed in connection with the Ergan Dağı Winter and Nature Tourism Centre in Erzincan include skiing, ski touring, snowboarding, snowkiting, snowmobiling, sledding, ice skating and glacier climbing. The winter offering therefore includes a range of activities and is not limited to the ski run.
Canyon, water and trails
Karanlık Canyon is in the Kemaliye (Eğin) district of Erzincan Province and was registered as a qualified natural and protected area in 2020. The Taş Yolu runs through the canyon: the route is 7 kilometres long and passes through 38 tunnels. The landscape and the road offer different points of interest: the registration designates the canyon as a protected area, while its length and number of tunnels give a sense of the route's construction.
Kemaliye itself draws attention to architecture. The town is known for its urban fabric, architecture and distinctive houses. The Historic Town of Kemaliye was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2021. As a contrast in the landscape, Girlevik Waterfall is in Girlevik village, around 30 kilometres from Erzincan city centre. Ekşisu Recreation Area, meanwhile, has naturally flowing mineral water and extensive parkland.
Private vehicles and municipal private buses are listed as ways to reach Ekşisu; check the timetable before setting out. For Terzibaba Tomb, the options listed are a walk from the city centre, travel by private vehicle and minibuses that pass by the tomb. Check the current minibus service in advance.
Buildings and history
In Tercan, the Mama Hatun Complex consists of a kümbet, a caravanserai, a hamam and a mosque. The kümbet has a segmented body, a conical roof and a circular surrounding wall. Its ground plan and architectural design are unique in Anatolia—one distinctive feature within the larger complex.
The Gülabibey Mosque also brings together different periods: according to its inscription, it is said to have been built by Emir Gülabi Bey in 1450, and it has a repair inscription from the 18th century. The Abrenk Church, also known as Vank and Üçpınar, was built in 1854.
The founding of Kemah Castle dates back to the Hittite-Urartian period. Built on steep rocks, the castle consists of two nested structures and is surrounded by walls. The tomb of Sultan Melik contains Sultan Melik’s mummy and five graves. These buildings show the different ways historic sites in Erzincan can be described: by their location, their structure or their contents as recorded in history.
The remains of Altıntepe include a temple-palace complex, a colonnaded reception hall, an open-air temple, three tombs and a storage building. In the Dilli Valley, 4–5 kilometres northwest of Kemaliye’s settlement centre, there are petroglyphs and signs. Their analysis provides important information about Turkish cultural history.
Crafts and souvenirs
Copperworking has a long tradition in Erzincan, has declined from its former prominence and has for years been regarded as a traditional craft that symbolizes Erzincan. It is passed down through master-apprentice relationships. Tava leblebi is recommended as a typical food to take home. Together, crafts and regional food culture offer another perspective on Erzincan, complementing visits to its landscapes and historic sites.
Discover more destinations: Erzurum, Erzincan, Üzümlü, Refahiye, Akarsu, Cevizlik Köyü, Kavaklık Köyü, Çilesiz Köyü
For the broader travel overview: Anatolia.
