Things to do in Kocaeli

Kerpe

Kerpe is a small settlement on the western Black Sea coast, connected to Kandıra district of Kocaeli. You can reach Kerpe by passing through dense pine forests stretching all the way to the sea. Its ancient name was Kalpe, and it is an old and important place dating back to the fifth century BC.

45 minutes

Kerpe Seyrek

Kandıra’s shores in Kocaeli are truly a place to visit and see, and even to live in if circumstances allow, with their interesting rock formations, small coves and forest texture. Kandıra’s shores can be visited even just to see these interesting rock formations and to watch the magnificent sunsets in the summer season.

45 minutes

Aytepe Değirmen Düzü

A large part of this route, which is visually perfect and has a geography where everyone can walk comfortably, consists of descents. Therefore, it is especially useful to use a walking stick throughout the hike. The last flat stretch on the road descending from Aytepe to soğuk su is the point we prefer as the starting place of this trail. This route, consisting of a dirt forest road and occasional paths, can be walked in all four seasons, although the most ideal times are the seasons excluding the winter period.

45 minutes

Ballikayalar

Ballıkayalar is a nature park located in Gebze, offering an ideal area for mountaineering.

Kazandere

It is very difficult to pass some parts of Kazandere without swimming in the water and, even if small, jumping into the water from its waterfalls. In the areas where these impassable places are located, we created alternative passages by leaving the canyon. Although it is short due to its geography of descents and ascents, it is an enjoyable route. Passing some parts of Kazandere from bottom to top requires technical climbing equipment. The concrete bridge located between Aksığın village and Kazandere village forms the starting point of our walk..

45 minutes

İzmit Elektronik Kent Müzesi

The Electronic City Museum introduces the city's history, economy, culture and tourism, historical artifacts and municipal services to all local and foreign visitors in an electronic environment. In the museum's sections, there are models of 10 important historical structures integrated with an audio system.

45 minutes

Cami Düzü Yuvacik Baraji

This route consists of a traffic-free dirt vehicle road located just across from the main highway around Yuvacık Barajı. Rest areas have been created within the route by the Metropolitan Municipality. We recommend Cami Düzü village as the starting point of the route. The end point of the route is the area where the body of Yuvacık Barajı is located. A 5 km section of the route consists of a flat dirt vehicle road.

45 minutes

Sarayli Köyü Yukarı Değirmendere

Saraylı Village is attractive for its cultural heritage houses, its cemetery dating from the Ottoman Period, and the Çavuş grape. This route is of a kind where one can enjoy walking through a historic village in the Samanlı Mountains and within the Değirmendere Valley. A short section of the route is a steep ascent, and then another short section continues flat. Since the other sections continue as steep descents, the use of poles is absolutely necessary.

45 minutes

Nüzhetiye Şelalesi

Nüzhetiye, (formerly known as Döşeme) is the settlement area of families who migrated from the Eastern Black Sea and the Caucasus during the 93 War. It has managed to preserve the architectural structure of the Eastern Black Sea to this day. Nüzhetiye Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kocaeli. Although the walking trail is short, the beauty of the waterfall may be a reason for preference. The point to be careful about on the trail is that the ground is slippery because the stones are wet.

45 minutes

Taşköprü Çobangeçidi Kanyonu

Taşköprü Çobangeçidi Canyon is an area notable for its historical and archaeological richness.

Beylerbeyi Bağirganli

A very ideal route with a structure suitable for walking in all four seasons and the opportunity to swim in the sea during summer walks. Beylerbeyi is a village founded by people who had to migrate from the eastern Black Sea due to the Ottoman-Russian War (93 Harbi). A large part of the route consists of forest vehicle roads and paths. It can be walked in all four seasons. The starting point of the route is Beylerbeyi village. Beylerbeyi Village is 15 Km from kandıraya.

45 minutes

Kuzu Yaylası

When you arrive at Kuzu Yaylası by roads surrounded by pine, beech and linden trees and colorful flowers, the panoramic view and nature create a very impressive atmosphere. If you want to lose yourself in an endless whiteness, rise above the clouds, in short, live a snow-white dream, Kartepe is the owner of this impressive beauty. Its ارتفاع is 1602 m.

60 minutes

Sultan Baba Türbesi

It is the only tomb structure from the Ottoman Period, located on a raised platform on a hill surrounded by cypress trees in Örcün Village, Değirmendere, Gölcük District. Inside, there is a wooden sarcophagus belonging to Sultan Baba and a decree dating from the years 1787 from the time of Selim III. He is a member of the Şemsi Branch of the Halveti Order. In the graveyard located to the right of the tomb entrance, there is an Ottoman Grave dated 1879.

20 minutes

Kayaüstü Yaylası

It is difficult to express the scenic beauty of Kayaüstü Yaylası in words. What we mean will be understood when the view stretching out beneath your feet is seen from the rocks at the very edge of the plateau that gave the plateau its name. Karapınar Neighborhood of Aksığın Village is the starting point of this route. The end point of the route is inside Tepecik Village. It consists of a forest trail and a forest footpath.

45 minutes

Sultaniye Serindere

Sultaniye Village is a settlement established by people who migrated from the Eastern Black Sea, located on the foothills of the Samanlı Mountains. It is a route where one can enjoy walking in the direction of Serindere's flow within an untouched geography. Sultaniye Village, connected to Kartepe, is located deep inside the Samanlı Mountains, and the route ends in Örnek Village, also connected to Kartepe, just below the village.

45 minutes

Aytepe- Biçkidere

It is a route that any healthy person can complete without any difficulty. On this route, it is possible to see the beginning of Soğukdere Valley from a bird's-eye view. The rocky Şahin Tepesi on the left in the direction of the view toward the valley is known as Rasim'in kayası, the rocky formation opposite it. We consider the checkpoint belonging to the Forestry Directorate located in Yuvacık Aytepe to be the ideal starting point for this route.

45 minutes

Pertev Mehmet Paşa (Yeni Cuma) Camii ve Külliyesi

It was commissioned in the name of Pertev Mehmet Paşa, the 2nd vizier of Sultan Selim II, after his death upon his will by his steward Sinan ağa, and according to the mosque inscription it was completed in 1579. Together with the mosque, the sıbyan school and the remains of the bath are still standing. The mosque and the külliye are works of Mimar Sinan. Of the külliye, only the mosque and fountain have survived to the present day preserving their features.

20 minutes

Serindere Yuvacik Baraji

Serindere, one of the main sources supplying water to Yuvacık Barajı, is a stream fed by many springs emerging from the Samanlı Mountains, a very ideal area for nature walks. The route, consisting of paths along the water through the valley, is also remarkable for its geography. For this route, the most ideal starting point is the area where the concrete bridge is located below Örnek Köy.

45 minutes

Ambargölü Deresi

Ambargölü Stream is located between Gebze and Körfez districts, featuring shallow canyon formations. The trail starts from Elbizli village and continues along the Ambargölü stream.

Aytepe -beşkayalar

Among Kocaeli's natural hiking routes, perhaps the best known is the Aytepe route. Although the route, which consists of a dirt vehicle road through the forest, can be walked in all four seasons, the ideal times are other than the winter period. There is a clean water source along the route. This route passes within the Beşkayalar Nature Conservation Area. At the end point of the route, there are countryside restaurants.

45 minutes

Büyükdere Vadisi

Büyükdere Valley is a natural trail located within the borders of Gebze, stretching between Tavşanlı and Tepemayır villages.

Aytepe İnönü Yaylası

This route, consisting of a forest dirt vehicle road right along the ridge area of the Samanlı Mountains, will in a short time become indispensable for hikers with its easy-to-walk structure. The route, which starts from the forest control point in Aytepe, reaches İnönü Yaylası via a forest dirt road along the ridges of the Samanlı Mountains.

45 minutes

Gölkaypark

Within the scope of the Gölkaypark project, all kinds of social and sporting needs have been considered, from the walking path around the pond to the bicycle path, from the children's playground to the fitness area, from the resting areas to the viewing amphitheaters, from the fishing platforms to the green areas, and from the social facility building to the pier.

60 minutes

Ulaşli Halidere

The route, starting from Saklı Göl, reaches Halıdere by passing along the ridges of the hills. A route that can be walked in all four seasons, with no difficulty. The route, starting from Saklıgöl in Ulaşlı Municipality, begins within the valley and, heading toward the sea, reaches the valley descending to Halıdere.

45 minutes

Kungul Dağı

This route consists of long descents from Kungul Dağı, one of the peaks of the Samanlı Mountains, toward the valley among dense and gigantic hornbeam trees. The pastures located near the summit of Kungul Dağı (1259 m.) have remarkable characteristics.

45 minutes

Akçaova Çelebi Köyü

It is again a route that can be walked in all four seasons. With its structure that involves no difficulty, it can be preferred by many hikers from all walks of life. This route goes from Akçaova toward Çelebi Köyü. Akçaova is located on the Kandıra road.

45 minutes

Çenedere Vadisi

A route through the valley to Çenedağı that can be walked in all four seasons. With its height of 645 metres, Çenedağ forms the highest point of the Kocaeli Peninsula. The most ideal starting point for this walk is the area where the Çenesuyu Bottling Factory is located.

45 minutes

Çinarlidere

Çınarlıdere is a valley formed by plane trees, as its name suggests, and can be walked in all four seasons. Its location right within the city also increases its appeal. It starts just behind Vali İsmet Paşa Stadı, located in the Çenesuyu area of Derince.

45 minutes

Çerkeşli Kayalitepe

This route, which goes from Çerkeşli village to the summit of Kayalıtepe, is the longest of Kocaeli'nin natural hiking routes. In addition to the length of the distance, the steep ascent and descent should be taken into consideration. Çerkeşli Village forms the starting point of this route.

45 minutes

Safiye Başdeğirmen

This route, which involves no difficulty, can be walked without any problems in all four seasons. A part of the route consists of a trail, and a very small part consists of a dirt vehicle road. The route, which starts right inside Safiye Köyü, continues on paths parallel to Suludere.

45 minutes

Bağirganli Pinarli Köyü

This route, which we created parallel to the Black Sea, can be walked without problems in all four seasons. It is attractive with its interesting and magical coastal formations, magical sunsets, and small coves. A large majority of the route continues parallel to the Black Sea.

45 minutes

Tepecik Serindere

A beautiful route that is quite easy to walk and can suit hikers of all levels in all four seasons. The route, which starts from Tepeçik Köyü, ends at Serindere below Karpuzdere Köyü, accompanied by the view of Müfliz Şelalesi.

45 minutes

Fulacik Valideköprü

From Fulacık to Valide Köprü or vice versa, whichever way you walk, it is a route without difficulty in all four seasons. This route, which goes from Fulacık Köyü toward Valide Köprü Mahallesi, is of a kind that everyone can easily complete.

45 minutes

Şemşettin Köyü Lahiti

The Şemşettin Village Sarcophagus is a historical Roman period sarcophagus located in the Körfez district.

20 minutes

İzmit Alaca Mescit Camii

This mosque, located on Alaca Mescit Street in Veliahmet Neighborhood, was commissioned in 1598 by the İzmit Judge El Hac Mustafa bin Mehmet el Gümüşzade on the ruins of the Jüstinyen Palace belonging to the Byzantine Period. It was built according to a rectangular plan and has masonry walls. Its two side and rear facades have wooden eaves, as the last congregation area was added. The interior walls of the mosque preserve the character of the period in which it was built.

45 minutes

Selim Sirri Paşa Konağı

Who is Selim Sırrı Paşa? Selim Sırrı Paşa, the first Traveling Inspector General of Road Works of the Ottoman State, was appointed mutasarrıf of İzmit in 1888. Since he had been trained in Public Works, he accelerated road construction during his term as mutasarrıf of İzmit. The chaussée from İzmit Station to Taraklı, which took 18 hours, is his work. He had the plane trees planted along the railway, which are a characteristic feature of İzmit, during this time.

45 minutes

Yuvacik Baraji

Yuvacık Dam was built in the valley where two large streams meet, near Yuvacık Town. Before the construction of the dam, the trout farms and natural surroundings along the streams attracted attention, while later the beauties created by the dam lake together with its surroundings became worth seeing. After passing a few villages from the hills you will begin to climb accompanied by the view of the Gulf and İzmit, Aytepe Village, which is 1 hour away on foot from Yuvacık, is reached.

45 minutes

Kasri Hümayun Saray Müzesi

Kasr-ı Hümayun Palace Museum Kasr-ı hümayun, meaning a palace belonging to the sultan, was first built on wooden foundations during the reign of Murat IV, but it is understood to have been destroyed due to earthquake and fire. The structure that has survived to the present day is the palace built during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz (1861-1876). The palace served some Ottoman sultans and hosted many statesmen and important figures (Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, French writer Claude Farrare).

45 minutes

Seka Park

Seka Park is located in İzmit city center, on a seafront area, on the grounds of the former Seka Paper Factory, one of Turkey’s largest industrial transformation projects. It is one of the world’s largest urban parks.

45 minutes

Baç Çinarli Camii

It is known by the name “URGANCI AHMET ÇELEBİ CAMİİ” in reference to its founder. While the mosque was of wooden bağdadi infill construction, it has recently been converted into masonry. It is located in the eastern part of the city, where İnönü Caddesi begins. Since the city’s eastern gate was near the mosque and a kind of customs tax was collected here from caravans coming from the east, the neighborhood and the mosque came to be known by this name. The mosque was built in 1933 and opened for worship in the same year. In 1954, the rear congregation section was added.

45 minutes

Gölcük Belediyesi Yarhisar Müze Gemisi-kavakli Gölcük

Built in 1964 in Portland-Dragon, America for the Turkish Naval Forces, Yarhisar was commissioned under the Turkish flag in 1965 and served in the Turkish Naval Forces for forty years as a "Reconnaissance-Patrol" ship. It was decommissioned in 2005. Through the joint initiatives of Gölcük Municipality, Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality and the Naval Forces Command, a decision was made for a museum ship suitable for the naval city of Gölcük, and the museum ship was opened with a ceremony on 27 October 2006.

45 minutes

Orhan Camii - Gazi Süleyman Paşa Camii

The mosque, commissioned in 1332 by Şehzade Gazi Süleyman Paşa, who succeeded in completing the conquest of Nikomedya, in the name of his father Orhan Gazi, is İzmit's conquest mosque. According to the Ottoman State's tradition of conquest, the sermon in the first conquest mosque built would be delivered with a sword. Today, although this tradition inherited from the Ottoman State continues with slight differences, Friday sermons are delivered with a sword in Orhan Camii. Orhan Camii’s original construction inscription has not survived to the present day.

45 minutes

Abdüsselam Camii / İmaret Cami

It was commissioned by Defterdar Abdüsselam to Mimar Sinan in 1524 AD (Hijri 931). It underwent restoration in 1872 AD (Hijri 1239). In addition to being one of Mimar Sinan's first works, the mosque's outer surrounding walls and its minaret bear the characteristics of the period when it was first built. It was originally built with a dome, but when it was destroyed in the earthquake of 1776, it was rebuilt with a roof in 1872 by Altıncıoğlu Hatice hanim.

45 minutes

Bayramoğlu Adası

Bayramoğlu Island is a peninsula known for its historical background and natural beauty. It is an ideal place for walking during the summer months.

120 minutes

HünkÂr Çeşmesi Ve Çayiri

Hünkâr Çeşmesi and Çayırı is a historical site dedicated to Fatih Sultan Mehmet, featuring a fountain and hosting traditional wrestling festivals annually.

120 minutes

ÜÇ Tepeler Tümülüsü - İzmit

The tumuli located on the old Istanbul road approximately 3 kilometers from the center of İzmit have also given their name to the area. The tumuli, thought to be royal tombs, are located in Kabaoğlu Üçtepeler Village. Three of the tumuli are inside the village, and the other four are outside the village. The locations of two of the tumuli were identified and opened. It was revealed that the first tomb, called Aytepe Tumulus, is a tumulus belonging to the Late Hellenistic Early Roman Period.

45 minutes

Portakaloğlu Mustafa Ağa Mescidi - Portakal Hafi Mescidi

Portakaloğlu Mustafa Ağa Mescidi, built in Akçakoca Mahallesi, one of the old neighborhoods of İzmit, is an important example of the neighborhood masjids built in many parts of İzmit during the Ottoman Period. The construction date and patron of the building, which is currently owned by the General Directorate of Foundations, are not known for certain.

45 minutes

Gölkay Park

Gölkay Park, built at Bıçkıdere Göleti within the borders of İzmit Municipality, was constructed with every kind of social need in mind, from the walking path around the pond to the bicycle path, from the children's playground to the sports area, from the resting areas to the viewing amphitheaters, from the fishing platforms to the green areas, and from the social facilities building to the pier.

45 minutes

Veysel Candan Mağarası

It has been stated that the cave, located in Soğuksu Mevkii approximately 1 kilometre southeast of Cirbin Ali Mağarası, is approximately 200 metres long. Formed within recrystallized limestones, the cave extends approximately E-W, and its entrance is on the western side. According to the description given about the cave, which is quite difficult to progress through, there is a lake formation at the first 100th metre of the cave.

45 minutes

Mavi Bayrakli Cebeci Sahili

Cebeci, located 27 kilometers from Kandıra, is an ideal holiday destination with its crystal-clear sea, wide sandy beaches, and wonderful nature. It is especially the place where tent tourism is most widespread. In Cebeci, which has extensive motel and guesthouse facilities, the sea season begins in mid-June. However, since the enjoyment of the sea and sun continues until September, the number of those who come during the season and relax in this charming village is also quite high.

45 minutes

Maşukiye -kartepe

One of Kocaeli’s green paradise towns is Maşukiye. The town is 120 kilometers from İstanbul and 20 kilometers from İzmit. Reached by passing along a lush green road lined on both sides with meat-grill and trout restaurants, Maşukiye is covered with apple, walnut, and cherry trees. The name of Maşukiye comes from mâşuk, meaning lover. When the road to Kartepe is followed from Maşukiye, Alabalık Vadisi is reached.

45 minutes

Hüseyin Paşa Camii / İzmit

This mosque, located in Çukurbağ Mahallesi of İzmit, was commissioned by Kaptan-ı Derya Küçük Hüseyin Paşa, the milk brother of Sultan III.Selim. Since its inscription has not survived to the present day, its construction date and architect are unknown. Hüseyin Paşa Camii, which is estimated to have been built in the XVIIIth century, has a rectangular plan and is built of rubble stone and masonry. The top of the prayer area is covered with a wooden roof. II.

45 minutes

Mevlevi Evi-İzmit

Kocaeli Mevlevi House was created by renovating (restoration) one of the buildings known as the Seka Lodgings within the Sekapark area. The house consists of two sections. The first section consists of an area where the Mevlevi dhikr, and marbling and calligraphy works from the fine arts, are arranged within the concept of a living museum and presented to the attention of visitors, and a presentation room where Mevlevilik is introduced.

45 minutes

Kefken Adası

Kefken Island is the only inhabited island in the Black Sea. The island, which is a 1st degree protected site, preserves its historical features. On the island, where there are walls and ancient water wells, there are architectural remains from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. On the 52-decare island belonging to the Ministry of Finance, there is only the maritime control center of the General Directorate of Coastal Safety and Ship Salvage Enterprises.

45 minutes

Tcg Gayret Müzesi - İzmit

The warship built by the United States on 10 May 1946 was named USA Everson. In 1973, the USA Everson Ship was taken into the Turkish Naval Forces Command and was given the name TCG Gayret. The TCG Gayret ship successfully fulfilled many important duties over a period of more than 20 years.

45 minutes

Pertev Mehmet Paşa Camisi Ve Külliyesi

Pertev Mehmet Paşa Mosque, or by its other name Yeni Cuma Mosque, was commissioned in the name of Sultan Selim II's second vizier Pertev Mehmet Paşa by his steward Sinan Ağa, upon his will after his death, and according to the mosque inscription it was completed in 1579 AD. Together with the mosque, the primary school and the remains of the bath are still standing. The mosque and the külliye are works of Mimar Sinan. Of the külliye, only the mosque and the fountain have survived to the present day preserving their architectural features.

45 minutes

Redif Dairesi

Redif Dairesi was built in 1863 by İzmit Mutasarrıfı Hasan Pasa. It is a semi-masonry barracks-type structure in the Second Empire style. The ceiling penwork-like decorations of Redif Dairesi, one of İzmit's military structures built for reserve officers in the late Ottoman period, are important. Redif Dairesi was used as a military court building until the 1999 earthquake. This structure, which is under the use of the Ministry of National Defense, was damaged in the 1999 earthquake.

45 minutes

Ballikayalar Vadisi - Gebze

Ballıkayalar Valley, located in Tavşanlı Village of Gebze, is a natural park ideal for climbers.

120 minutes

Tcg Hızır Reis Müzesi

2. Dünya Savaşı sonrası yüksek duruş ve vuruş gücüne sahip ilk denizaltı gemilerinden biri olarak USS GUDGEON ismiyle 30 yıl süreyle ABD Deniz Kuvvetleri'nde görev yaptıktan sonra 30 Eylül 1983 tarihinde California'da Türk Sancağı çekilen TCG Hızır Reis Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri'ne teslim edilmiştir.

45 minutes

Yumurtaci Cami / İzmit

Built in 1631 on Sırrı Paşa Caddesi in Hacı Hasan Mahallesi, İzmit, Yumurtacı Cami has an adobe structure and has survived to the present day after being repaired at various times. The most important detail and mystery of its history is that the building, belonging to the General Directorate of Foundations, suffered no damage in the natural disasters experienced, while the rectangular-plan mosque is shaded by a wooden roof. Commissioned by Yumurtacı Muhammet Ali Ağa, the mosque also hosts its owner's grave in its garden.

45 minutes