Audio Guide of Altındere National Park and Sumela Monastery

Yes, the park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; however, tourist facilities such as the information point and cafés generally operate from 09:00 to 18:00. It is located about 45-50 kilometers south of Trabzon, and the most convenient way to get there is by private car or taxi in about 50 minutes, or by taking local buses to Maçka and then a taxi to the park entrance.

Entry to Altındere National Park is free. However, if you visit Sumela Monastery (Sümela Manastırı) inside the park, an entrance fee is charged. It is important to check the updated rates on the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism before your visit.

To fully enjoy the park and the hike up to Sumela Monastery, we recommend setting aside at least 3 to 4 hours. If you plan to do the longer forest trails or have a picnic, you can easily spend half a day or more here.

Sumela Monastery is an icon of Orthodox Christian history, founded in the 4th century AD, according to legend, by two Athenian monks. Famous for its vivid frescoes and its spectacular cliffside location, it was a major religious and cultural center for the Byzantine Empire and the Empire of Trebizond until its monks abandoned it in 1923.

The best times to visit are spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October), when the weather is pleasant and the forest is at its peak with flowers or autumn colors. Summer is ideal for escaping the heat, though it can be more crowded. It is advisable to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peace of the mountains.

Access to Sumela Monastery involves an uphill walk of about 30 minutes along a stone path with steps, which makes access difficult for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility. The road up to the parking area is paved, but the monastery area itself is not accessible. We recommend contacting the park rangers to request assistance if needed.

You can combine your visit with other attractions near Trabzon such as Zağnos Villa, Zağnos Tower, and the Atatürk House in the city. Full-day excursions to the village of Uzungöl, known for its stunning mountain lake and traditional architecture, are also very popular and located about 65 km east of the park.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the path to the monastery is steep and stony. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so bring a light jacket even in summer. There are picnic areas inside the park and cafés near the main parking lot, but if you plan to stay for a long time, consider bringing water and snacks.