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6 places to visit in the Gerede district of Bolu: Mengen, Mount Arkot and Historic Gerede Bazaar and Houses. Plan your trip to Gerede with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Location and Historical Origins

Gerede is a district of Bolu Province, and its administrative centre is the town of the same name. The town of Gerede is considered to be a continuation of the settlement called Krateia in the Roman period. Over time the name Krateia became Gerede, most likely because it was easier to pronounce once the area came under the control of Muslim Turks.

Ottoman Period and the Republic

Gerede was an important town in the Ottoman period. The 16th-century traveller Evliya Çelebi wrote that there were 1,000 houses, 10 mosques and a police station here. Hüsrev, one of the notable figures of the War of Independence, took his surname from this town.

Geography and Climate

The district’s average elevation above sea level is 1,331 metres. The land is undulating and surrounded by wooded mountains. Gerede is quite cold: winters last 5–6 months, and it is one of the coolest places in summer, where temperatures rarely exceed 25 degrees.

Sport and Recreation

Gerede has forest sports grounds very well suited to international cross-country skiing, cycling and cross-country running competitions. Gerede is the ski centre closest to an international road in the world, and Arkut Mountain has cross-country ski trails homologated by FIS.

History and Culture

Gerede was an important town in the Ottoman period; Evliya Çelebi counted 1,000 houses and 10 mosques here. Gerede’s origins date back to antiquity, to the Bithynians. Gerede was incorporated into Ottoman territory in 1395.

Key Facts

After the Mudros Armistice came into force and İzmir was occupied, the first Defence of Rights Society in the Bolu region was organised in Gerede. Aşağı Tekke Tomb was built by Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Pasha over the grave of Sheikh Hacı Halil Efendi, who died in 1843.

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Places to Visit in Gerede

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 3 Nature
  • 1 Other
Other

Mengen

A settlement that separated from Gerede district and became an independent district.

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Nature

Mount Arkot

Wooded Mount Arkot, south of Gerede, with pine forests, plateaus and snowy scenery in winter, is the district's nature route.

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Historic

Historic Gerede Bazaar and Houses

Examples of Ottoman-period residential architecture and traces of the historic bazaar can be seen in the old neighbourhoods of the district centre.

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Nature

Gerede Stream Valley

The valley stretching along the stream that runs through the district is suitable for short walks among green slopes.

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Nature

Esentepe Picnic Area

A picnic area at 1,300 metres, north of Gerede, which offers skiing opportunities in winter.

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Religious

Aşağı Tekke Mosque and Tomb

A mosque and tomb in the garden of the mosque, in Seviller Quarter.

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Places to Visit Around Bolu Province

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While you are in Gerede, you can also see the highlights of Bolu province. These places are in other districts; Gerede is about 38 km from the provincial centre.

  • Lake Abant National Park — A landslide-dammed lake in the Mudurnu district, 35 km south-west of Bolu at an altitude of about 1,330 metres; the 125-hectare lake is 18 metres deep at its deepest point.
  • Yedigöller National Park — Seven lakes formed when landslides blocked valleys, some of them connected underground, and beech forests reminiscent of a "sea of forest"; Türkiye's first farmed-trout production station was set up here in 1969. The lakes can be seen from the Kapankaya viewpoint.
  • Gölcük Nature Park — A 4.5-hectare forest lake 13 km south of Bolu at an altitude of 1,217 metres; the wooden lake house on the shore is the most photographed view in Bolu.
  • Lake Sünnet — A narrow lake 1,100 metres long, 22 km east of Göynük at an altitude of 1,030 metres, formed when two landslides blocked the Gök Dere stream; it has walking trails and an accommodation facility.
  • Mudurnu — An Ottoman town 52 km from Bolu that developed on the Silk Road; it has a well-preserved urban fabric of wooden mansions, a historic bazaar and traditions.
  • Mudurnu Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque — Built in 1374 during Yıldırım Bayezid's time as prince governor of Bolu, this is one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture; the Yıldırım Bayezid Hammam of 1382 nearby also still stands.

Practical Information for Visiting Gerede

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Summer and winter
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Gerede

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  • Gerede Şakşak Helvası

    "Gerede Şakşak Helvası" was registered as a protected geographical indication on 6 November 2020 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 587). Product group: bakery and confectionery products, pastries, desserts. Registered by: Gerede Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

  • Bolu Keşkeği (wheat and meat porridge)

    Keşkek, made by slow-cooking crushed wheat and meat, is one of the basic dishes of Bolu cuisine.

  • Abant Kebabı

    This kebab, of lamb and vegetables cooked in a casserole, is specific to the Bolu region.

  • Tereyağlı Gözleme (buttered flatbread)

    Gözleme served hot at the facilities on the Ankara–İstanbul road, a classic of the Gerede break stop.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Gerede

  • Tanning Tradition

    Tanning has been part of Gerede's craft identity for centuries.

Local Products

  • Gerede Keşi — "Gerede Keşi" was registered as a protected geographical indication on 14 April 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 723). Product group: dairy products other than cheese and butter. Registered by: Gerede Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • Leather — Gerede has a long-established tradition of tanning (debbağlık).

Economy

The economy of Gerede is based on tanning, agriculture, livestock farming and the service sector along the main road.

How to Get to Gerede

Gerede is about 38 km from Bolu city centre as the crow flies. The district lies on the Anatolian Motorway and the D-100 highway; it is about 140 km from Ankara.

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Gerede: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Gerede?

The six highlights of Gerede are: Mengen, Mount Arkot, Historic Gerede Bazaar and Houses, Gerede Stream Valley, Esentepe Picnic Area and Aşağı Tekke Mosque and Tomb.

What should I eat in Gerede?

Gerede Şakşak Helvası, Bolu Keşkeği, Abant Kebabı and Tereyağlı Gözleme are the standout dishes on tables in Gerede.

What is Gerede famous for?

Gerede is known for Gerede Keşi and its tanning tradition. It is a product registered as a protected geographical indication with TÜRKPATENT.

How do I get to Gerede?

Gerede is about 38 km from Bolu city centre as the crow flies. The district lies on the Anatolian Motorway and the D-100 highway; it is about 140 km from Ankara.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Gerede?

Suggested visit time: half a day. Best time to visit: summer and winter.

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