Photo: Ingeborg Simon (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 5 places to visit in the Kurşunlu district of Çankırı: Kurşunlu Thermal Baths, Kurşunlu Çarşı Mosque and Kurşunlu Castle Ruins. Plan your trip to Kurşunlu with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Kurşunlu is a district of Çankırı province in Türkiye.
To the north lie Bayramören and Kastamonu province; to the east, Ilgaz and Korgun; to the south, Şabanözü and Orta; and to the west, the districts of Orta, Atkaracalar and Bayramören. The distance from the district centre to the provincial centre is 83 km.
Kurşunlu, which was previously a subdistrict attached to Ilgaz district, gained district status under Law No. 4642, enacted in 1944.
Kurşunlu Municipality was established in 1944.
Kurşunlu gained district status in 1944 under Law No. 4642. After the 17th century, Kurşunlu was formed by the merger of the villages of Kurşunlu, Ören, Comartlar, Aharcık, Ömer, Sülüklü and Ebceler. In 1882 the area was attached to Çerkeş as a subdistrict centre, and in 1912 to Ilgaz. During the National Struggle (War of Independence), the people of Kurşunlu took part in the fighting around Çerkeş.
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The thermal springs close to the district centre have mineral-rich water. The baths, believed to help rheumatism and skin conditions, are popular with health tourists. This structure, an important cultural heritage for the people of Kurşunlu, bears witness to the district's history.
View on mapA mosque built in the Ottoman period, it is one of the oldest buildings in the district centre. It stands out for its stonework and domed structure. Its wooden ceiling decorations and hand-carved minbar reflect the local artistic tradition.
View on mapThe castle ruins on the hilltop above the district centre are thought to date from the Byzantine period.
View on mapThe green areas along the bank of the Devrez Stream are popular for picnics and nature walks. Walking trails along the stream offer a restful atmosphere.
View on mapKurşunlu Castle, also known as Andinata Castle, was built in the Byzantine period.
View on mapWhile you are in Kurşunlu, you can also see the highlights of Çankırı province. These places are in other districts; Kurşunlu is about 30 km from the provincial centre.
Kurşunlu Çiçek Balı was registered as a protected designation of origin on 21 April 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1725). Product group: honey. Registered by: Kurşunlu Municipality.
Prepared by soaking stale bread in meat broth and butter. It is one of the traditional flavours of the Çankırı region and can be tasted in its most authentic form at local markets and home restaurants.
Small pieces of dough filled with minced meat, boiled and served with a yoghurt and garlic sauce.
Filled with cheese, spinach or potato on dough sheets and cooked on a griddle. It is an essential flavour of village breakfasts. Gözleme prepared on a griddle by village women is the most sought-after treat at markets.
The Kurşunlu thermal baths have been used for health and relaxation for centuries. Thermal water culture is part of the district's identity.
In the villages of Kurşunlu, communal work by turns (imece) and traditional wedding customs are still kept alive.
The economy of Kurşunlu is made up of agriculture, livestock farming and thermal tourism. Wheat, barley and sugar beet are the main agricultural products. The thermal baths generate income from health tourism. Small and large livestock farming is widespread.
Kurşunlu is 30 km from Çankırı provincial centre. It lies on the Ankara–Kastamonu road. There are regular minibus services from Çankırı.
The 5 main sights in Kurşunlu are Kurşunlu Thermal Baths, Kurşunlu Çarşı Mosque, Kurşunlu Castle Ruins, Devrez Stream Bank and Kurşunlu Castle (Andinata Castle).
Kurşunlu Çiçek Balı, Banduma, Mantı and Gözleme are the standout foods at tables in Kurşunlu.
Kurşunlu is known for Kurşunlu Keşkeği and its spa culture. It is a registered product with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.
Kurşunlu is 30 km from Çankırı provincial centre. It lies on the Ankara–Kastamonu road. There are regular minibus services from Çankırı.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.