6 places to visit in the Cumayeri district of Düzce: Güzeldere Şelalesi Nature Park, Aydınpınar Waterfall and Cumayeri Plateaus. Plan your trip to Cumayeri with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Cumayeri is a district of Düzce.
Following the merger of the villages of Çevrik and Yeniyaka on 29 March 1968, a town municipality was established under the name ‘Cumayeri’. On 4 July 1987 Cumayeri merged with the town of Gümüşova and gained district status under the name Cumaova. In December 1993 the district, then named Cumaova, was renamed Cumayeri; it separated from Gümüşova and became an independent district in Bolu province. In December 1999, when Düzce became a province, Cumayeri was attached to Düzce.
The district lies in the north-west of Düzce, bordered by Sakarya province to the west, Akçakoca district to the north, Çilimli district to the east and Gümüşova district to the south. It forms the strip of the Western Black Sea mountains that runs parallel to the coast.
Cumayeri’s economy is based on farming and livestock. Hazelnut and maize are the main crops; sheep and cattle are raised.
Cumayeri became a municipality in 1968 and, after merging with Gümüşova in 1987, became a district called Cumaova. In December 1999, when Düzce became a province, Cumayeri was attached to Düzce.
Last updated:
Roughly 135 metres high, the Güzeldere Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Türkiye. The 23-hectare nature park, declared in 1993, has walking trails, camping areas and viewpoints for nature lovers.
View on mapWithin the boundaries of Cumayeri, Aydınpınar Waterfall offers a peaceful nature experience, with its waters flowing through lush forest. The flow increases with snowmelt in spring, and the waterfall is popular for its picnic areas.
View on mapThe plateaus in the south of the district are cool in summer and surrounded by forest, making them suitable for camping and nature walks. Traditional plateau festivals are held here, offering a chance to get to know local culture.
View on mapThe mosque in the town centre is a simple example of classic Ottoman mosque architecture. A meeting point for local people on Friday prayers and religious holidays, the building stands out for its well-kept courtyard and ablution fountain.
View on mapWhile you are in Cumayeri, you can also see the highlights of Düzce province. These places are in other districts; Cumayeri is about 15 km from the provincial centre.
Baklava made with hazelnuts from the region, with roasted hazelnut filling sprinkled between thin layers of pastry. A treat that carries Düzce's identity as the land of hazelnuts onto the dessert table.
Made by mixing cornmeal and stringy cheese into butter, mıhlama is one of the signature dishes of Black Sea cuisine. In Cumayeri it is served hot and is an indispensable part of breakfast tables.
Thinly rolled dough topped with a filling of minced meat, onion and spices, then baked in a stone oven. In Cumayeri it is prepared the traditional way in local bakeries.
In Cumayeri the tradition of moving up to the plateaus in the summer months is still maintained. Plateau festivals, horon dance displays and traditional food offerings keep local culture alive.
The hazelnut harvest, held in August and September, is the district's most important social event. Families and seasonal workers come together to pick hazelnuts using traditional methods.
Cumayeri's economy is based mainly on hazelnut farming. Forestry and livestock farming are also important sources of livelihood. Thanks to Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park, nature tourism is growing and bringing extra income to the district.
Cumayeri is about 15 km from Düzce city centre. It is easily reached via the D-655 highway. Thanks to its connection to the Istanbul–Ankara motorway (O-4), access from the big cities is easy.
The 6 highlights of Cumayeri are: Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park, Aydınpınar Waterfall, Cumayeri Plateaus, Cumayeri Central Mosque, Harmankaya Waterfall and Cumayeri New Mosque.
Fındıklı Baklava, Karadeniz Mıhlama and Etli Ekmek are the standout dishes on Cumayeri's tables.
Cumayeri is known for its hazelnuts and plateau culture. Hazelnuts grown on the district's fertile soil are the basic agricultural product of its economy. At harvest time the whole district comes alive with hazelnut picking.
Cumayeri is about 15 km from Düzce city centre. It is easily reached via the D-655 highway. Thanks to its connection to the Istanbul–Ankara motorway (O-4), access from the big cities is easy.
Suggested trip length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and summer.