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4 places to visit in the Küre district of Kastamonu: Küre Dağları National Park, Ilıca Waterfall and Küre Bakır Madeni Ruins. Plan your trip to Küre with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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The district covers 406 km², sits at an altitude of 975 metres and has a population of 5,108. It gained district status in 1926.

Ancient Mining and History

Copper mines at Küre have been worked since the 9th century BC and were used by the Romans, Byzantines, Genoese and Turks. The oldest structure in the settlement is the Aşağı Mescit (Lower Masjid), built in 1332 during the Candaroğulları period. In the Ottoman period, the local copper mine supplied the copper for the cannons used in the conquest of Istanbul. In the great fire of 1923 the town was largely destroyed, and its homeless residents were settled in İnebolu.

Architectural Heritage

The Hoca Akşemsettin Mosque, built in the 1400s by Hoca Akşemsettin, is one of the oldest buildings and is known for its woodwork.

Nature

Küre lies within the Küre Mountains and has rich natural areas with rivers, waterfalls, canyons and valleys. The world-famous Valla Canyon and Çatak Canyon lie within these boundaries.

History and Culture

Küre’s copper mine remained important in the Ottoman period. Küre was largely burnt in the 1923 fire, and most of its population settled in İnebolu. The Küre Kilim Festival, held since 2009, is now an established tradition.

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Places to Visit in Küre

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
Küre Mountains National Park - Küre Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source
Nature

Küre Dağları National Park

Important nature conservation area within the district boundaries.

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Nature

Ilıca Waterfall

Ilıca Waterfall at the foot of the Küre Mountains, offering natural beauty as its water falls from a height of 15 metres.

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Historic

Küre Bakır Madeni Ruins

Küre has been known for copper mining since ancient times. Remains of mine workings from the Ottoman period can still be seen.

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Religious

Hoca Akşemseddin Mosque

One of Küre's oldest buildings, a historic mosque.

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Places to Visit Around Kastamonu Province

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While you are in Küre, you can also see the highlights of Kastamonu province. These places are in other districts.

  • Kastamonu Castle — Standing on a rock about 860 metres high south-west of the city centre, the castle is believed to have been built in the 10th century by the Byzantine Komnenos family and was repaired in the Candaroğulları period.
  • Kasabaköy Mahmut Bey Mosque — Built in 1366 in the Candaroğulları period in the village of Kasaba, 18 km from Kastamonu, the mosque is known as the "Nail-less Mosque" because no metal nails were used in its wooden roof.
  • Nasrullah Mosque — Built in 1506 by Kadı Nasrullah in the reign of Bayezid II, with its square, ablution fountain and bridge it has the character of a complex; it is the largest mosque in the city from the Ottoman period and its symbol.
  • Kastamonu Archaeology Museum — In the former Committee of Union and Progress club building, a work of the architect Mimar Kemaleddin Bey, the museum displays finds from the Hittite to the Ottoman period.
  • Valla Canyon — At Pınarbaşı, the canyon cut through the Küre Mountains by the Devrekani Stream is about 12 km long and 800 metres deep, among the deepest canyons in Türkiye.
  • Küre Mountains National Park — A national park on the Kastamonu–Bartın border protecting the canyons, caves and old-growth forests of the Western Black Sea karst belt; the Horma Canyon walking trail and Ilgarini Cave are the best-known stops.

Practical Information for Visiting Küre

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
4 places

What to Eat in Küre

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  • Etli Ekmek

    Minced meat spread over thin dough and baked in a stone oven, the traditional flavour of Küre.

  • Mantı

    Small pieces of dough filled with minced meat and boiled, served with yoghurt and a buttery sauce. Made with fresh, natural ingredients, it is a healthy option.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Küre

  • Mining Heritage

    Küre has been known for copper mining since ancient times. The district's name also comes from the copper ore (küre).

Local Products

  • Küre Balı — Flower and chestnut honey from the rich flora of the Küre Mountains, known for its natural character.

Economy

Küre's economy rests on forestry, mining and livestock farming. The Küre Mountains National Park has eco-tourism potential.

How to Get to Küre

Küre is 60 km from Kastamonu. Minibus services run from Kastamonu.

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Küre: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Küre?

The top 4 places in Küre: Küre Mountains National Park, Ilıca Waterfall, Küre Copper Mine Remains and Hoca Akşemseddin Mosque.

What is there to eat in Küre?

Etli Ekmek and Mantı are the standout dishes on Küre tables.

What is Küre famous for?

Küre is known for Küre Honey and its mining heritage. The flower and chestnut honey from the rich flora of the Küre Mountains is known for its natural character.

How do I get to Küre?

Küre is 60 km from Kastamonu. Minibus services run from Kastamonu.

How much time should I set aside for a trip to Küre?

Suggested visit: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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