Photo: Dr. Zeynel Cebeci (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 10 places to visit in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize: Fırtına Deresi Valley, Ayder Plateau and Kaçkar Dağları National Park. Plan your trip to Çamlıhemşin with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Çamlıhemşin is a district of Rize province and became a district in 1957. The district covers an area of 897 km², 80% of which is covered by forest.
Çamlıhemşin is surrounded on the south by the Kaçkar Mountains, where Mount Kaçkar rises to 3,932 metres. The Fırtına Stream, which flows through the district centre, is formed by the confluence of a large stream with the Hala Stream. The Peçamçoy Waterfall falls from a height of about 100 metres.
The town of Çamlıhemşin is based on two village settlements called Vica or Vice. In the 1960 general census, the total population of Çamlıhemşin district was 10,327.
A gendarmerie post was established in Çamlıhemşin in 1922. Çamlıhemşin became a district with Law No. 7033. In at least seven villages of the district there is a Laz population, and Laz is spoken. At the Kaçkar Plateau, the Vartavor Festivals are held every year in August, lasting for a month.
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A medieval castle rising among green forests in the Fırtına Stream valley, the most impressive historic structure in Çamlıhemşin. Dating from the 14th century, the castle is a favourite of photographers with its appearance amid mist clouds.
View on mapAn important valley formed by the confluence of streams flowing from the Kaçkar and Verçenik valleys, passing through the district centre.
View on map
Photo: Dr. Zeynel Cebeci (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source The Kaçkar summit at 3,937 metres is one of Türkiye's most important mountaineering and trekking areas. With its glacial lakes, alpine meadows and rich vegetation, it is a favourite of nature lovers.
View on mapA plateau in the south of Çamlıhemşin district, between the valleys of the Fırtına and Hala streams.
View on mapA waterfall of about 100 metres in height, falling beside the Çamlıhemşin Municipality building.
View on mapA plateau in Çamlıhemşin district at an elevation of 1,884 metres, visited in the summer months.
View on mapA plateau at an elevation of 2,056 metres in Çamlıhemşin district, also known as Yukarı Yayla (Upper Plateau).
View on mapWhile you are in Çamlıhemşin, you can also see the highlights of Rize province. These places are in other districts.
Muhlama, prepared with maize flour and tulum cheese melted in butter, is the best-known flavour of Çamlıhemşin.
A sweet börek baked with custard placed between thin layers of yufka, and the traditional dessert of Çamlıhemşin.
A soup made with collard greens, maize flour and beans. Prepared with local ingredients, this speciality reflects the gastronomic richness of the region. The combination of collard greens with maize flour makes up the most characteristic flavour of Black Sea cuisine.
As the centre of Hemşin culture, Çamlıhemşin is known for its tulum (gaida) music, horon dance and traditional plateau festivals. The unique language and traditions of the Hemşin people are kept alive.
The Ottoman-era stone arch bridges in the Fırtına Stream valley are considered engineering marvels. Şenyuva, Mikron and Çifte Köprü are the best known.
The economy of Çamlıhemşin is based on tea production, tourism and beekeeping. Tourism to Ayder Plateau and the Kaçkar Mountains brings significant income to the district. Tea cultivation and livestock farming are traditional livelihoods.
Rize is 25 km away. It is 65 km from Rize-Artvin Airport. Ayder Plateau is 17 km from the district centre.
The 10 highlights of Çamlıhemşin: Fırtına Deresi Valley, Ayder Plateau, Kaçkar Dağları National Park, Zilkale, Pokut Plateau, Elevit Plateau, Kale-i Bala, Ambarlı Lake / Balıklı Lake, Peçamçoy Waterfall and Kaçkar Yaylası (Yukarı Kaçkar).
Muhlama (Kuymak), Laz Böreği and Karalahana Çorbası are the standout flavours at Çamlıhemşin's tables.
Çamlıhemşin is known for its Çamlıhemşin Stream and Hemşin Kültürü. Tea grown on the district's slopes is among the finest varieties of Rize tea.
Rize is 25 km away. It is 65 km from Rize-Artvin Airport. Ayder Plateau is 17 km from the district centre.
Suggested visit length: 2-3 days. Best time to visit: summer months (June-September).