6 places to visit in the central district of Tunceli: Munzur Valley National Park (Munzur Vadisi Milli Parkı), Munzur Springs (Munzur Gözeleri) and Tunceli Castle (Tunceli Kalesi). Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.
The area was settled in the Chalcolithic Age (5500–3500 BC) and passed through the Hurro-Mitanni and Urartian periods.
Tunceli has a continental climate: winters are cold and snowy, and summers are very hot. The best times to visit are May–June and September–October.
The old barracks building was designed by German architects in 1937. Tunceli Museum opened on 24 December 2020.
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Covering 42,000 hectares, Munzur Valley is one of Türkiye's largest national parks, lying at the foot of the Munzur Mountains. It is of great importance for biodiversity, with endemic plant species, wild goats and rich fauna.
View on mapSome 40 spring sources emerging from the foot of the Munzur Mountains form the Munzur River. With clear, icy-cold waters, green surroundings and picnic facilities, it is an indispensable place for nature lovers.
View on mapThe castle on the hill north of the city centre was built in the Ottoman period. From the castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of Munzur Valley and the city centre.
View on mapAn Ottoman-period watchtower on a hill near the Tunceli city centre, notable for its strategic position. Wide views of the surrounding valleys can be seen from the tower.
View on mapCastle in Ambar Village, attached to the Merkez district, with two minarets in its surroundings.
View on mapA traditional soup made with bulgur, chickpeas and red pepper, and the most characteristic flavour of Tunceli cuisine. It is frequently eaten in the winter months.
A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, an indispensable flavour on Tunceli's winter tables.
A kebab prepared by marinating lamb in special spices and cooking it in a tandır oven. It is Tunceli's best-known meat dish.
Held every summer, the festival, with concerts, theatre performances, nature walks and symposiums, is the most important event in Tunceli's cultural life. The festival draws attention to the region's natural and cultural riches.
Tunceli is one of the provinces where Alevi culture is most intensely lived. Cem houses, semah performances and traditional rituals form the basis of the city's cultural identity.
The economy of Tunceli Merkez district rests on the public sector, agriculture and livestock farming. Tunceli University (Munzur University) contributes to the education sector. Beekeeping and small livestock farming are important sources of livelihood. Nature tourism is steadily developing.
The nearest airport to Tunceli is Elazığ Airport, 120 km away. Ankara is 600 km away and Elazığ 105 km. Intercity bus services connect to major cities.
The highlights of Tunceli Merkez are 6 places: Munzur Valley National Park, Munzur Springs, Tunceli Castle, Halvori Watchtower, Ambar Castle and Tunceli Museum.
Gulik (Herle), Keledoş and Tunceli Kebab are the standout flavours on Tunceli Merkez's tables.
Tunceli Merkez is known for Munzur Water and the Munzur Culture and Nature Festival. The clear, mineral-rich water from the springs of the Munzur Mountains is bottled and sold.
The nearest airport to Tunceli is Elazığ Airport, 120 km away. Ankara is 600 km away and Elazığ 105 km. Intercity bus services connect to major cities.