Mount Ilgaz National Park

Mount Ilgaz Overview

Mount Ilgaz National Park, known locally as Ilgaz Dağı Milli Parkı, is located in northern Turkey, straddling the provinces of Kastamonu and Çankırı. The park covers approximately 41.3 square miles (107 square kilometers) and encompasses the central section of the Ilgaz Mountains, part of the Western Black Sea Range.

Towering over the park is Mount Ilgaz, which reaches an elevation of 8,343 feet (2,543 meters), offering a striking contrast to the surrounding lowlands. The landscape is characterized by steep, forested slopes, high meadows, deep valleys, and alpine ridgelines that shift dramatically with the seasons.

Dense coniferous forests dominate the terrain, with fir, spruce, and Scots pine creating a thick canopy, while lower elevations include beech and oak mixed with understory plants such as rhododendron and wild berries.

The park’s diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife, making it a refuge for many species native to northern Anatolia. Among the larger mammals, visitors might glimpse brown bears, red deer, wolves, and wild boars, which roam freely through the forested zones. Smaller mammals such as foxes, squirrels, and martens are also common.

Birdlife in Mount Ilgaz National Park is equally vibrant, with species such as the black woodpecker, Eurasian jay, common buzzard, and various types of owls regularly observed. The higher elevations also attract birds of prey, including the golden eagle and the long-legged buzzard. The park’s pristine streams and alpine wetlands add to the ecological richness, supporting amphibians and insect life critical to the food chain.

One of the park’s standout features is its seasonal transformation, making it popular year-round. In summer and autumn, it is a haven for hikers, campers, and nature photographers who come to explore its scenic trails and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Ilgaz’s summit.

In winter, the park becomes a major destination for snow sports, with the Ilgaz Ski Center drawing visitors for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Well-maintained ski runs and modern facilities make the area accessible to both amateur and experienced winter sports enthusiasts. The natural beauty of the snow-covered forest enhances its appeal during the colder months.

Visitors can experience the park through a variety of recreational activities that change with the seasons. Hiking, trekking, and mountain biking are popular in the warmer months, with trails ranging from gentle walks to more demanding routes leading to high alpine points.

Designated picnic areas and observation points are scattered throughout the park, providing scenic spots to rest and enjoy the environment. Winter brings a shift to skiing and sledding, with lodges and rental shops available at the ski resort. Camping is permitted in certain areas, allowing for deeper engagement with nature.

Conservation efforts in Mount Ilgaz National Park have focused on maintaining its ecological integrity amid increasing tourism. Challenges include forest fire risks during dry summers and pressure from tourism infrastructure, particularly around the ski facilities.

However, park authorities have successfully implemented zoning measures and environmental education programs to reduce negative impacts. Sustainable tourism initiatives and active forest management have helped preserve the region’s biodiversity and ensure that Mount Ilgaz remains both a natural sanctuary and a place for public enjoyment.

Park Map

Mount Ilgaz National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Mount Ilgaz National Park is also rich in birdlife, offering prime habitat for raptors, forest songbirds, and highland specialists, thanks to its mix of dense forest, alpine meadows, and rugged cliffs.

Golden Eagle
Soaring above the high ridges, the golden eagle preys on rabbits, foxes, and other small mammals. It nests on remote cliffs and is one of the most majestic birds of the region.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
This powerful nocturnal predator roosts in forested valleys and hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles under cover of darkness. Its deep hoots are often heard echoing through the park at night.

Common Buzzard
A broad-winged raptor frequently seen circling over forest clearings and meadows, the buzzard feeds on small mammals and birds. It is one of the most visible birds of prey in the area.

Black Woodpecker
This large woodpecker is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its loud drumming. It excavates dead trees in search of insects and is a key species in mature forests.

White-throated Dipper
Found along fast-flowing mountain streams, the dipper dives underwater to catch aquatic insects and larvae. Its bobbing movements and white chest are distinctive.

Crested Tit
A charming forest bird, the crested tit is often seen in pine trees, feeding on insects and seeds. Its spiky crest and cheerful call make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Coal Tit
This small, energetic bird flits through conifers in search of insects. It has a black cap, white cheeks, and a sharp call that rings out in the forest canopy.

Nutcracker
A forest-dwelling corvid, the nutcracker feeds primarily on pine seeds and plays a crucial role in reforestation by storing seeds in the soil. It is intelligent and vocal.

Tawny Owl
This owl roosts in tree hollows and hunts at night for small mammals. It has a haunting call and is well-camouflaged against tree bark during the day.

Grey-headed Woodpecker
This shy and elusive woodpecker forages for ants and insects in tree bark and on the forest floor. Its soft, laughing call is often heard in mature, undisturbed woodlands.

Mount Ilgaz National Park is a cool, high-altitude haven where thick forests and dramatic mountain landscapes provide sanctuary for a wide range of mammals and birds—making it one of Turkey’s most pristine and rewarding natural refuges.

Mount Ilgaz National Park, located in the Kastamonu and Çankırı provinces of northern Turkey, is a majestic landscape dominated by high mountain ridges, dense coniferous forests, and alpine meadows. As part of the North Anatolian Mountains, this park provides critical habitat for a rich variety of mammals and reptiles that thrive in its cool, elevated forests and rugged terrain.

Brown Bear
A powerful symbol of the park’s wilderness, the brown bear inhabits deep forests and high slopes. It is omnivorous, feeding on berries, roots, insects, and occasionally small animals, and is most active in spring and summer.

Grey Wolf
Roaming the remote and forested valleys, grey wolves are top predators that hunt deer, wild boar, and small mammals. They move in family packs and are essential to maintaining ecological balance.

Red Fox
Common throughout the park, the red fox is agile and intelligent. It hunts rodents, birds, and insects and is often seen near meadows and forest edges, especially during twilight hours.

Roe Deer
Graceful and shy, roe deer are frequently spotted in open glades and high meadows. They browse on grasses, herbs, and young shoots, and use their speed and agility to evade predators.

Wild Boar
Well-adapted to the park’s forests and meadows, wild boars use their powerful snouts to root for insects, acorns, and tubers. They are social animals, usually found in family groups.

European Pine Marten
This slender, tree-dwelling carnivore moves gracefully through the coniferous canopy, preying on squirrels, birds, and insects. It is most active during twilight and is difficult to spot.

European Wildcat
A solitary and nocturnal feline, the wildcat roams quiet forest areas and preys on rodents and small birds. It is larger and stockier than a domestic cat, with a bushy, ringed tail.

Eastern Hedgehog
Found in grassy patches and forest edges, this small insectivore is mostly active at night. It feeds on worms, beetles, and slugs and uses its spines for defense against predators.

Smooth Snake
A non-venomous reptile, the smooth snake inhabits sunlit forest clearings and rocky outcrops. It feeds on small lizards and insects and blends easily into the forest floor.

Common European Adder
This venomous snake prefers cool, shaded forest areas and is usually shy and reclusive. It feeds on small mammals and amphibians and is an important part of the forest food chain.