Soğuksu National Park

Soğuksu Overview

Soğuksu National Park, known in Turkish as Soğuksu Milli Parkı, is a cherished natural retreat located in the Kızılcahamam district of Ankara Province, in the heart of central Turkey.

Spanning approximately 2.9 square miles (7.5 square kilometers), this relatively small yet ecologically rich park offers a serene escape from the urban sprawl of nearby Ankara, which lies just 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the south. Established in 1959, Soğuksu is one of Turkey’s earliest national parks and is particularly noted for its cool climate, lush forest landscapes, and vital role in wildlife conservation.

The park’s terrain consists of rolling hills, deep valleys, and densely forested ridges that rise between 3,600 and 5,900 feet (1,100 to 1,800 meters) in elevation. These landscapes are blanketed by a mix of black pine, Scots pine, and oak forests, with lush undergrowth including juniper, rosehip, and wild strawberry.

Several freshwater springs and small streams flow through the park, adding to the tranquil atmosphere and giving Soğuksu, which means “cold water,” its name. The cool, moist microclimate supports a remarkable diversity of vegetation, making it a prime spot for botanical studies and nature walks.

Wildlife in Soğuksu National Park thrives in these well-protected habitats. The park is perhaps most famous for being one of the few documented breeding areas in Turkey for the black vulture, a rare and majestic bird of prey. Other notable bird species include the Eurasian nuthatch, green woodpecker, and tawny owl.

Mammals that may be spotted in the park include wild boars, red foxes, badgers, and squirrels. The mix of forest and meadow also supports a variety of amphibians and reptiles, particularly in the damper, shaded areas near water sources. The presence of such rich fauna within such a small area underscores the park’s ecological value.

Soğuksu National Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking recreation in a peaceful setting. Visitors come year-round to enjoy picnicking, walking trails, and scenic viewpoints. A number of observation decks provide panoramic views of the forested hills, while clearly marked paths wind through the trees for gentle hikes.

The park also has thermal spa facilities nearby in Kızılcahamam, making it a favored weekend getaway. Educational programs, nature tours, and photography workshops are occasionally held within the park, especially during peak visitation months in spring and summer.

Park management places a strong emphasis on conservation and sustainable tourism. Given its proximity to a major urban center, Soğuksu faces ongoing challenges related to visitor pressure and potential pollution.

However, the park has been successful in preserving its biodiversity thanks to strict protection measures, active monitoring of endangered species, and environmental education campaigns. The collaboration between government agencies and local communities has been key in maintaining the park’s health while allowing for public enjoyment.

Park Map

Soğuksu National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Soğuksu National Park is also a notable bird sanctuary, particularly for forest birds and raptors. Its name—meaning “cold water”—reflects the refreshing environment that supports a variety of bird species in and around its wooded slopes and cliffs.

Black Vulture
A conservation success story, the black vulture is one of the park’s most iconic species. It nests in tall trees and soars over the forest, feeding on carrion and playing a vital role in the ecosystem.

Golden Eagle
This majestic raptor is often seen gliding above the cliffs and pine ridges, scanning for prey like rabbits and foxes. It nests on remote ledges and high trees.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
A powerful nocturnal predator, this owl hunts rodents and birds from perches in forested ravines. Its low, booming call can be heard echoing through the park at night.

Common Buzzard
Frequently seen circling above open areas and clearings, the buzzard feeds on small mammals and reptiles. It is one of the most visible birds of prey in the park.

Black Woodpecker
This large woodpecker is a forest specialist, drilling into tree trunks for insects. Its rhythmic drumming is a familiar sound in Soğuksu’s old-growth pine forests.

White-throated Dipper
Found near the park’s fast-flowing streams, this bird dives underwater to feed on aquatic insects. It bobs while perched and is a strong swimmer, even in cold water.

Tawny Owl
Roosting in hollow trees during the day, the tawny owl emerges at dusk to hunt small mammals. Its classic hooting call contributes to the park’s nocturnal atmosphere.

Coal Tit
A small and active songbird of coniferous forests, the coal tit flits through the canopy feeding on insects and seeds. It is often seen in mixed foraging flocks.

Crested Tit
Recognizable by its spiky crest, this charming bird feeds on insects, spiders, and pine seeds. It nests in tree holes and is a regular resident of the park’s pine stands.

Raven
Soaring over cliffs and ridges, the raven is intelligent, vocal, and adaptable. It feeds on carrion, insects, and fruit and is often seen in pairs.

Soğuksu National Park is a cool, forested retreat that offers critical refuge for both land mammals and a rich array of bird species—making it an ideal destination for wildlife watchers seeking nature in the heart of central Anatolia.

Soğuksu National Park, located in Ankara Province in central Turkey, is a cool, forested refuge known for its steep slopes, canyons, and abundant thermal springs. Despite its relatively small size, the park’s dense pine forests, rugged topography, and cooler microclimate support a rich community of mammals and reptiles, many of which are characteristic of Anatolian highland ecosystems.

Brown Bear
Roaming the park’s quieter forested zones, the brown bear forages for roots, berries, and small animals. It hibernates in the colder months and is most active in spring and autumn.

Grey Wolf
This top predator moves through Soğuksu’s dense forests and meadows in small packs. It hunts deer, wild boars, and smaller mammals and helps maintain a healthy ecological balance.

Red Fox
Common and versatile, the red fox thrives throughout the park. It hunts rodents and birds but also feeds on fruit and insects, often active at dawn and dusk.

Wild Boar
Thriving in the forest undergrowth, wild boars dig through soil and leaf litter in search of roots, tubers, and invertebrates. They are strong, adaptable, and usually travel in groups.

Roe Deer
These graceful herbivores prefer forest clearings and meadows. They feed on grasses and shoots and are alert and nimble, using speed to escape predators like wolves.

European Pine Marten
An agile climber, the pine marten hunts small mammals and birds in the forest canopy. It is secretive and primarily nocturnal, often nesting in tree hollows.

European Wildcat
Elusive and solitary, the wildcat resembles a domestic cat but is more muscular and wild in behavior. It hunts rodents and birds under the forest canopy.

Eastern Hedgehog
This small insectivore is active mainly at night, feeding on beetles, worms, and slugs. It uses its spines for defense and hibernates during the coldest months.

Spur-thighed Tortoise
Inhabiting sunny clearings and shrubland edges, this herbivorous reptile feeds on wildflowers and grasses. It is active in spring and summer, retreating to burrows in cooler weather.

Smooth Snake
This non-venomous reptile is commonly found under rocks or basking in sunlit patches of forest floor. It feeds on small lizards and insects and is harmless to humans.