Commitment to protect Küre Wilderness

One of the European Wilderness Network partners from Turkey is Küre Wilderness.

The European Wilderness Network representing Europe’s last Wilderness, was founded in 2014 and has grown to now 40 members in 17 Countries with more than 350 000 ha of audited Wilderness.

The Küre Wilderness in northern Turkey is a hidden gem of untouched nature. It’s a paradise of rugged cliffs, deep canyons, and lush forests. From the moment I arrived, the raw beauty of the landscape captivated me. The extensive forests and towering cliffs created an unforgettable experience. Join me as I share this unforgettable adventure. 

First contact

I first heard about the Küre Wilderness while studying the Wilderness Brief on the European Wilderness Society’s website. The descriptions of its untouched nature, deep canyons, and rich biodiversity immediately captured my interest. I was inspired to experience this unique place firsthand and truly understand its beauty and significance. 

Exploring Küre Wilderness – Valla Canyon

My first experience exploring the Küre Wilderness began in the village of Pınarbaşı, where I started my trip toward the Valla Canyon Viewpoint. This breathtaking platform offers a safe yet thrilling view of one of Turkey’s deepest and most dramatic canyons.

The journey to the viewpoint from Pınarbaşı continued toward Muratbaşı village. From there, the Valla Canyon Viewpoint is accessible by car or on foot. The footpath winds through dense forests and rugged terrain, offering glimpses of local nature along the way. As I reached the edge and gazed into the vast depths of the canyon, I felt a deep connection to the raw beauty of Küre Wilderness. It was a moment of pure awe and appreciation for nature’s power. 

Exploring Küre Wilderness – karst plateau

Our next journey began very early in the morning. After several hours of driving, we reached the village of Balat in the western part of the park and then continued further along a narrow road to the remote settlement of Ören. The next day, I had the incredible opportunity to spend two days exploring one of the most remote and untouched parts of Küre Wilderness with a local guide. 

Along the way, we climbed to a karst plateau covered in dense, impenetrable forest, where numerous rocky cliffs and small hills, offered expansive views of the wild plateau landscape around. We spent the night sleeping in this wild dense forest without tents, using only sleeping bags. As we trekked through diverse habitats, we passed through oak and beech forests, encountered rare wildflowers, and observed vibrant bird species. Our adventure concluded in Basköy, where we fully immersed ourselves in the peaceful beauty of the untouched Küre Wilderness. 

Conclusion 

Exploring the Küre Wilderness was an unforgettable experience that connected me deeply to the raw beauty of nature. From the huge Valla canyon to the remote plateau above village Ören, every step revealed new and breathtaking sights. The diversity of the landscape, from rugged cliffs to tranquil forests, combined with the rich biodiversity, left me in awe of this large wilderness. Spending the night in the heart of the forest, surrounded by nature, was truly humbling. Our journey, culminating in the peaceful settlement of Basköy, was a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving these wild spaces for future generations.

European Wilderness Network

The main aim of the European Wilderness Network is a unified approach to Wilderness Stewardship and the representation of Wilderness and its challenges internationally and within the European Union. All Wilderness, WILDCoasts, WILDForests, WILDIslands, and WILDRivers, in the European Wilderness Network are unique and represent the best and wildest places in Europe.

Stay tuned to learn more about European last Wilderness and support our work.