🗓️ 2 day
📍 7 station
💰 Average Price
🌎 General Route
☁️ Every Season
👣 Approximately 20.900 steps
Zonguldak is a city located in the Black Sea region of Turkey. Being one of the oldest settlements in Turkey, Zonguldak is famous for its mining activities. Especially coal mining holds a significant place in the city's economy. Zonguldak is situated in the Zonguldak Basin, Turkey's first coal basin, and hosts some of the country's largest coal reserves. Throughout history, the city has traces of many civilizations. Having been an important settlement during the Ottoman period as well, Zonguldak is home to various historical and cultural heritages, including historical mansions, mosques, churches, and museums. With its natural beauty, Zonguldak also attracts attention. It offers the mystical atmosphere of the Black Sea and its green nature. While its coastline and beaches attract tourists during the summer months, the forested areas in its inland regions are an ideal destination for nature lovers. Zonguldak is also known as a university city. Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University brings a young population and academic vibrancy to the city. Overall, Zonguldak offers visitors a unique experience with its historical and cultural heritage as well as its natural beauty.
🚗 Day 1 - 4 stops
1. Zonguldak Mining Museum
The Zonguldak Mining Museum is Turkey's first and only mining museum and is the top priority stop for your visits in Zonguldak. This museum provides visitors with historical and technical information about coal mining and is a place where you can explore with your family for free. The museum building is three stories tall. On the first floor, you can access basic information about coal mining surrounded by ancient artifacts, models, and photographs related to coal mining. As you move to the second floor, you can access more detailed information and complex tools. This floor contains educational materials including topography, occupational safety, and tools used in mining. When you reach the third floor, you'll have the opportunity to explore the scientific aspects of coal mining. Here, you'll learn about the components of coal and the structure of fossils, while getting to know the mining world more closely with technological animations such as worker figurines and simulations of mining work areas. However, don't just limit yourself to talking about the museum; don't forget to visit the Coal Experience Mine right next door. This is a real coal mine that was used for mining activities in past years and is now used solely for educational purposes. We recommend not leaving the Zonguldak Mining Museum without seeing this place
2. Karaelmas Mining Martyrs Museum
The story of the museum is quite fascinating. The building was originally constructed in 1946 by the Üzülmez Institution Director to be used as a residence. However, with the support of the Western Black Sea Development Agency, it was reborn as a museum in December 2020. The museum features a series of exhibition rooms that narrate the establishment process of the Turkish Hard Coal Enterprises (TTK), various materials related to mining, and the challenging working conditions of miners. Additionally, virtual reality technology has been utilized to allow the public to see the underground mining and mining operation area. Similar to the Mining Museum, the functioning of the mining industry is explained through simulations. Moreover, the museum displays documents depicting the formation process of the country's first social security institution, Amelebirliği. It also presents historical documents such as books, documents, maps, and photographs prepared for illiterate workers. With its rich content, the Zonguldak Mining Museum offers an in-depth look into the history and culture of mining.
🚗 Day 2 - 3 stops
1. Harmankaya Waterfall
Harmankaya Waterfalls are located 5 kilometers away from the city center of Zonguldak. If you prefer to use public transportation, you can easily reach the entrance gate of the waterfalls by taking the minibusses departing from the center towards Çaydamar. The waterfalls are situated within a valley, where you can find approximately 10 different waterfalls in this beautiful valley. By following the narrow paths and trails within the forest, you should proceed by following the sound of the flowing water. After walking about 1100 meters, you will reach the first waterfall. To reach the second waterfall, you will need to climb a steep staircase of 30 steps. Continuing in this manner until the end of the path, you will have seen the other waterfalls as well. The magnificent nature of the Black Sea region will surround you even in the city center, and you will find yourself within the forest. In the forest, you can observe many plant species such as chestnut, oak, beech, linden, boxwood, poplar, and plane trees. Additionally, you can discover endemic plant species such as ivy, flowering and non-flowering vines, and cyclamen in this wonderful place
2. Varagel Tunnel
The Varagel Tunnel, located in an area extending from Zonguldak Liman Arkası (Port Back) to Fener Mahallesi (Fener District), takes its name from the carrier called "varagel," which transports coal and waste from the mine to the tunnel at the port back. Initially, the tunnel was excavated for industrial purposes. Situated along the seaside, the tunnel contributes significantly to the natural heritage due to its karstic structure. With a history of approximately 75 years, the tunnel adds vibrancy to Zonguldak tourism. People can walk through the tunnel from end to end and enjoy the sea view at the end of the road. The tunnel is open for visits throughout the year and has dining options nearby. Moreover, it offers the opportunity for picnics accompanied by sunset views. An interesting aspect of the tunnel is that it hosted a special film. The film titled "The Butterfly's Dream" tells the story of two young poets living in Zonguldak, and the tunnel has been a scene for an important moment in the film. The Lovers' Hill and the Lighthouse at the end of the tunnel welcome visitors with all their beauty. As the poet says, "Love is the excuse of poetry. Poetry is the excuse of life." The Lighthouse also lends its name to the neighborhood it is located in. This neighborhood is one of the places where French influence is most prominent and has been referred to as the French Quarter for a long time. Structures such as lodgings, guesthouses, and a yacht club built in the 1950s are important areas where the cultural change of the neighborhood can be observed. Of course, what you can see in the Fener District is not limited to these. This neighborhood, which is a popular place for nature walks, photographers, and picnic lovers, stands out with its green surroundings and natural environment.
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