Located in Amasya's Hamamözü district, Arkutbey Thermal Springs is a historic healing center with 42.5°C thermal waters dating back to the Seljuk period, used for rheumatic and nervous system disorders.
Hamamözü Arkutbey Thermal Springs is a long-established thermal healing center located right in the heart of the Hamamözü district, affiliated with Amasya province, on the Laçin road. While the history of the thermal springs dates back to pre-Christian eras, the first major renovation recorded was carried out by Arkut Bey during the Seljuk period. This historical connection gave the facility its name, still used today: Arkutbey Hamam. For centuries, the thermal springs have been an indispensable health and relaxation point for the local people, and today they continue to serve with modern thermal facility infrastructure.
The thermal water, at a temperature of 42.5°C, is known for its supportive effect in various health problems, especially chronic painful rheumatic diseases and nervous system disorders. The facility, with a capacity of 138 beds, allows for both short-term thermal spring visits and longer-stay thermal cure programs. This atmosphere, intertwined with the tranquil nature of Amasya, truly becomes a breathing point for those who want to shake off the fatigue of city life.
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Guide's Note
Arkutbey Thermal Springs, located in the Hamamözü district of Amasya, attracts visitors with its natural thermal water and relatively affordable entrance fee (200 TL per person). Some visitors have found the healing properties and relaxing effect of the water positive; they have expressed satisfaction with the beauty of the pool and the polite attitude of the staff. Basic arrangements such as providing a pestemal (bath wrap) at the entrance and a towel at the exit are among the details that have been appreciated.
On the other hand, the vast majority of comments in the last month contain serious complaints. Although these comments are concentrated in a single period, they should not be ignored due to their large number. We recommend paying attention to the following points before planning your visit.
- Hygiene and cleanliness: Many visitors state that the pool water and general areas are not clean enough, and this problem becomes more pronounced especially during busy periods.
- Changing rooms and lockers: It is reported that the number of changing cabins is insufficient, the doors do not close properly, and the lockers cannot be locked.
- Staff service: Some visitors state that the employees are indifferent, and additional services such as scrubbing cause long waits or are not offered at all.
- Water temperature: More than one comment emphasizes that the pool water is not hot enough to meet the expectations of a thermal spring.
- General equipment: It is stated that classic hammam elements such as a göbek taşı (heated marble slab), sauna, or steam room are not available, and the venue is more pool-focused.
History of Arkutbey Thermal Springs
Even the name of Hamamözü comes from these thermal springs; the identity of the district has been shaped by these healing waters for centuries. The use of the thermal springs dates back to pre-Christian eras. However, the first major renovation and arrangement documented was carried out by Arkut Bey, who was influential in the region during the Seljuk period. This historical intervention gave the thermal springs the name Arkutbey Hamam, which is still used today.
The facility maintained its importance during the Ottoman period and has reached the present day with various renovations and additions over time. The thermal springs, which were not only a bathing place but also a social gathering and healing point for the local people, have managed to combine this traditional role with modern facility infrastructure.
When to Visit?
There is no specific forbidden season to visit Arkutbey Thermal Springs; the facility remains open throughout the year. However, if you want to benefit most effectively from the warming and relaxing effect of the thermal water, late autumn to winter months would be an ideal choice. The contrast created by the cold outside and the warm thermal water takes the experience to a whole new dimension.
For those who wish to come in the summer months, the facility retains its charm; however, visitor density may increase during this period. On weekends, the facility becomes lively, especially with day-trippers from Amasya, Merzifon, and surrounding districts. For a calmer thermal spring experience, it is recommended to choose weekdays.
How to Get There?
Hamamözü district is located 90 kilometers from Amasya city center, on the Laçin road. For those coming by car, the road is quite smooth, and the signs are sufficiently guiding. If you are coming from Merzifon or Çorum, it is enough to calculate a distance of approximately 40 kilometers from both points. It is only 21 kilometers from Gümüşhacıköy district.
For those coming by public transport, regular minibus services are available from Amasya or Merzifon bus terminals to Hamamözü. After getting off in the district center, the facility is within walking distance or can be reached by a short car ride. Getting information in advance via the facility's phone number will save time, especially regarding bus schedules.
What to Eat Nearby?
Hamamözü, despite being a small district, is quite rich in terms of local delicacies. The characteristic flavors of Amasya cuisine are also evident here. Homemade dishes prepared with the region's fruits and vegetables, especially the Amasya apple, are served in the small restaurants in the district.
The thermal spring facility itself also offers food services; breakfast and dinner options are available for guests staying overnight. If you are not planning a long thermal cure program, trying local dishes unique to the Amasya region in the local restaurants in the district center will add a different flavor to your visit.
Where to Stay?
Arkutbey Thermal Springs has its own accommodation facility with a capacity of 138 beds. This allows those who want to fully benefit from the healing effects of the thermal water to complete their several-day or weekly cure programs within the facility. Stepping directly into the thermal spring when you wake up in the morning makes the experience completely different.
For those looking for wider accommodation options, the nearby Gümüşhacıköy district or Merzifon city center can be considered as alternatives. In Amasya city center, there are many hotels and guesthouses to suit every budget.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Paying attention to some basic points during thermal spring visits makes your experience both safer and more efficient. It is recommended to drink plenty of water before entering the thermal spring and avoid staying for long periods on an empty stomach. If you have a chronic health problem, it would be advisable to consult a doctor before entering the thermal water.
Taking a shower before entering the pool is an expected behavior for both hygiene and courtesy. Following the guidance of the facility staff regarding the duration of stay in thermal water is important, especially for those experiencing a thermal spring for the first time. Don't forget to bring slippers, a towel, and a change of clothes; although these materials may be sold or rented within the facility, bringing your own is always more practical.
Photo Spots
Hamamözü, beyond its thermal springs, offers a natural setting that will also please photography enthusiasts. The valley view around the facility gains a captivating appearance, especially with autumn colors. The steam rising from the surface of the thermal water in the morning offers a unique opportunity to capture impressive shots both in the thermal pools and in open areas.
The historical structures in the district center and the general silhouette of Hamamözü are also among the points with photographic value. It is possible to take wide-angle landscape photographs reflecting the mountainous geography of Amasya along the roads extending to the surrounding villages.
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