Pınar Gözü Cave

In spring, with the melting snow, the flow of the spring emerging from the cave increases, making the cascades and waterfalls more visible. Summer months are more comfortable in terms of both road conditions and temperature. The coolness of the Çaydere forests is also a reason to prefer this period on hot days. In winter, access to the foothills of Kızıldağ can be difficult, so check snow conditions in advance.

The cave is approximately 8 kilometers from the Yenişarbademli district center. Along the way, you will first encounter asphalt, then an unpaved and stony section. In the final section, you need to reduce your vehicle's speed; if you have a low-clearance vehicle, proceed carefully. Going by your own car is the most practical way, as public transport does not extend this far.

1-2 hours are sufficient to explore the cave entrance and the spring area. However, considering Kızıldağ National Park in general, the nearby Melikler Plateau, and the Dedegöl view, it makes more sense to allocate a full day for a trip here. Those planning a picnic can easily spend half a day in this area.

Since Pınar Gözü Cave is within Kızıldağ National Park, it is more efficient to visit it not alone, but together with other points in the park. Nearby Melikler Plateau and Dedegöl Mountain viewpoints can be added to the itinerary. On your return to Yenişarbademli center, you can take a short break and explore the district.

Entry to the entire cave is not free; a large part of the measured 16-kilometer section requires technical caving equipment and experience. Entry for ordinary visitors is limited. Since the air current at the entrance can reach up to 150-160 km per hour, be careful when standing close to the cave mouth and taking photos. As the road is stony, it can become slippery and muddy, especially in rainy weather.

The water source emerging from the cave mouth and the small waterfalls around it are the most preferred shooting spots. Sections with travertine pools also offer interesting textures, but reaching these parts may require technical knowledge. Outside, wide-angle shots that capture the greenery of the Çaydere forest and the cave entrance in the same frame yield attractive results.

Pınar Gözü is known as one of the longest caves not only in Turkey but also in Europe. Although a 16-kilometer section was mapped through measurements made until 1995, the end of the cave has still not been reached. This makes it not just an ordinary tourist spot, but an important area of discovery for nature enthusiasts and the caving community.

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