Yoroz City Forest, located in a forested area 930 meters high, 20 km northeast of Ordu, offers a bird's-eye view of the Ordu, Giresun, and Trabzon coastlines from its panoramic observation deck; it is accessible with free entry, camping facilities, and a 170-step staircase.
Yoroz City Forest is located within the borders of Saraycık Neighborhood, part of Ordu's Altınordu district, 20 km from the city center. The panoramic observation deck at the 930-meter-high summit was built by OBB, and this is its main attraction. If the weather is clear, many districts of Ordu and Giresun, and even the coastline extending to Fatsa, can be seen in the same frame.
Be careful with the road. Most of the road is asphalt, the rest is stabilized. Visitors complain about the narrow and sharp turns in the last section, and the deteriorating road quality after a certain point. You can drive your vehicle close to the terrace, but long vehicles (like minibuses) have difficulty passing this last section. Some visitors leave their vehicles by the tea garden below and walk up the wooden stairs through the forest; this route has approximately 1000 steps, with 170 steps remaining just below the terrace. It's tiring, but most people say it's worth it for the view.
At the summit, there is a small business, toilets, and a mosque; tea, coffee, toast, and gözleme are sold. Visitors mention the friendly service at the establishment. The forest has rich flora and fauna and is arranged for picnics; camping is also possible. Those who come at sunset particularly praise the color transitions the light leaves on the sea.
Related discoveries: Natural Beauties, Ordu natural beauties, Perşembe Plateau.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
Hours close to sunset are the most preferred time here. Visitors talk about the color transitions the light leaves on the sea and the different atmosphere sometimes added to the view by the fog surrounding the summit. When the weather is clear, visibility increases significantly; many districts of Ordu and Giresun, and even the coastline extending to Fatsa, can be seen simultaneously. On foggy or rainy days, the road becomes riskier, and the view can be obscured. It is useful to check the weather forecast before going.
How to Get There
If you are going by your own car, head from Ordu city center towards Saraycık town, then following the signs is sufficient. Most of the road is asphalt, but in the last few kilometers, it turns into a stabilized surface, and the turns become sharper. Some visitors mention that this last section is in poor condition. It can be difficult for long vehicles (like minibuses) to reach the summit, and parking in the upper area is limited.
If you don't have a car, you can take a vehicle from Ordu bus station to Saraycık and get off by the fountain. There is no direct public transport option to the summit from here. The remaining distance must be completed by hitchhiking or walking along the wooden staircase path through the forest. For those coming from the Gülyalı direction, access via Turnasuyu Neighborhood is also an alternative.
What to Do at the Summit
The main point of interest is the panoramic observation deck at an altitude of 930 meters. Before reaching here, you can climb small to medium-sized rocks in places, and there is a long walking trail within the forest. The 170-step staircase just below the terrace adds up to approximately 1000 steps for those walking up from below. Those with knee problems or difficulty climbing stairs should think twice.
Brewing tea and drinking it with the view has become a classic habit at the summit. Camping is also possible within the forest, and groups with tents are frequently seen. For those who want to take photos, the 360-degree viewing angle and the sight of the coastlines of three provinces in the same frame on clear days are a great advantage.
How Much Time to Allocate
Allowing half a day, including travel, is a realistic plan. 2-3 hours are sufficient for ascending and descending the summit, spending time around the terrace, and taking a break at the buffet. If you plan to camp or wait for the sunset, the duration naturally extends. In this case, going up in the afternoon and descending in the evening is a logical sequence.
Things to Pay Attention To
The last section of the road is both narrow and winding. Care must be taken when driving in this section, especially after rain, the ground can become slippery. Those who prefer the staircase trail should wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. This route can be tiring for elderly visitors or those who have difficulty climbing stairs; if possible, driving the vehicle to the closest point to the summit is more comfortable.
The parking capacity in the upper section is limited, and finding a parking spot can be difficult on busy days (especially on weekend sunset hours).
Best Spot for Photos
The panoramic observation deck itself is the main photography spot; shots taken from here capture a 360-degree viewing angle. On clear days, some districts of Ordu, Giresun, and Trabzon can fit into the same photograph. The view that emerges on foggy days is also a moment particularly preferred by some visitors; the hills seen through the fog clouds offer a different composition. The orange-purple tones falling on the sea at sunset are also among the frequently shared shots.
Yoroz City Forest Videos
Yoroz City Forest videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Show videos
FAQ
Updated: