Soğuk Çermik Thermal Spring is a thermal facility located 17-18 kilometers from Sivas on the Sivas-Erzincan highway, known for its natural thermal water at 28°C; it offers a historic pool dating back to 1904, apartment accommodation options, and picnic areas.
Soğuk Çermik is a thermal spring area located 17-18 km from Sivas city center, on the Sivas-Erzincan highway. The water temperature is around 28°C, which distinguishes it from Sıcak Çermik, another thermal facility in the city. Operated by Sivas Municipality, the area has 12 apartment houses (8 are 1+1, 4 are 2+1), as well as a market, infirmary, restaurant, two pools, and 10 family baths.
The heart of the facility is the historic pool dating back to 1904. The municipality recently renovated this pool, its surrounding social areas, the stone bridge, and the area around the tomb of Ahmet Turan Gazi Hazretleri. The thermal water is traditionally preferred for nervous system disorders, stomach, intestinal, and gallbladder complaints. Visitor comments also mention people coming for post-stroke rehabilitation and muscle ailments.
Visitors are quite positive about the picnic areas: gazebos, concrete barbecue spots, ample parking, and free entry are highlighted. Comments on the pool side, however, vary. While some visitors find it clean and enjoyable, others complain about overcrowding and hygiene, especially on busy days. If you plan to visit the pool in the summer, keep this in mind.
Related discoveries: Natural Beauties, Sivas natural beauties, Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
The thermal spring opens seasonally; the 2026 season started on May 30th. Summer months are preferred for both picnics and the pool, but the pools can get very crowded during this period. Visitor comments mention that the pool is sometimes filled far beyond its capacity on certain days, making swimming almost impossible. If you want a calm thermal experience, prefer weekdays or the beginning/end of the season.
How to Get There
Soğuk Çermik is located on the Sivas-Erzincan highway, 17-18 km from the city center. If you are going by your own car, the journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes. Public transport options may be limited. It would be more reliable to get information about current dolmuş or minibus services from the Sivas Municipality transportation line.
How Many Days to Allocate
If you are only going for a picnic and the pool, half a day is sufficient. For those coming for thermal treatment, staying a few nights in the apartment houses is more beneficial, as regular use of the thermal water is said to increase its effectiveness. It is advisable to inquire about the availability of the 12 apartment houses (8 are 1+1, 4 are 2+1) in advance.
Route Suggestion
It makes sense to have breakfast in the picnic area first and then go to the pool. Allocate separate time to visit the historic 1904 pool and the nearby tomb of Ahmet Turan Gazi. The renovated stone bridge area is also suitable for photos. If you add the Ulu Cami or Gök Medrese in Sivas city center to your program on the same day, your day will be more fulfilling.
Where to Stay
There are 12 apartment houses within the facility; 8 are 1+1, and 4 are 2+1. You can call the Soğuk Çermik Apart contact line for reservations. For those who prefer to stay in the city center, there are various hotel options in Sivas, and it is possible to visit the thermal spring for a day trip.
What to Eat
The restaurant within the facility offers food and tea service; breakfast and dinner options are available. For those who want to light their own barbecue in the picnic areas, concrete barbecue spots are ready. For those who want to try Sivas's local delicacies such as testi kebabı and Divriği köftesi in the city center, a separate trip can be planned.
Things to Consider
Visitor comments indicate that the pool gets extremely crowded on busy days, and there are sometimes issues with cleanliness and hygiene. Some complain about people entering changing areas with shoes. There are also comments stating that cold water might flow from the shower while expecting hot water. It might be helpful to ask the staff about the current occupancy and cleanliness status before entering the pool.
FAQ
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