Lower and Upper Anzaf Castles

Since Van experiences harsh winters and the castles are located in an open area, the most suitable times to visit Anzaf are April-June and September-October. In spring, the surroundings turn green, the weather is mild, and hiking conditions are excellent. In July-August, temperatures in the Van Lake basin can exceed 35°C; there is almost no shade in the rocky area, so it would be wise to prefer early morning hours. In winter, climbing to the Upper Castle can become dangerous due to snow and ice.

The Lower and Upper Anzaf Castles are located near Dereüstü (Anzaf) Village, which is reached by following the Van-Özalp (Van-Iran) highway for approximately 10-13 km northeast from Van city center. The Lower Castle is visible immediately north of the highway. The Upper Castle is situated on a rocky hill 600-700 meters south of the Lower Castle.

Public transport connections to the region are extremely limited. A private car or rental car from Van city center is the most practical solution. Tour operators in Van sometimes organize day trips covering Urartian castles; this option can simplify your journey in terms of both transportation and guidance.

The Anzaf Castles can be combined with other Urartian heritage sites in Van to create a complete Urartian tour. Start with Van Castle and Tuşpa; then head northeast to visit the Anzaf Castles. Begin with the Lower Castle and climb to the Upper Castle to examine the temple and palace ruins. In the afternoon, return to the shores of Lake Van and add sites like Çarpanak Island or Akdamar Church to your itinerary. This way, it is possible to see both Van's Urartian and medieval heritage in a single day.

For the Anzaf Castles alone, 1.5 to 2.5 hours is sufficient. The Lower Castle can be explored in 30-45 minutes as it is on relatively flat terrain. Climbing to the Upper Castle and examining the ruins takes an additional 45-60 minutes. This time may extend for those with a special interest in archaeology or who wish to examine the inscriptions in detail. It is most logical to consider the castle as part of a day trip from Van city center.

The rocky hill of Upper Anzaf Castle offers a wide panorama opening towards the Van plain and Lake Van in the distance. Before noon, when the sun comes from the east, the large limestone blocks in the castle walls create distinct shadows; these hours are ideal for texture photography. The cyclopean wall structure of the Lower Castle is an interesting subject for close-up detail photos. In spring, the surrounding greenery creates a beautiful contrast with the castle ruins.

Since the castles are in an open area, we recommend bringing sufficient water and sun protection; there is almost no shade in summer. Sturdy hiking shoes are mandatory as the climb to the Upper Castle takes place on uneven and rocky terrain. There are no facilities, cafes, or toilets in the area; make sure to meet your needs in Van city center before setting off. Be careful not to stray from designated paths to avoid damaging the excavation sites.

There are no food and drink options immediately around the Anzaf Castles. You will need to return to Van city center before or after your visit. Van is home to one of Turkey's oldest breakfast cultures; the Van breakfast, consisting of herb cheese, honey, clotted cream, and various appetizers, is a must-try. In restaurants in the city center, keledoş (a meat dish unique to Van) and fresh lake fish are among the main choices.