Artvin is a rugged mountain province in northeastern Turkey, bordered by Georgia to the east and the Black Sea coast to the north. The province shelters a remarkable concentration of medieval Georgian Orthodox churches and monasteries hidden in forested valleys, alongside the Çoruh River — one of the world's fastest-flowing rivers and a world-class whitewater rafting destination. Dense chestnut and pine forests cloak the slopes of the Kaçkar and Karçal mountain ranges, while high plateaus offer cool summer escapes and pastoral landscapes that have changed little in centuries.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Borçka Karagöl Lake
Calm lake surrounded by forest — ideal for picnicking, exploring the shoreline, and autumn colour watching. Easy, flat walking around the lake shore. Free entry.
Kafkasör Plateau Visit
Wide open plateau 5 km from Artvin city. Children can run freely on grassland. During the June festival, bull wrestling is a unique, memorable experience for older children. Free.
Hatilla Valley Nature Walk
Easy forest walk with a river alongside the path. Waterfalls, wildlife sounds, and picnic spots. Suitable for pushchairs on the first section of the main track.
Feeding Trout at Barhal Fish Farm
Many trout farms in the Barhal and Hatilla valleys allow children to feed fish before their meal is prepared. An exciting hands-on experience. Combined with a trout lunch.
Artvin City Castle Climb
Short but steep climb above Artvin city to the castle ruins — great views over the Çoruh valley reward older children. Not suitable for young toddlers. Free.
Gentle Rafting on Çoruh
Lower-grade sections of the Çoruh suitable for older children and teenagers on calm summer days (July–August). Life jackets and helmets provided by operators.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Karahan Hotel
Artvin Koru Hotel
Barhal Pansiyon
Macahel Taş Ev
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Turkish food is generally child-friendly: pide (flatbread), rice pilav, grilled chicken şiş and köfte are universally liked by children.
Muhlama (cheese fondue) is a major hit with cheese-loving children — order it with mısır ekmeği for a filling snack.
Fresh trout (alabalık) is a good protein choice for children — boneless grilled portions available at most trout restaurants on request.
Ayran (chilled salted yoghurt drink) is healthy and refreshing for children in summer.
Turkish ice cream (dondurma) is available in Artvin city — a reliable treat for young children after a hot day.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.