Küre Wilderness

Küre Wilderness

The 26 162 ha Küre Wilderness is embedded in the Küre Mountains National Park, located in northern Turkey. The park stretches over the mountain range of Küre Mountains and is extended over the Kastamonu and Bartin Province. The Küre Wilderness is well-known in Turkey because of its intact forests, wildlife, endemic plant species, caves, canyons, and waterfalls. The Küre Wilderness is also globally important for nature conservation. It is one of the 9 forest hot spots in Turkey with its natural values, Wilderness, geological features, landscape and cultural values.

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

The 26 162 ha Küre Wilderness was audited in 2012 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. The European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2022.

Biodiversity

The forest ecosystem of Küre Wilderness located on a karst bedrock is dominated by coniferous and deciduous trees. In small openings in the forest, the herbaceous and bushy plants are dominant. The combination of different ecological factors resulted in various types of ecosystems. The biological importance of Küre Mountains National Park is bound to the fact that it offers different habitats for different animals. A stunning 48 out of 160 mammal species that live in Turkey, including the wildcat, otter, brown bear and deer live here. As for birds, 129 different species have been documented. Among these the Egyptian vulture, a globally endangered species. High cliffs with wide and deep valleys are proper habitats for vultures, falcons, eagles and night raptorial birds. However, the area is also important for waterfowls that breed and spend the night by the nearby seashore, and for temperate zone forest species.

Wilderness Tourism Experience

The Küre Mountains National Park is Turkey’s well-known eco-tourism centre and it offers an excellent Wilderness experiences, such as canyons crossing, observing waterfalls or visiting caves. Exploring the amazing canyon system of the Küre Wilderness is one of the best adventure for everyone who visits this Turkish Wilderness. Observing magnificent waterfalls also belongs to the visitors’ favourite activities. The most well-known of these is Ilica Waterfall, located near Ilica village. In the secluded thick forests of Kurucasile visitors find the Gölderesi Waterfall and in Bartin region the scenic Ulukaya Waterfall.

Wilderness Brief