In Giresun a highland is not a holiday resort but a still-living way of life. At the end of June the animals go up, in September they come down. So the date you go directly decides the scene you see: July and August are full and lively, early June and late September are quiet but far more peaceful.
Kümbet Highland · 1,640 m
Giresun's best-known highland. About 55 kilometres from the centre, with a mostly good paved road. It is known for its wide meadows, wooden houses and the festival held in July. If you do not like crowds, avoid the festival week.
Kümbet's advantage is that it is the easiest option for first-timers: the road is comfortable, there are facilities, and you can go and return in a day.
Bektaş Highland · 1,600 m
More scattered and plainer than Kümbet. You often see it in photographs, with its colourful wooden houses. Bektaş is one of the most photographed of Giresun's highlands; when the morning mist lifts, the valley view opens up.
Kulakkaya Highland · 1,500 m
Its difference is the forest. While the other highlands are open meadow, Kulakkaya sits inside a spruce forest. Cool and shaded even in summer. This is the most suitable highland for those who want to walk. The accommodation facilities are relatively more developed too.
Sisdağı Highland · 1,800 m
It lives up to its name. Most afternoons the mist descends and the view closes completely. This is not a flaw but the reason to go to Sisdağı: watching the mist move across the meadows is a different experience. But if you want to take photographs, go early in the morning.
On Sisdağı the weather can change in five minutes. Even in summer bring a jacket and a waterproof outer layer. In misty weather, fog lights and low speed are essential when driving.
Gölyanı Höyük · 1,900 m
A lesser-known, smaller highland. A good choice for those who want to stay away from the crowds. The road breaks up in the final section; a high-clearance vehicle is an advantage.
Which highland suits whom?
| Highland | Elevation | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Kümbet | 1,640 m | First-timers, families |
| Bektaş | 1,600 m | Photographers |
| Kulakkaya | 1,500 m | Walkers, forest lovers |
| Sisdağı | 1,800 m | Those after atmosphere |
| Gölyanı | 1,900 m | Those wanting silence |
Before you set out
- Fuel: There is no petrol station in the highlands. Fill up down below.
- Cash: Most small businesses do not take cards, and there is no signal everywhere.
- Time: Do not be misled by the map distance. On mountain roads the average speed stays around 35-40 km/h.
- Mist: It descends in the afternoon. Set out early, return early.
- Clothing: Even in August the evening can drop to 10 degrees.
Winter warning: The highland roads are usually closed by snow from November to April. If you plan to go up in winter, be sure to ask about the road conditions in advance.
On the map
On the map each highland carries its elevation, road note and duration; you can pick the one that suits you.
Open the guide