When highlands are mentioned in Giresun, Kümbet comes to mind first. The reason is not that its view is better than the others; it is that it is the easiest to reach. The paved road is largely in good condition, there are facilities, and a day trip is possible. The right start for anyone experiencing a highland for the first time.
How to get there
About 55 kilometres from the centre via Dereli. It looks short on the map, but the average speed drops on a mountain road; allow 1 hour 30 minutes.
- The road is paved, narrow and winding in the final section.
- Visibility drops sharply in misty weather; fog lights are needed.
- There is no petrol station in the highland; fill up down below.
What's there
Wide meadows, wooden highland houses and ridges you can walk around nearby. The highland itself is less a sightseeing spot than a settlement: at the end of June the animals go up, in September they come down.
There are businesses for breakfast and kuymak. Some places stay open most of the year, but in winter the options thin out sharply.
The festival
The Kümbet Festival, held in July, is the highland's busiest period. Local music, horon dancing and heavy visitor numbers. If you are curious about the atmosphere, aim for that week; if you want to escape the crowds, avoid it.
During festival week accommodation fills quickly and traffic builds on the road. If you are going for the day in that period, set out very early.
When to go
| Period | Situation |
|---|---|
| June | Green at its most vivid, few crowds · the most balanced month |
| July | Festival season, lively |
| August | The most crowded |
| September | Quiet and still suitable |
| November – April | Road usually closed by snow |
Bring with you
- Jacket: Even in August the evening can drop to 10 degrees.
- Cash: Most small businesses do not take cards.
- Waterproof layer: Rain arrives without warning.
- Full tank: There is no fuel up top.
On the map
On the map you can see Kümbet and the water stops nearby and combine them into one day.
Open the guide