Karaelmas Express: Scenic Train Journey to the Heart of Turkey’s Black Sea
The Western Black Sea region in northwestern Turkey, which fascinates visitors with its lush forests, historical cities and rich culture, now has an unforgettable route that can be explored by train: Karaelmas Express. Starting on April 12, 2024, this special tourist train line appeals to both travellers who want to experience railway nostalgia and nature and culture enthusiasts. Starting from Ankara and ending in Zonguldak, this journey offers its passengers a rich geography, impressive landscapes, and historical city stops as it passes through Çankırı, Karabük and Zonguldak provinces. So, how to travel through the Black Sea Region by train? What are the best train routes in Turkey? And what is the Karaelmas Express? Let's explore together👇
What is the Karaelmas Express?
Karaelmas Express is a thematic train line launched by Turkish State Railways (TCDD) Tasimacilik A.S. to promote tourism. It takes its name from coal, which is the symbol of Zonguldak and popularly known as “black diamond”. This train line has emerged as a result of the utilisation of the railway infrastructure, which has been used for coal transportation for many years, for touristic purposes.
The Karaelmas Express departs from Ankara once a week on Fridays and returns from Zonguldak on Sunday. Throughout the journey, various social and cultural events are organised both inside the train and at certain stops along the route.
Karaelmas Express Route and Stops
This 500 km long line goes beyond an ordinary train journey, with special stories to discover at every stop. Here are the stops on the magical route of the Karaelmas Express and their highlights:
1. Ankara - Starting Point
The journey starts in Ankara, the capital of Turkey and the heart of Central Anatolia. Before the departure at the station, train enthusiasts are sent off on their journey with photos of the nostalgic atmosphere and a short introduction event.
2. Kalecik - The Capital of Vintage
Kalecik district in the northeast of Ankara is one of the most important wine grape production centres in Turkey. The homeland of the Kalecik Karasi grape, this district attracts attention with its small but historical buildings and stone streets. While Kalecik Castle attracts the attention of visitors with its dominant position in the district, local wine tastings add a pleasant flavour to the tourist train journey.
3. Çankırı - Salt Caves and Fossil Beds
Çankırı is a city intertwined with history and geology in the depths of Anatolia. With 5000 years of history, the Salt Cave in this city is one of the largest salt reserves in Turkey and is almost like an underground exhibition with its sculpture galleries. In addition, the 8.5 million-year-old fossil samples exhibited in Çankırı Museum reveal the rich paleontological past of the region.
4. Çerkeş - A District Bearing Traces of the Ottoman Empire
While heading towards Karabük, the train makes a short stop in the Çerkeş district of Çankırı. Çerkeş is a special stop where architectural heritage is kept alive with its restored Ottoman mansions. In addition, traditional flavours are also offered to visitors in the district, which attracts attention with its woodwork and local architecture.
5. Safranbolu - The City Where Time Stops
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Safranbolu is perhaps one of the most iconic stops on the Karaelmas Express. With its cobblestone streets, Safranbolu houses, historical bazaars and saffron-scented atmosphere, it is almost like an open-air museum. Cinci Inn, Hıdırlık Hill, Kaymakamlar House and Demirciler Bazaar are unforgettable routes for travellers.
6. Yenice - Turkey's Hidden Paradise
Yenice in Karabük province has one of the largest and most intact forest ecosystems in Turkey. Yenice Forests are of great importance in terms of biodiversity and are considered one of Europe's 100 hotspots in need of protection. The train stops here for short walking tours and nature observations as it passes through the forest. The “Eco Tourism Trails” and “Şeker Canyon” in the region are also worth seeing.
7. Eskipazar - In the Shadow of Hadrianapolis
Eskipazar district is located in the south of Karabük and is home to the ancient city of Hadrianapolis, which was part of the Paphlagonia region in ancient times. The mosaics, ruins of baths, waterways and religious buildings in the city offer important clues to the Roman period. Excavations started in 2003 and are still ongoing.
8. Zonguldak - Capital of Mining
Zonguldak, the last stop of the journey, is the first city in Turkey to produce hard coal. The Turkish Hard Coal Authority (TTK) Mining Museum sheds light on the history of mining in the region. The museum has a wide range of exhibits, from the tools used by miners to the clothes they wore, from interactive presentations to mining gallery simulations. In addition, Gökgöl Cave, one of the natural beauties of Zonguldak, attracts the attention of nature lovers with its millions of years old stalactites and stalagmites.
Trip Information and Tickets
Departure Days: Departing from Ankara on Friday, returning from Zonguldak on Sunday.
Duration: The outbound journey takes approximately 11 hours, but with the activities at the stops, it turns into a day-long adventure.
Wagon Types: Wagons with comfortable seats and rest areas. Food and beverage services are provided inside the train.
Reservation: Tickets are available on the official website of TCDD Tasimacilik AŞ or through authorised agencies.
When to Go?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) are the ideal months to travel by Karaelmas Express. During these seasons, the colour riot of the forests, cool air and clear landscapes make the train journey even more enjoyable. In winter, the train takes on a different beauty as it travels through the snow-capped mountains.
Why Travel by Karaelmas Express?
An Alternative Holiday Experience: A route different from ordinary vacations, intertwined with culture and nature.
A Paradise for Photographers: Forests, bridges, historic train stations and landscapes offer fascinating shots.
Enjoy Slow Travel: Travel by feel, not by speed. It's a pleasure to stop and explore at every stop.
Contact with Local People: Get in touch with the locals at every stop for authentic experiences.
Source: Neredekal
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