Kars Hotels

Kars is one of the most impressive cities in Turkey, where history and nature meet in a unique harmony. Located deep in the Eastern Anatolia Region, this historic city offers a discovery at every step with its rich cultural heritage, mesmerising landscapes and unique architecture. Kars is particularly well known for the ruins of Ani, but it is not just its history, but also its natural beauty on the shores of Lake Van, lush green plateaus and delicious local cuisine. When you step into Kars, you can find traces of a different time period in every corner and feel as if you are lost in the depths of the past. Kars offers an unforgettable experience to its visitors not only with its places to visit but also with its friendly atmosphere.

When and Why Should You Visit Kars?

Kars is a city that offers unique beauty in every season, attracting visitors throughout the year. However, the best times to explore the region are winter and autumn. In winter, Kars’ snow-covered landscapes, particularly in areas like the Palandöken Ski Resort, provide excellent opportunities for skiing. Moreover, the city's historical landmarks and Ani Ruins take on a mystical atmosphere during the colder months. In autumn, the region is adorned with the most beautiful colors of nature, and the cool air in September and October makes it perfect for hiking and exploring. Spring, when nature awakens, is also an enjoyable time for outdoor activities, although the summer months can be warmer.

Kars' Seasonal Weather

Spring (March-May): The weather is cool and mild. While March still sees the effects of winter, April and May bring the awakening of nature. Temperatures generally range from 10°C to 20°C, creating ideal conditions for sightseeing.

Summer (June-August): Kars experiences a cool climate in summer. Daytime temperatures can rise to 20-30°C, but evenings remain quite chilly. This period is perfect for nature walks and sightseeing.

Autumn (September-November): During autumn, the weather becomes slightly cooler, especially in October and November. The colorful landscape makes exploring the region an enjoyable experience. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C.

Winter (December-February): Winters in Kars can be quite cold, often with snowfall. Temperatures can drop to -10°C. This season is ideal for those who want to ski, and walking through the snowy Ani Ruins or Kars’ historical streets offers a magical experience.

Kars' Seasonal Crowds

Peak Season (Winter and Autumn): During the winter, Kars is especially popular with ski enthusiasts. Resorts like Palandöken Ski Resort see high demand. In autumn, the region also attracts many tourists as it showcases the most beautiful colors of nature. Expect more visitors at historical sites like the Ani Ruins during this time.

Mid-Season (Spring): Tourist numbers are lower in spring, but with nature coming to life, the region offers a more peaceful atmosphere for exploration. This season is ideal for those seeking a quieter getaway.

Low Season (Summer): The number of tourists decreases during the warmer summer months. However, the region still offers enjoyable activities, and for those looking to explore in a quieter environment, it can be a good option.

Activities to Do in Kars

Skiing and Winter Sports: Kars’ Palandöken Ski Resort offers great opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts. The environment is perfect for skiing, tobogganing, and mountaineering.

Visit the Ani Ruins: The UNESCO-listed Ani Ruins are one of the most important historical sites in the region. The ruins offer impressive remains from the medieval era, showcasing beautiful examples of Armenian architecture.

Boat Tour on Lake Van: A boat tour around Lake Van is a great way to visit Akdamar Island. Nature walks around the lake are also possible.

Nature Walks and Trekking: Kars’ rich natural landscape makes it ideal for nature walks and trekking. You can hike through high mountains, green valleys, and pine forests.

Taste Local Delicacies: Kars is famous for its local cuisine. Tasting Kars cheese, honey, and goose meat, along with other traditional dishes, is a must.

Cultural Tours of the Region: Visiting the historical buildings, mosques, churches, inns, and medresehs in Kars is an excellent way to experience the region's cultural heritage.

Places to Visit in Kars

Ani Ruins: Located 40 km from Kars, the Ani Ruins are an ancient city with immense historical value, near the Armenian border. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the region's most notable tourist destination.

Kars Castle: Close to the city center, this castle is one of Kars’ symbols. It offers panoramic views of the city from a high vantage point.

Çıldır Lake: Located 70 km east of Kars, this lake freezes in winter, and you can walk on its surface. It is also ideal for picnics and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.

Caucasus Front War Museum: This museum in Kars provides important information about the wars between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. It offers a fascinating historical experience related to the Caucasus Front.

Fethiye Mosque (Former Russian Church): This building from the 19th century was converted from a Russian Orthodox Church into a mosque. Its architecture is especially noteworthy.

Evliya Çelebi Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Kars, it dates back to the Ottoman era.

Sarıkamış Ski Resort: A popular location for skiing in the winter, Sarıkamış offers perfect conditions for winter sports with its high mountains and heavy snowfall.

Shopping Suggestions in Kars

Kars Cheese: Kars is famous for its cheese, considered among the best in Turkey. You can purchase fresh Kars cheese from local shops and markets.

Kars Honey: Kars' honey is also renowned for its organic and natural quality. You can buy it from various honey shops in the region.

Goose Meat and Products: Goose meat is very popular in Kars, especially in winter when dishes like goose tandır and goose liver are commonly prepared.

Carpets and Kilims: Kars is known for its traditional Turkish carpets. Local carpets and kilims make great decorative pieces or souvenirs.

Pottery and Ceramics: Kars is also known for its pottery and ceramics, which are created using traditional techniques.

Kars Entertainment, Café, and Bar Suggestions

While Kars is not a large city, it offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Some cafés and bars provide a pleasant environment to enjoy the region's peaceful vibe.

Sarıçam Café: One of the most well-known cafés in Kars, Sarıçam is famous for its local beverages and cozy atmosphere.

Cafés in Kars Center: The cafés and tea gardens in the city center are excellent for enjoying hot drinks, especially during the winter months. It’s a perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

İzmirli Café: This café offers a modern interior design and is especially popular with the younger crowd.

Eski Belediye Binası Area: For those interested in live music, there are several bars and nightclubs in this area to enjoy a lively evening.

Kars Restaurant Recommendations

Kaz Evi Restaurant: Known for its goose meat dishes, this restaurant is a must-visit for those wanting to try traditional goose-based meals such as goose tandır, goose liver, and goose kebab.

Kars Sofrası: One of the best places to try local Kars dishes, this restaurant serves meals made with Kars cheese, tandır, and various meat dishes.

Kervansaray Restaurant: A great spot for traditional Turkish cuisine, Kervansaray offers both classic and regional dishes. Their meat dishes are highly recommended.

Çıkrıkçıoğlu Restaurant: In addition to Kars’ famous traditional dishes, this restaurant also offers a range of other tastes. Be sure to try the famous Kars künefe here.

The History of Kars

Kars has been influenced by many civilizations throughout its history and has always been an important strategic location. Dating back to around 3000 BCE, Kars was first under the control of the Urartu Kingdom. It then saw Persian, Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk rule. In 1064, the Seljuk Sultan Alparslan captured Kars, bringing it into Turkish lands. By the 16th century, Kars became part of the Ottoman Empire, and by the late 19th century, it was occupied by the Russian Empire. After the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, the Russians withdrew, and Kars was incorporated into the Turkish Republic through the 1921 Moscow Agreement. This rich history is still evident in the city's historical buildings and ruins.

What is Kars Famous For?

Kars Cheese: Kars is famous for its cheese, known for being one of the finest and most flavorful in Turkey. It is highly sought after both locally and nationally.

Goose Meat: Kars is also renowned for its goose meat. Traditional goose dishes, particularly during the winter, are an essential part of the local cuisine.

Ani Ruins: The Ani Ruins, located near Kars, are an ancient city featuring medieval Armenian churches and mosques. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the region's most notable landmarks.

Kars Tea and Honey: Kars is also known for its organic honey and tea, both of which are highly regarded for their quality.

Sarıkamış Ski Resort: Kars is an important destination for winter tourism, with Sarıkamış Ski Resort known for its high-quality snow and popularity among ski enthusiasts.