Tortum Waterfall
Eastern Anatolia Region
Tortum Waterfall, located in the Tortum district of Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, is the tallest waterfall in the country with a drop of 48 meters (157 feet). Originally a natural cascade formed by a landslide that blocked the Tortum River valley, the waterfall now flows primarily during May and June due to water diversion for the Tortum Dam and Hydroelectric Plant completed in 1960. The waterfall’s bed is mostly dry for the rest of the year. Tortum Lake, formed by the landslide, stretches 8 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, with a maximum depth of 100 meters and is surrounded by limestone marls from the Cretaceous period. The area around the waterfall offers a recreation zone with an observation platform and a staircase leading underneath the waterfall, allowing visitors to experience its beauty up close. Downstream, the river continues over cascades into the Tev Valley. Nearby, four smaller lakes formed from seepage through the landslide rubble contain clear blue water and abundant trout, adding to the natural allure of the region.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Tortum Waterfall is during May and June when the water flow is at its peak due to the surplus water release from Tortum Lake. Visitors should check local water release schedules and consider purchasing tickets or permits in advance if required. The observation platform and staircase offer excellent vantage points for photography and close viewing. Prepare for potentially slippery paths near the waterfall and bring appropriate footwear. There may be discounts available for students or groups; inquire locally. Visiting outside the peak months will likely reveal a mostly dry waterfall bed.
Faits intéressants
- •Tortum Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Turkey with a height of 48 meters (157 feet).
- •The waterfall’s flow is seasonal, primarily active only in May and June due to water diversion for hydroelectric power.
- •Tortum Lake was formed by a landslide blocking the river valley, creating a natural dam and lake.
- •The lake is surrounded by limestone marls dating back to the Cretaceous period.
- •Four smaller lakes near Tortum Waterfall contain clear blue water and abundant trout, formed by water seeping through landslide debris.
Histoire
Tortum Waterfall and Lake were formed by a massive landslide that blocked the Tortum River valley, creating the lake and the waterfall's natural drop of 48 meters.
The exact timing of the landslide is debated; some geologists suggest it occurred at the end of the Quaternary period, while others believe it happened only a few centuries ago.
In 1960, the construction of the Tortum Dam and Hydroelectric Plant diverted most of the water from the waterfall, restricting its flow to only a short period annually during high water levels.
This development transformed the waterfall’s natural regime and local hydrology.
Guide du lieu
Observation Platform
A dedicated area built for visitors to safely view the waterfall and surrounding scenery, offering panoramic views and photo opportunities.
Staircase Underneath the Waterfall
A staircase that leads visitors underneath the waterfall, allowing an immersive experience of the natural cascade and its powerful flow during peak months.
Tortum Lake
An 8 km long and 1 km wide lake formed by a landslide, with a maximum depth of 100 meters. Surrounded by limestone marls, it feeds the waterfall during surplus water periods.
Smaller Lakes (Incegöl, Karagöl, Efendigilin Gölü, Nazlıgilin Gölü)
Four smaller lakes formed from water seeping through landslide debris, known for their clear blue water and trout populations.