General Information about Gümüşhane
Gümüşhane, located in the inner parts of the Eastern Black Sea Region, is a city famous for its natural beauty and historical sites. With a population of about 150,000 (2024 data), the city derives its name from the silver mines that were once widely exploited in the region.
Throughout history, Gümüşhane was ruled by civilizations such as the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Especially during the Ottoman period, it became an important trade and mining hub. Today, Gümüşhane is better known for its highlands, caves, waterfalls, and traditional products like pestil and köme.
The city’s economy relies on agriculture, animal husbandry, food production, and local tourism.
Places to Visit in Gümüşhane
- Karaca Cave: A spectacular dripstone cave with stalactites, stalagmites, and travertines.
- Santa Ruins: A 17th-century abandoned Greek village.
- Satala Ancient City (Kelkit): Roman-era ruins.
- Artabel Lakes Nature Park: Famous for its glacial lakes.
- Torul Castle & Glass Terrace: Offering panoramic views of the valley.
- Limni Lake: A serene natural lake near Zigana Mountain.
- Zigana Pass & Ski Center: Popular for winter sports and trekking.
- Süleymaniye Neighborhood: Known for its Ottoman and early Republican houses.
- Kov Castle: A medieval fortress.
- Tomara Waterfall (Şiran): A stunning waterfall formed by over 40 water outlets.
Gümüşhane Bus Terminal
The Gümüşhane Intercity Bus Terminal is a small but significant hub in the Eastern Black Sea region.
- Ticket offices of national and local companies
- Waiting areas for passengers
- Small restaurants and shops
- Minibus services to towns and villages
Travel times: Istanbul–Gümüşhane (~14–15 hours), Ankara–Gümüşhane (~10 hours), Trabzon–Gümüşhane (~2 hours).
What to Eat in Gümüşhane?
Gümüşhane’s cuisine is rich in dairy and grain-based dishes, with famous local desserts.
- Pestil & Köme: Traditional walnut-filled sweets made from grape molasses.
- Kuymak (Mıhlama): Cornmeal, cheese, and butter dish.
- Noodle Soup (Erişte Çorbası): A hearty local soup.
- Siron: Rolled yufka with yogurt and butter sauce.
- Gendime Soup: Made with corn and beans.
- Stuffed Cabbage Leaves: A Black Sea classic.
- Wood-Fired Bread: Traditional bread baked in stone ovens.
- Nutty Desserts: Local walnut and mulberry sweets.
How to Get to Gümüşhane?
- By Bus: Direct buses from Istanbul, Ankara, Samsun, Erzurum, and Trabzon.
- By Air: No airport in Gümüşhane. The nearest is Trabzon Airport (100 km).
- By Train: No railway line exists.
- By Car: Istanbul–Gümüşhane 1,050 km (~14–15 hours), Ankara–Gümüşhane 750 km (~10 hours), Trabzon–Gümüşhane 100 km (~2 hours).
Bus Companies Operating in Gümüşhane
- Metro Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Lüks Karadeniz
- Gümüşhane Seyahat
- Ali Osman Ulusoy
