Tortum Waterfall in Erzurum

Tortum Waterfall, one of Erzurum's most popular attractions, is the world's third tallest waterfall and the highest waterfall in Turkey. It is within the borders of the Uzundere district of Erzurum. Tortum Waterfall is at the end of Tortum Lake on Tortum Stream. The distance of the waterfall to the Uzundere district center is 20 kilometers.

The Tortum Stream was blocked by a landslide on Mount Kamerli in the mid-1700s, resulting in the formation of this natural wonder waterfall. The Tortum Lake pouring over the landslide mass between the Tev Valley and the northern end of the lake creates this waterfall, which flows through tough limestone strata close to the flowing bed. Water pouring from a height of 48 meters and a width of 22 meters created a rainbow at the top and a massive caldera at the bottom.

A hydroelectric power plant was built on Tortum Waterfall between 1952 and 1960 to meet the region's electricity needs, and part of the water that flowed to the waterfall through a canal was transferred to the power plant. June is when the waterfall's water level is at its peak.

Long stone stairs with iron railings go down to the caldera at the bottom. The wooden bridge here allows you to cross the Tortum Stream. Stairs lead to the site of the hydroelectric power plant. According to a rumor, people who go down the stairs by the waterfall and go up by the power plant do not have shortness of breath and heart diseases.

Today, a natural environment has been created here. All water sports can be practiced. Tortum Waterfall with its observation terraces provides tourists with a visual spectacle.