Yüksisu Pidinj Area — a recreational park near Erzincan, Turkey

Erzincan AttractionsYüksisu Pidinj Area — a recreational park near Erzincan, Turkey

Yüksü Pijniç Area — a green oasis of mineral springs near Erzincan

Located 11 kilometers from the center of Erzincan, amidst the rolling foothills of Eastern Anatolia, lies a recreational area spanning approximately 100,000 square meters. Ekşisu Picnic Area (Ekşisu Mesire Alanı / Ekşisu Piknik Alanı in Turkish) is a municipal recreational park managed by the Erzincan city administration, which welcomes thousands of locals and tourists every year. The park’s main feature is its natural mineral water springs, from which visitors can drink for free directly from the fountains. “Ekşisu” translates from Turkish as “sour water”—this is the traditional name for carbonated mineral water saturated with natural carbon dioxide. Eksisu Pidzhinj Area is a great spot for a full-fledged picnic with children, walks along shady paths, and exploring Erzincan’s nature away from the city’s noise.

History and Origin of Ekşisu Pijniç Area

The Erzincan region is known for its abundant mineral water reserves. The geological structure of Eastern Anatolia—volcanic rocks, tectonic faults, and an active mountain range—creates conditions for groundwater saturated with mineral salts and natural carbon dioxide to rise to the surface. The “Ekşisu” springs have been known to local residents for many generations: in the pre-industrial era, they served as both drinking and healing sources—the water was used for digestive disorders, fatigue, and to boost vitality.

The tradition of creating natural recreational areas for families and entire villages runs deep in Anatolian culture. On long summer evenings, Turkish families head out into nature, light barbecues, drink tea and mineral water, while children play on the green lawns. Parks of this type—known as “mesire alanları”—exist in every Turkish city, and Ekşisu is one of the best examples of such a space in the province of Erzincan.

In its current form, the recreation area was organized and developed by the Erzincan municipality. The park features children’s playgrounds, attractions, areas with picnic tables and sunshades, walking trails, as well as restaurants and cafes serving regional cuisine. The mineral water fountains have become a signature feature: the water here is provided free of charge, making the park especially popular on hot summer days. Locals come not only to relax but also for the water—they fill plastic bottles and jugs with it.

Erzincan is a small city at the crossroads of Eastern Anatolia, Cappadocia, and the Black Sea region. The province endured several devastating earthquakes in the 20th century, which gave it a unique character: here, people value life’s simple pleasures and closeness to nature. Ekşisu Park fits perfectly into this local culture—leisurely family time by the water, on the green grass, far from the city noise.

Nature and What to See

The main treasure of Ekşisu Pidinj Area is nature itself and its atmosphere. The park is located in a picturesque area northwest of Erzincan, in a valley surrounded by low hills. It’s best to start your tour at the main entrance, walk to the springs, and then take your time strolling through the entire park along the paths.

Mineral Water Springs

The park’s main attraction is the fountains with natural mineral water. The water comes from underground springs, is saturated with natural carbon dioxide, and has a distinctive sour taste—which is exactly what gave the park its name, “Ekşisu.” The water is lightly carbonated, cool, and refreshing even on the hottest days. You can drink it right at the fountain; those wishing to take water with them often come with large containers.

Walking Trails and Picnic Areas

Walking paths wind through the park’s green lawns and small groves. Picnic tables with canopies are scattered throughout the park; on weekends, many people reserve spots in advance. Next to the tables are designated areas for grilling meat: a traditional Turkish picnic is unthinkable without a grill with kebabs or shashlik.

Children’s Attractions and Entertainment

Playgrounds with slides, swings, and climbing frames are provided for children, as well as pools and water attractions. During the summer months, this part of the park is particularly lively—entire families with young children come here. Municipal oversight of the grounds ensures cleanliness and order.

Restaurants serving regional cuisine

There are several restaurants and cafes within the park. The menu features dishes of Eastern Anatolian cuisine: lentil soup, pide with meat and cheese, local bread, pastrami (dried meat), dolma, and a variety of meze. After a walk by the springs and along the hiking trail, hot tea at a table overlooking the green hills becomes a special treat.

Interesting facts and legends

  • "Eksisu" literally means "sour water" in Turkish—this is how natural mineral water with a characteristic sour taste from dissolved carbon dioxide has long been called in Anatolia. This word appears in the names of natural springs throughout Turkey.
  • The park covers an area of about 100,000 square meters (100 daa, or 10 hectares). That’s roughly 14 soccer fields—enough to spend a whole day here without seeing the same spot twice.
  • The park is located 11 km from the center of Erzincan and is managed by the city municipality. Admission and water from the fountains are free; this makes Ekşisu one of the most accessible recreational spots in the region.
  • Erzincan is located in an area of high seismic activity: in the 20th century, the city survived several devastating earthquakes. The park by the springs is a symbol of the city’s recovery and its aspiration for a normal, peaceful life.
  • The tradition of visiting mineral springs for health benefits is widespread throughout Eastern Anatolia: similar sites can be found in the vicinity of Erzurum, Kars, and Van. Ekşisu is one of the best-maintained and most accessible such sites in the region.

How to get there

The park is located 11 km from the center of Erzincan. By car: from the city, take the road toward the northwestern suburbs; the distance is short, and the trip takes about 15 minutes. Look for signs for “Ekşisu Mesire Alanı” or use the coordinates (39.7197°N, 39.6197°E). The park is very popular on weekends and the parking lot can get crowded—it’s best to arrive early in the morning.

From Erzurum to Erzincan—about 190 km via the D100 highway, approximately 2–2.5 hours. From Sivas—about 230 km. Erzincan Airport (ERC) receives flights from Istanbul and Ankara (travel time about 1.5–2 hours). From the airport to the city center is a 10-minute taxi ride, followed by another 15 minutes to the park. There is no public transportation from the city center to Eksi Su, so we recommend taking a taxi or renting a car.

Tips for travelers

The best time to visit is from May to October. Early spring and fall are great because there are significantly fewer people than in July–August. On weekends, especially Sundays, the park gets crowded: hundreds of local families come for picnics, and finding a free table with a canopy can be tricky. On weekdays, it’s a completely different story: quiet, birds singing, the murmur of water from the fountains.

Bring empty bottles with you—you can fill them with mineral water for the road. You can rent a grill or use the fixed grills in the picnic areas. It’s convenient to buy groceries in Erzincan before you leave: the city’s supermarkets stay open until late in the evening. Lightweight athletic shoes are a must for walking the trails; on rainy days, some paths can get muddy.

For families with children, Yeksisu Pidzini Area is an ideal stop on a route through Eastern Anatolia: children enjoy the attractions and water, while adults can relax over lunch at the restaurant and enjoy the natural surroundings. Among nearby attractions, we recommend the Urartian fortress of Altıntepe, 12 km from Erzincan, and the beautiful mountain scenery along the road to Erzurum.

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Frequently asked questions — Yüksisu Pidinj Area — a recreational park near Erzincan, Turkey Answers to frequently asked questions about Yüksisu Pidinj Area — a recreational park near Erzincan, Turkey. Information about the service's operation, capabilities, and use.
“Ekşisu” translates from Turkish as “sour water.” It is a traditional Anatolian name for natural mineral water with a characteristic sour taste, which is caused by dissolved natural carbon dioxide. The word appears in the names of natural springs throughout Turkey, and in the case of the park near Erzincan, it has become an official place name.
No. Admission to the park is free. The park is managed by the Erzincan municipality and is open to everyone. Water from the fountains, which contains natural mineral water, is also provided free of charge—this is one of the main reasons for Ekşisu’s widespread popularity among locals. However, some attractions and restaurant services within the park may require a fee.
Yes. The water comes from natural underground springs and is rich in mineral salts and carbon dioxide. Local residents have been drinking it for generations and even come here specifically to collect it in large containers. The water is lightly carbonated, cool, and refreshing. It is traditionally consumed to relieve fatigue and boost overall vitality. However, if you have chronic gastrointestinal conditions, it is best to consult a doctor before drinking mineral water.
Yes, and this is common practice. Many visitors bring plastic bottles or jugs and fill them with water from the fountains to take with them. We recommend bringing a few empty bottles from home or buying them at a store in Erzincan before your trip.
The Ekşisu Picnic Area covers approximately 100,000 square meters (10 hectares)—roughly the size of 14 soccer fields. That’s more than enough space to spend a whole day in the park: stroll along the paths, find a secluded spot for a picnic, visit the fountains, and check out the playgrounds.
There are several restaurants and cafés within the park serving dishes from the Eastern Anatolian region, such as lentil soup, pide, dolma, pastrami, meze, and hot tea. So you won’t go hungry. That said, many visitors prefer to have a picnic on their own—the park has tables with canopies and areas for grilling meat.
Yes, Ekşisu is one of the best family-friendly spots in the region. There are playgrounds for children featuring slides, swings, and climbing frames, as well as pools and water attractions. Meanwhile, adults can relax or enjoy a meal at the restaurant. The municipality ensures that the grounds are kept clean and tidy.
On weekdays, especially in the morning. On weekends, and especially on Sundays, the park gets very busy: hundreds of local families come for picnics, and the open spots with shelters fill up quickly. The best times of year are May–June and September–October: the weather is pleasant, and there are noticeably fewer visitors than in July–August.
Yes. The Urartian fortress of Altıntepe, an ancient historical and archaeological site, is located 12 km from Erzincan. The route to Erzurum offers beautiful mountain scenery. Erzincan itself is conveniently located at the crossroads of routes connecting Eastern Anatolia, Cappadocia, and the Black Sea region, making it easy to incorporate the park into a broader itinerary.
Yes. There are picnic tables with canopies set up throughout the park—they provide shelter from both the sun and light rain. On hot summer days, the shaded areas are especially popular, so be sure to arrive early on weekends to secure a comfortable spot.
Erzincan endured several devastating earthquakes in the 20th century—the city has been rebuilt time and again. Ekşisu Park is seen by locals as a symbol of rebirth: a place where residents can enjoy simple pleasures—nature, fresh air, and mineral water—far from the city’s troubled history. The tradition of family outings “to Ekşisu” took root here long before the park’s modern improvements.
During heavy rain, some of the walking trails can become slippery and muddy, and an outdoor picnic may be uncomfortable. In winter (November–March), the park is much less appealing due to the cold weather. The best time to visit is during dry weather, from May through October.
User manual — Yüksisu Pidinj Area — a recreational park near Erzincan, Turkey Yüksisu Pidinj Area — a recreational park near Erzincan, Turkey User Guide with a description of the main functions, features, and principles of use.
The best time to visit is from May through October. If you’re looking for a quieter experience and fewer crowds, go on a weekday or early on a weekend morning. In July and August, the park is crowded, but the water attractions for children are in full swing. In the spring and early fall, there are significantly fewer people, the air is fresher, and the scenery is particularly picturesque.
The most convenient way to get there from Istanbul and Ankara is to fly to Erzincan Airport (ERC)—the flight takes about 1.5–2 hours. By road: about 190 km from Erzurum via Highway D100 (2–2.5 hours), and about 230 km from Sivas. It takes 10 minutes by taxi from the airport to the city center.
If you’re planning a picnic on your own, stop by a supermarket in Erzincan—the stores are open late into the evening. Pick up some meat for the grill, vegetables, bread, fruit, and, most importantly, empty bottles to fill with mineral water in the park. You can rent a grill on site or use the fixed grills in the picnic areas.
Ekşisu Picnic Area is located 11 km northwest of downtown Erzincan—about a 15-minute drive. There is no public transportation to the park, so a taxi or rental car is your best option. Look for signs for “Ekşisu Mesire Alanı” or enter the coordinates 39.7197°N, 39.6197°E into your GPS. On weekends, the parking lot fills up quickly—arrive before 10 a.m.
First, look for the fountains with natural mineral water—they’re located along the park’s central paths. Fill your bottles with water and give it a try: it’s slightly carbonated, cool, and has a mild tang. Then, find a picnic table with a canopy—somewhere shady and comfortable for both children and adults. On weekends, it’s best to grab a spot as soon as you arrive.
Take a stroll through the park along the walking paths, passing through green lawns and groves. Take the kids to the playgrounds with slides, swings, and water features. We recommend wearing lightweight athletic shoes—the paths can be damp, especially after rain. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a leisurely tour of the entire grounds.
If you didn’t bring any food with you, stop by one of the park’s restaurants: they serve lentil soup, pide, dolma, pastrami, and hot tea. Those who prefer to have their own picnic can use the designated barbecue areas next to the tables. Enjoying a cup of hot tea with a view of the green hills after a walk is a special treat.
If you have time, after visiting the park, stop by the Urartian fortress of Altıntepe, located 12 km from Erzincan—it’s a compact historical site that doesn’t take long to explore. If you continue eastward, the road to Erzurum offers beautiful mountain scenery. Ekşisu is a convenient stopover on a tour of Eastern Anatolia.