Kizilcahamam Buyuk Kaplica
Kızılcahamam Büyük Kaplıca
4.1 · 280 reviews · via Google
Kizilcahamam Buyuk Kaplica
calcium-magnesium · Central Anatolia
Hotter than 67% of Turkey springs (n=12).
More acidic than 50% of Turkey springs (n=12).
Mineral profile
Bar width reflects listing order, not measured concentration.
Suitability
At a glance
Getting there
Easy — under 1km from a station
Cost
Low
Crowd level
Quiet
About this spring
The thermal water contains high levels of sodium bicarbonate and sulfur with a distinctive mineral aroma. The facility is a large public bathhouse operated by the local municipality with a massive central pool and several private family bathing rooms. The interior is functional and clean with a lively local atmosphere. It suits budget travelers and those looking for an authentic Turkish community bathing experience. Visitors should bring their own towels and soap to avoid extra fees.
Highlights
History
The thermal springs of Kizilcahamam were used during Roman and Byzantine eras for healing soldiers stationed along the northern Anatolian frontier.
The modern municipal bathhouse was constructed in the mid twentieth century and has been renovated multiple times to accommodate growing public use. The mineral waters here are legally recognized by the Turkish state for treating joint inflammation.
Local guide
Walking ten minutes north from the Kizilcahamam bus terminal, you reach a large municipal bathhouse that feels distinctly local, with a lively central pool and the unmistakable sulfur smell of the mineral water. Inside, the atmosphere is communal and unpretentious, closer to a neighborhood gathering spot than a tourist attraction, with regulars greeting the staff by name.
Bring your own towels and soap, since the facility charges extra for anything not brought from home, and expect a functional, no-frills interior built for repeat local use rather than short visits. Private family bathing rooms are available for those who prefer not to use the shared central pool.
Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit, since weekends draw larger crowds from Ankara. The town center a short walk away has simple restaurants serving grilled meats and fresh bread, standard fare for a day trip built around the thermal water.
Mineral chemistry
Water character inferred from mineral type — verify on site.
Calcium chloride springs share the heat-retaining property of sodium chloride springs but with a stronger warming effect. Prized for muscle and joint relief.
The strong warming effect means those with cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, or pregnancy should limit soak duration and consult a doctor if in doubt.
Bicarbonate springs cleanse and soften the skin surface, removing excess sebum without stripping the skin's acid mantle. Traditionally recommended for acne-prone skin and sensitive skin types.
Bicarbonate springs are generally among the most gentle and well-tolerated onsen types.
Sulfuric hot springs are among the most studied in balneology worldwide. The sulfur compounds, primarily hydrogen sulfide and thiosulfate, have documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular bathing is associated with relief from chronic skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis, as well as joint inflammation and muscle soreness. Sulfuric waters have been used therapeutically across Asia and Europe for centuries.
The distinctive rotten-egg smell dissipates quickly after leaving the bath. Avoid if you have a sulfur allergy, very sensitive skin, or respiratory conditions. Remove silver jewellery before entering — sulfur will blacken it permanently.
Similar springs
The thermal water is mild and bicarbonate-heavy offering a comfortable soak without a strong mineral odor. The complex features a massive modern indoor thermal pool, water slides, and separate family cabins that can be rented by the hour. It is highly suited to families with children and travelers who prefer a modern water park style layout over historic bathhouses. Day use passes are sold at the main spa reception. Bringing your own slippers is required for hygiene.
The water is highly carbonated and rich in calcium and magnesium with warm effervescent bubbles rising from the bottom. The pool is filled with submerged Roman columns that collapsed during an ancient earthquake. Visitors swim directly over these historic marble ruins. The facility features modern changing rooms and lockers but guests must bring their own towels. Public bathing is strictly permitted within this designated pool only while wading in the main travertine terraces is restricted to designated paths.
The thermal water has an incredibly high sulfur content with a strong distinctive odor and trace amounts of radon. The rustic complex has outdoor thermal pools and open air mud pits where visitors apply mineral mud to their skin. It also features a indoor pool covered by a simple dome. The facility borders Lake Koycegiz and is popular with day trippers and wellness travelers. Visitors should wear old dark swimwear as the sulfur mud can easily stain light fabrics.
The water contains highly therapeutic sodium chloride and calcium bicarbonate which is scientifically recognized for its high mineral density. The bathhouse has a simple and functional public design with deep marble pools and separate bathing quarters for men and women. It is best for travelers seeking genuine medical thermal therapy rather than luxury pampering. Bring your own towels and standard bathing gear as the facility functions primarily as a local public utility.
Amenities
Getting there
From Ankara
Gateway: Ankara ASTI (15 min)
Board an intercity coach directly to Kizilcahamam Otogar and walk to the bath
Total journey: 94 min
- Regional intercity coach from Ankara ASTI (Bus) · 80km · 75 min
- Private taxi from Kizilcahamam Otogar (Taxi) · 1km · 3 min
- Direct walk from the town center (Walk) · 0.3km · 4 min
Take a regular intercity bus from Ankara Asti terminal directly to Kizilcahamam Otogar then walk ten minutes north to the town center.
Location & nearby
Yenice Mahallesi Namık Kemal Caddesi 06890 Kizilcahamam Ankara
Make a day of it
Pair your soak with these nearby spots.
Park
Soğuksu National Park
2.7km away
Park
Ankara Kara Akbaba Yaban Hayatı Geliştirme Sahası
3.5km away
More springs in Central Anatolia
The thermal water is mild and bicarbonate-heavy offering a comfortable soak without a strong mineral odor. The complex features a massive modern indoor thermal pool, water slides, and separate family cabins that can be rented by the hour. It is highly suited to families with children and travelers who prefer a modern water park style layout over historic bathhouses. Day use passes are sold at the main spa reception. Bringing your own slippers is required for hygiene.
The water contains highly therapeutic sodium chloride and calcium bicarbonate which is scientifically recognized for its high mineral density. The bathhouse has a simple and functional public design with deep marble pools and separate bathing quarters for men and women. It is best for travelers seeking genuine medical thermal therapy rather than luxury pampering. Bring your own towels and standard bathing gear as the facility functions primarily as a local public utility.
The highly mineralized water is rich in sodium chloride and calcium bicarbonate which is pumped directly from local deep wells. The facility is a modern municipal bathhouse featuring separate indoor pools for men and women as well as private family bathing rooms. It is a great alternative for travelers who want a cleaner and more contemporary facility than the older Medrese bathhouse down the road. Bring your own bathing gear and towels as rentals are not provided.
Common questions
What is the water temperature at Kizilcahamam Buyuk Kaplica?▾
The water temperature at Kizilcahamam Buyuk Kaplica ranges up to 44°C (minimum around 42°C).
Is Kizilcahamam Buyuk Kaplica free to visit?▾
Kizilcahamam Buyuk Kaplica charges an entrance fee in TRY.
Is Kizilcahamam Buyuk Kaplica a public or private bath?▾
Kizilcahamam Buyuk Kaplica is a public bathing spring.
Are tattoos allowed at Kizilcahamam Buyuk Kaplica?▾
Yes, Kizilcahamam Buyuk Kaplica welcomes visitors with tattoos.
What is the nearest station to Kizilcahamam Buyuk Kaplica?▾
The nearest station to Kizilcahamam Buyuk Kaplica is Kizilcahamam Bus Terminal, about 1km away.