Mount Erciyes

Mount Erciyes is a massive extinct volcano located 25 km south of Kayseri and to the south of the Kayseri Valley. The volcano is heavily eroded now but researches show that it may have erupted as recently as 253 BC as possibly depicted on Roman coins. The volcanic ash of its eruptions has created nearby Cappadocia, where wind and water have shaped a landscape of fantastic forms.

Approximately 18 kilometers in diameter and with a height of 3 916 m, Mount Erciyes is the highest mountain in central Anatolia. The Sultan Marshes that lie to the west of Mount Erciyes are a habitat for many different species of birds and has been turned into a national park and wildlife reserve. The low region's climate is typical for the steppe regions: considerable amounts of snow fall during the winter season. Above that altitude, expanses of meadows stretch far into the distance. The higher elevations display typical alpine vegetation. Herds of animals graze year round on the eastern, northern, and western slopes of the mountain. Mountaineers attempt Mt. Erciyes either on the northwestern side or from the south. Climbing is best in June, July, August and September. Mount Erciyes is also famous for its skiing facilities and with a summit covered with snow year long, it allows a skiing season of 150 days a year.