Bulak Mencilis Cave

Mencilis - also called Bulak cave - runs several kilometres into the hillside above the village of Bulak, of which a few hundred metres are lit and fitted with walkways for visitors. The developed section passes through galleries of stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstone, with an underground stream running through the lower level and a large chamber partway in; beyond the visitor route the system continues with sumps and passages explored by cavers. The entrance is reached by a stairway of around two hundred and fifty steps climbing the slope from the car park, which is the effort involved, and the cave stays cool and damp inside year-round. It sits ten kilometres from Safranbolu, and the drive out through the villages is pleasant. Along with Tokatlı canyon and Yörük Köyü it makes up the set of half-day trips people do from the old town when they have finished walking its streets.

What you actually see

• The lit galleries - several hundred metres of walkway.
• The underground stream - water running through the lower level.
• The formations - columns, curtains and flowstone.
• The entrance stairway - the climb up to the cave mouth.

When to go

Year-round; the cave is constant inside and unaffected by weather. Weekday mornings are quietest.

Honest expectations

Around 250 steps up before you even enter, and more inside - not suitable for limited mobility. It is damp and slippery underfoot. A car is needed from Safranbolu.

Nearby

Safranbolu's old town is 10 km away; Tokatlı canyon and Yörük Köyü are in the same district.