Oylat Cave

The Oylat valley sits in forested hills south-east of İnegöl, and it has two things: hot springs and a cave. The springs surface at around forty degrees and have been used since Roman and Byzantine times, with an Ottoman bath on the site and a cluster of thermal hotels there now. The cave, about 17 kilometres south-east of İnegöl at the end of the Oylat canyon, where the walls rise 450 to 500 metres, is some 730 metres long on two linked levels, formed along a fault in marble; a few hundred metres are walkable, with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstone, lit and fitted with walkways and steps, at a constant cool temperature that makes it a relief in summer. Getting to the mouth means a walk up through beech and pine from the road. Around the valley are picnic areas, a canyon and marked forest paths, and the whole place functions as a weekend retreat for Bursa rather than an international destination, which keeps it quiet on weekdays and full on Sundays.

What's there

• The cave passage - lit walkways past columns and flowstone.
• The thermal springs - the hot water and its bath buildings.
• The forest walk - the climb to the cave mouth through beech.
• The valley - picnic grounds and marked paths around.

When to go

April to June and September to October. Weekdays are quiet; Sundays fill with families from Bursa and İnegöl.

Practical notes

The cave involves steps and can be slippery underfoot. The walk to the entrance is uphill. Thermal facilities are hotel-run and charge separately. It is an hour from Bursa on ordinary roads.

Nearby

İnegöl is known for its köfte; Bursa and Uludağ are about an hour north-west.

Key facts