What you need to know before going off road in Istanbul
What is needed to do Off Road in Istanbul? So first of all, what is off-road?
Before giving information about Istanbul off-road places, “What is off-road, how is it done?” Let’s talk about.
Off-road is an adventurous journey with 4×4 off-road vehicles in the harsh conditions of nature. Although it is not exactly a sportive activity, it is possible to say that it is an adventure that is evaluated between both hobby and sport. Driving on challenging tracks under difficult conditions in nature is very enjoyable for off-road enthusiasts. In recent years, it has become very common in our country as well as in the world. In addition to being a personally enjoyable activity, organizations with a competitive nature are organized. There are off-road organizations where professional drivers compete on special tracks.
What brings joy to drivers is being able to navigate in difficult conditions and be able to pass those force fields. So much so that off-road tracks; steep ramps, muddy swamp-style floors, deep waters are difficult tracks that require crossing. Of course, such tracks can only be crossed with off-road vehicles. It is not possible to cover these roads with a passenger car. The aim of the competition is to cross the obstacles that seem impossible to overcome and reach the end. Since it is not possible to find these tracks in the city, special areas are searched and track arrangements are made. There are areas suitable for off-road enthusiasts in Istanbul. For Istanbul, which hosts many special off-road areas, it is possible to give the following answers to the question of where to do off-road in Istanbul.
ORGANIZING ISTANBUL OFF ROAD TOURS
FOLLOWING ISTANBUL OFF ROAD TOURS
In our country, off road tours are organized on many special or normal days. In general, these tours are organized on special days such as 23 April and 19 May in coordination with the presidency of the off road clubs in our country. Most of the off road tours are organized in Istanbul, which represents our country as a mega city. Off road tours organized in Istanbul are generally organized by Istanbul Off Road Club İSOFF .
AREAS WHERE OFF ROAD TOURS ARE ORGANIZED
When Istanbul is mentioned, an urbanized metropolitan structure full of high-rise buildings comes to mind. But there are also places in the city that will take you away from the city and stay alone with nature on weekends. These places are located far from the city center of Istanbul. These places are used as off-road places where those who love to do sports with off-road vehicles fight on weekends.
Generally, Off Road Tours are organized in the mines area around Kemerburgaz District of Eyüp district of Istanbul. Kemerburgaz Çiftalan region has an excellent forest. An off road race track is located inside the forest road. Off road enthusiasts do not have to pay any fee to use this track. You can experience the excitement of racing in forest land conditions by taking your off-road vehicles to this track, which is free of charge. It is a place not only for off road enthusiasts, but also for the family to get away from stress and relax.
Another venue in Istanbul is the off road track located in Demirciköy, a district of Sarıyer, Garipçe. It is one of the most preferred places for off road tours. Because this is an easy track suitable for beginners. However, if you want to race on a more challenging track professionally, it is recommended to go to Uskumruköy in the Sarıyer region. The off road track, located in the Kısırkaya region in Uskumruköy, is one of the most difficult venues in Istanbul. In addition, there is another track, which is in high demand, in the Gümüşdere section of Uskumruköy.
There are impressive venues on the Anatolian side of Istanbul that will host off-road tours. If you want to feel that you belong to nature, relax, stay away from the eyes, and get rid of the negative energy on you, you should prefer Ömerli Dam on this side.
After the Ömerli dam, the Şile road is in front of us. Apart from the picnic areas, there are also off-road tracks. Şile is an indispensable place for off road enthusiasts. Since the forest road in Şile is a difficult terrain, it creates a breathtaking challenge for off-road vehicles. It is also known that there are areas where off road trips can be made in the upper parts of Tuzla and Kurtköy regions on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. New discoveries are made and tours are organized in these areas.
Information about the place where off road tours can be organized is given above. These places are known and recognized until now. However, the number of off-road places in the Istanbul region is increasing over time. Those who want to enjoy driving in these difficult conditions of nature want to embark on new adventures over time. However, there are discoveries of new tracks. Nowadays, places where off road tours and races can be organized are being created in Çekmeköy and Polonezköy. Istanbul is a city that provides opportunities for off road tracks due to its geographical feature.
Istanbul is one of the meeting points of many off road lovers, as well as providing training and seminars on off road sports in our country. In this sense, off road training is given privately by many different associations, clubs and companies throughout Istanbul. Off-road driving in Istanbul can be learned in a short time with these institutions and organizations that both explain vehicle models and parts and teach the use of off-road vehicles one-on-one.
Off Road Vehicle Driving Trainings in Istanbul
Off Road Driving Training in Istanbul
Firms Providing Off Road Training in Istanbul
- WILD The services of the company, which is a television channel and also appeals to people with nature-related publications and products, include off-road trainings. It is possible to get detailed information from the center of the company, which provides off-road training in two different options with accommodation and camping opportunities.
- Transformation Driving Training Center The Transformation Driver Training Center, which provides training for many different vehicles, offers its users a program that provides both theoretical and driving opportunities for off-road vehicles. After the training, which lasts for six hours in total, the trainees are put to the test and the certificates issued by the company are given to the users.
- İSOFF It is possible to get detailed off road vehicle trainings with İSOFF (Istanbul Off Road Club), which appeals to off road lovers in Istanbul. İSOFF, which provides the opportunity to receive one-on-one training from people who have devoted their lives to this sport with its highly specialized and talented staff, is also known as the largest off road club in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Jeep Safari With the off road training given by the Istanbul Jeep Safari company, it is possible to drive off road in Belgrade and Ayazağa forests. After three hours of training in Belgrad Forest with sausage bread and tea, the training in Ayazağa forest is offered at a reasonable price of 89 liras.
Istanbul Off Road Trips
Enjoying Safari with Off-Road Vehicles in Istanbul!
There are many companies that provide safari services for off road lovers in Istanbul. Istanbul off road safari companies, which provide service in forest areas in Istanbul or on private lands on the coast, offer people the opportunity to experience the excitement of off road in this sense. There are Istanbul off road safari companies that combine different activities with the safari service and make their customers love not only this sport but also nature.
Istanbul Jeep Safari
One of the services offered by the Istanbul Jeep Safari company is to provide an off road experience! In addition to the Istanbul off road safari rides organized in many different areas in Istanbul, the company also offers its customers the opportunity to train with this driving opportunity. Istanbul 4. The company serving in its office located in Levent; It offers its customers a three-hour off road safari tour on a track that starts in the Belgrad forest and has natural obstacles. Meanwhile, expert off-road drivers, who also give basic steering training, off-road gear usage, crane use and rope tying, accompany the people.
After this three-hour tour, the tour is completed with a two-hour training in the Ayazağa forest to complete the rest of the training, after the meal consisting of sausage and bread on the barbecue and served to the customers with tea. The company, which offers this service at very affordable prices, also offers private lessons and trainings for individuals. It will be sufficient to call 0 (212) 279 15 45 / 0 (544) 491 77 88 to get more detailed information and to benefit from suitable reservation prices.
Safari and Camping Sites
Many websites and applications that enable people living in Istanbul to take part in various activities and live their lives to the fullest come up when we do a few searches on Google. Istanbul off road safari firm added off road trips to the services it offers to its users. The company, which provides tour services with 4×4 vehicles to its users in many different locations, usually organizes tours in Istanbul Sapanca. These tours, made with off-road vehicles, are offered for four people and take an average of five hours. During the tour, which takes a break at Soğucak waterfalls, activities such as sausage, bread and camping are offered to customers at very reasonable prices. More detailed information and reservations are available online.
Off-Road Trip with Wild TV
Like the Istanbul off-road safari experience, Wild TV, which many of us are familiar with, provides tour services to group and corporate companies with off-road vehicles. The company generally rents off-road vehicles for TV series shootings. YABANTV, which also organizes educational driving tours for its customers, can reach the training or events it has organized in many cities, especially in Istanbul, via its website; You can examine the terms, conditions and pricing in more detail.
Off-Road Areas for Istanbul
1- Kemerburgaz is the first recommended place in Istanbul for those who do their off-road driving only as a personal interest area. All off-road enthusiasts already know the special off-road track on the forest road in Kemerburgaz. Moreover, there is no fee to enter the park. Some off-road races organized by İSOFF in Istanbul are held at this track in Kemerburgaz.
2- The second proposed area is the Ömerli Dam and the surrounding areas. The surrounding of Ömerli Dam is a very nice place to enjoy both barbecue and off-road driving. Ömerli Dam, which is also used as a picnic area, is generally a quiet area that is not crowded. It is ideal for pleasant driving.
3- As for another suggestion, one of the most popular places among Istanbul off-road destinations is Şile. It can be said that Şile, the touristic district of Istanbul, is the most suitable area for off-road. Off-road enthusiasts make very enjoyable rides in the forested areas and byways of Şile. It is the region where 4×4 off-road vehicles are most common.
4- Off-road driving is mostly seen in the mines located in Kemerburgaz and Çiftalan in Istanbul. There are also small ponds here. Off-roaders can find the opportunity to camp around the ponds. Off-road trips are generally carried out in the company of groups.
5- Another track used as an off-road area in Istanbul is located on Kayışdağı. Kayisdagi is located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. It offers drivers a nice opportunity to climb. Although it is a very challenging area, it is a track that off-road enthusiasts enjoy climbing.
6- Sarıyer, one of the most beautiful districts of Istanbul, is also home to off-road lovers. There is a pleasant and relatively easy track to pass in the Garipçe locality in Demirciköy. Transportation here is a bit of a hassle. Uskumruköy Kısırkaya location, also in Sarıyer, is a difficult driving track that leads to the Black Sea coast. Another off-road track of Sarıyer is the track located in Uskumruköy Gümüşdere locality.
Important Off Road Routes in Istanbul
Istanbul is not just a big city view, and contrary to popular belief, it has very important off-road routes. These routes are visited by racing enthusiasts, especially on weekends, and are the scene of exciting races. While participating in these races, it is essential to know the routes, even though there are vehicles with powerful equipment. Knowing these routes helps you know where the road leads and whether you are on the right track.
Difficult Terrains
Among the Istanbul off-road routes, the place with the most difficult map is the Kayisdagi region. You can feel very far from the city with the view of this region known as “Kayisdagi Fire Road Climbing Route”. In addition, there is one thing to be aware of when going to this region. Since the region is on a difficult terrain, most of the gasoline in your vehicle is consumed during transportation. Therefore, you should fill your tank completely in order not to be stranded here. If you don’t have a gas problem on the Kayisdagi route, it can be said to be a very safe spot. This region brings the excitement of off road to the highest level with muddy terrain conditions and challenging paths.
For those who like difficult terrain, there is another route. The Odayeri mine ponds route, which remains on the Eyüp ridges, provides a great adrenaline rush with its pathways. It is very difficult to do off-road in this terrain in winter. An off road vehicle with 4×4 power is required for winter conditions. This track can be passed in 35 minutes under normal conditions. However, this is not possible in winter conditions. In winter, a much longer time is needed to complete the course.
Hard Race with Nature
There is a second track in Uskumruköy. This track starts from Gümüşdere. Just like in Kısırkaya, it is not easy to complete this track with plenty of muddy terrain. It does not extend to the Black Sea coast like the track in Kısırkaya. It ends in a part where the land is high.
There are many off-road routes in Sarıyer region. For this reason, Sarıyer is a highly preferred area among Istanbul off-road routes. The most famous off road route here is located in Garipçe Demirciköy. Demirciköy track is a much more advantageous place compared to many tracks in Istanbul. Because the track has very comfortable conditions. However, it is not easy to reach this track. For this reason, it is necessary to set off early and provide gasoline to go to this track. Another off-road route that attracts attention in Sarıyer is located in Uskumruköy. The muddy terrain on this track is very suitable for those who like difficult races. Located in Uskumruköy, Kısırkaya, this track becomes much more difficult in winter conditions. The track continues until the Black Sea coast.
Adrenaline Filled Routes
Kemerburgaz mines route, which is one of the most well-known routes among Istanbul off-road routes, is located on a rough terrain on the forest road. It is a very enjoyable track, as this place is not very crowded and the terrain has more comfortable conditions. The fact that there is no fee to follow this route also makes the track one of the favorite places. Professional off-road races are frequently held on this route.
Another important off road paradise in Istanbul is the Ömerli Dam and the surrounding areas. These areas are quite calm in summer and winter. Even in summer, not many people come to picnic. For this reason, it is especially preferred by off road enthusiasts. When the Ömerli Dam route is followed, the road joins the Şile road after a while. Şile has a special place among Off Road routes. However, before reaching Şile, there are new off-road routes on the ridges of the place, which connects the road following the Ömerli Dam route with Tuzla, and which have yet to be discovered by very few people.
Trails Combining Forest and Sea
Istanbul Şile is an indispensable area for off road races. The routes in Şile, where 4×4-style off-road vehicles achieve the most ideal driving, extend from the forest road towards the sea. Especially rainy weather is preferred to enjoy off road on Şile routes. Because when it rains here, the terrain turns into muddy terrain, which is exactly what off-road enthusiasts need. Only for this place, it is recommended never to go out without a crane. Because in a field where there is so much mud, getting stuck in the mud can sometimes be inevitable. Some of the Şile Off Road routes connect to Beykoz. Because Beykoz also carries many exciting routes in terms of off-road.
Last Stop on Istanbul Routes
The upper parts of Beykoz and Kanlıca on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, with its forested terrain and challenging conditions, welcomes racing enthusiasts every weekend. These lands are especially preferred by those who are new to this sport. Because, compared to other routes, they have tracks that can be passed a little easier. In addition, due to the fact that they are closer to the city center, a lot of gasoline is not consumed while reaching the track. This is another reason for preference. Since these places are on high hills, they receive more snowfall in winter. Therefore, quite powerful vehicles are needed to race here on snowy winter days.
Istanbul Off Road Park And Off Road Events
Istanbul Off road Park is the first world-class motor sports track in Turkey. Formula 1 Races, the world’s largest motor sports organization, were held on this track. Today, it also hosts Formula 1 Races. Although it was canceled this year due to the high rate of cases in Turkey within the scope of the pandemic conditions due to the covid 19 epidemic, many motor sports races are held at this track. Istanbul also hosts off road park races.
Features of Istanbul Offroad Park Track
The Off Road parking runway is located in the Kurtköy area of Istanbul, and is very close to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The length of the track is 5378 meters and has 14 bends in total. This track was designed by German track designer Hermann Tilke. The track, which spreads over a very large area, has a capacity of 150,000 people. Formula 1 races were held on this track from 2005 to 2010, and the track hosted thousands of people who love Formula 1 races from all over the world in these events.
The Most Ideal Off Road Areas in Istanbul
When Istanbul is mentioned, the metropolitan face of the city, full of high-rise buildings, always comes to mind. However, this does not mean that there are no places in the city where you can spend time alone with nature, taking you away from the city life on weekends. There are such pleasant places far from the city center of Istanbul, almost untouched, that these places provide the perfect environment as off-road venues where motor sports lovers compete fiercely on weekends.
Places In The City Away From The City
Kemerburgaz, which is a place that integrates with Istanbul, has a perfect forest. There is also an off road race track here as you head towards the forest road. However, while using this track, you do not have to pay any fees. You can enjoy the race in difficult forest terrain conditions by taking your off-road vehicle to this track, which is free of charge. It is an ideal place not only for racing enthusiasts, but also for a family weekend to relax. 90% of the off road lovers living on the European side of Istanbul camp in the forested areas of Kemerburgaz on weekends and shed their wolves by hitting the bottom of the mud in the old mines area.
Sarıyer Is A Complete Off Road Place
Another venue that hosts exciting off-road races with its magnificent view in Istanbul, the off-road track located in Demirciköy, Sarıyer, Garipçe, is a suitable venue for those who are just starting out in this sport. Because the track provides a much easier race opportunity compared to the tracks in Istanbul. However, if your preference is to fight on more difficult terrain, it is recommended to go to Uskumruköy, which is also located in the Sarıyer region. The off road track in Uskumruköy, Kısırkaya region, is known as one of the most challenging venues in Istanbul. There is another track in the Gümüşdere region in Uskumruköy. This track is also visited by many off road lovers on weekends.
Off-Road Journey to Nature on the Anatolian Side
Off road venues conquer the hearts of racing lovers with striking venues on the Anatolian side of Istanbul as well. The most important place in this region is near Ömerli Dam . This place is ideal for families who want to relax and stay away from the public. Because the number of people who come here for both camping and off-road racing is not many. Here you will feel completely belonging to nature and throw away your negative energy. When you go a little further from Ömerli dam, which we can recommend to off-road lovers who camp with a tent and live on the Anatolian side, you come across the road to Şile. The picnic areas and off-road areas on the Şile road are also quite remarkable. It is also impressive to see the sea view besides the lush trees here. Off Road enthusiasts describe Şile as the ideal place for them. In addition, since the forest road here is a difficult terrain, it offers a breathtaking off-road activity environment for 4×4 vehicles.
OFF ROAD IS DISCOVERING NATURAL WONDERS
Another place on the Anatolian side of Istanbul that will make off road enthusiasts happy is the lands in the upper parts of Tuzla district. In fact, starting from the upper parts of Pendik Kurtköy and moving towards Tuzla, it is possible to discover many unexplored off road routes in these areas. Off road lovers, who set out with the motto “off road discovers nature,” should research the land and the region on Google Maps before going to the off road area, and pay attention to the land level during exploration.
Off-Road Races in Istanbul
Off road park in Istanbul is also an ideal track for off road races . The final of the Off Road Championship in Turkey is held in Istanbul Park. Istanbul Park generally prepares for Off Road races in August. In addition, in order to encourage and encourage everyone who is interested in motor sports, races open to all off road vehicles would be held in Istanbul Park on certain days of each month, but these have been postponed for now due to covid19. ISOFF organizes the races in Istanbul, and to participate in the races, you can follow the race calendar on TOSFED and participate in these races by paying a small fee beforehand and filling out the participation form.
First off road race after the pandemic