Anzer Plateau (Honey Village)

Description

It is an area in the İkizdere district of Rize, known for its natural beauty.

Story

Anzer Plateau, named after one of the world's most valuable honeys, stretches at elevations between 2100-3000 meters on the slopes of the Kaçkar Mountains. It is not only a natural wonder but also a botanical garden rarely found elsewhere in the world. This plateau, located in İkizdere district of Rize and officially called Ballıköy (Honey Village), is a focus point for scientists and nature enthusiasts with its 450-500 flower species. The fact that approximately 80-90 of these plant species are endemic, growing only on this plateau, makes Anzer an invaluable treasure in terms of biodiversity. What gives famous Anzer Honey its unique aroma and healing properties is the gathering of these unique and pure flower essences by Caucasian bees. Architecturally, the plateau reflects the high-altitude settlement character of the Black Sea with its traditional stone and wood mixed houses. When you reach Anzer, the air that greets you is clean enough to refresh your lungs and smells of thyme. The crystal-clear streams flowing from the steep slopes of the plateau feed the valley below, while the mist filtering through the mountains and settling over the houses offers visitors a fairytale-like atmosphere. Anzer stands out not only for its honey but also with the nature sports opportunities it offers such as trekking routes and paragliding. This place is like a pharmacy that nature has offered to humanity and at the same time a visual art gallery. Time flows at Anzer Plateau in a completely different rhythm than the chaos of the city. Watching the flower fields shining with dew drops in the early morning hours, joining the sincere conversations of the local people, and drinking the ice-cold plateau water is an experience that refreshes the human soul. The plateau festivals organized in summer bring the cultural vibrancy of the region to its peak. Although Anzer is famous for its honey, when you go there, you understand that the real wealth is hidden in the silence of untouched nature. This is the homeland of the sweetest miracle that the earth offers, at one of the closest points to the sky.

Visit Tips

• If you want to buy genuine Anzer Honey, prefer cooperative-approved sealed jars and be sure to get information about the production season beforehand.
• Due to sharp turns and high altitude differences along the road, drive carefully and ensure vehicle maintenance is done in advance.
• To preserve the plateau's endemic flora structure, avoid picking flowers and show maximum sensitivity to environmental cleanliness.
• Since air temperature can drop suddenly, be sure to bring thick and windproof clothing even in July.

Photos