Handüzü Plateau

Description

A popular natural area in Rize known for its natural beauty, thermal springs, and highland life.

Story

Handüzü Plateau, the highest and widest plateau of Rize's Güneysu district, is located at approximately 1800-1900 meters elevation and is one of the plateau points closest to the city's coastal strip. What makes Handüzü special is the magnificent panoramic view it offers; on a clear day, when looking from the plateau's peaks, it's possible to see both the vast blue of the Black Sea and Rize city center on one side, and the snowy peaks of the Kaçkar Mountains on the other side simultaneously. The plateau takes its name from the wide and smooth flatlands on it. These flatlands have been the center of animal husbandry and plateau festivals for the region's people for centuries. Handüzü has transformed into one of Rize's most popular nature tourism centers with modern facilities built in recent years and nature-compatible bungalow houses. The plateau's vegetation displays all the beauties of the transition from the Black Sea's typical humid forests to alpine meadows. The plateau, adorned with purple zifin flowers and yellow rhododendrons with the melting of snows in spring, transforms into a botanical garden. Handüzü not only offers a visual feast but is also an attraction point for adrenaline enthusiasts with its adventure courses, bicycle paths, and hiking routes. The plateau's clean air and low humidity rate are seen as a traditional healing source for the region's people. The plateau festivals held at Handüzü are moments when horon and kemence sounds echo at the peaks, when Black Sea culture is experienced most enthusiastically. For visitors, Handüzü is the most spacious escape point reachable by a short vehicle journey from Rize center. The observation terraces on the plateau offer unique opportunities to watch the sea of clouds and capture the colors of sunset. Modern accommodation facilities are ideal for families who want to spend time in nature without compromising comfort. Handüzü Plateau is a successful example combining Rize's traditional plateau spirit with a modern tourism vision. Waking up one morning here and watching the fog rising from the valley is enough to understand the spirit of the Black Sea. Handüzü is like Rize's wide and spacious balcony opening to the sky, containing both nature's wildness and the aesthetics created by human touch.

Visit Tips

• Handüzü is quite close to Rize center and the road is good, so access by passenger vehicle is easier compared to other plateaus.
• Don't miss the opportunity to photograph Rize city lights and stars in the same frame from the observation terrace on the plateau at night.
• Since transportation is usually kept open even in winter months, it's an ideal stop for enjoying a barbecue or sucuk-bread in the snow scenery.
• Be sure to try the region-specific 'honey-butter-cornbread' trio at breakfast in the plateau's social facilities.

Photos