Where It Is & What It Is
Çamlıhemşin is a small town and district in the Rize Province of Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea Region, set high in the lush Fırtına Valley near the Kaçkar Mountains.

It lies inland from the Black Sea coast, surrounded by steep green mountains with abundant rainfall year-round.
The district covers about 880–885 km² and much of it is forested or mountainous.
The town itself sits at around 300 m above sea level, with valleys and high plateaus (yaylas) reaching much higher.

Population & Culture
The town of Çamlıhemşin is small, with around 1,763 people in the central town area as of 2021, though the wider district had a few thousand more.
The area has a mix of Hemshinli and Laz communities, two ethnic groups with distinctive languages and traditions.
Local culture includes unique clothing styles (e.g., bright orange headscarves among Hemshin women) and distinctive culinary traditions.

Climate & Nature
It has a temperate oceanic climate with rain nearly all year. Summers are cool (around 20–25 °C) and winters can be cold (down to −7 °C).
The landscape is vibrant green due to frequent rain, with deep river valleys, forested slopes, and high mountain pastures.
Top Attractions
Outdoor Experiences
Fırtına Valley – A picturesque valley carved by the Fırtına River, ideal for trekking, nature walks, and photography.
Zilkale Castle – A dramatic medieval castle perched on a cliff overlooking the valley — great for history and views.
Kaçkar Mountains & Yaylas (Plateaus) – High alpine pastures like Pokut and Amlakit are perfect for hiking and exploring summer landscapes.
Ottoman Stone Bridges – Numerous historic stone bridges over mountain streams are scattered through the valley.
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