The richest source of mineral water in Ankara County is Kızılcahamam County. The name of the county is derived from two words - "kizil", meaning red (due to the colour of the soil) and "hamam" - bath (there are a large number of old baths preserved here). Like the whole county, the administrative centre has been actively developing in recent years. In addition to all kinds of mineral springs, Kızılcahamam is also known for its very rich nature. There is a sufficient number of of coniferous forests. It is a favourite place for walks and recreation for the residents of Ankara. So it is not surprising that a large number of picnic lovers and those who just want to relax in the lap of nature. And among those who come here here a large percentage are not only residents of the capital, but also tourists from the most distant regions of the country.
In the area of the county, 80 kilometres from Ankara is the Kiziljahamamam National Park Souksu with hot springs: Ayash Karakaya, Haymana and Gordion. In Soğuksu National Park also has a mineral spring called Altınsu. The water in this spring is very tasty and healthy. It is not by chance that the local municipality organises an annual water festival here. Around The spring has a large common pool, around which there are layers of therapeutic mud. It is believed that this mud helps in the treatment of skin diseases. The disadvantage is that there are no hotel facilities near the complex.
The geothermal springs of Kızılcahamam combine several springs. - Küçük Kaplıca, Büyük Kaplıca, Kyzıldjahamamam Maden Suyu and Kyzıldjahamamam Kaplijası. These sources have been used since Roman times. All of them are located in the very centre of the county, at an altitude of about 975 kilometres above sea level.
When drinking the mineral waters of these springs, there is an improvement in the condition of patients with stomach diseases, as well as in people with diseased liver and bile ducts. Here it is possible to take baths, after which there is relief for those suffering from hardening of vertebrae and joints, rheumatism and many other diseases. These waters help those who suffer from digestive disorders, gastrointestinal tract, also this water improves the blood circulation, as it is rich in carbon dioxide, salt and alkalis. The temperature of these waters averages about 41 to 42 degrees centigrade. They have a very high levels of radioactive substances. Kizilcahamam waters are the fourth most beneficial in Turkey, which is confirmed by the reports of the by the Turkish Ministry of Health. Therefore, it is not by chance that modern sanatoriums have been built here. Here you can also find specialists in physical therapy.
The geothermal spring of Ajisu is located four kilometres from the county centre. The water in this spring is recognised as the most carbonated in the county, and its with a temperature of 34 degrees centigrade. This spring will be good for people suffering from bronchitis and digestive disorders.
Near Ajisu there is another mineral spring - Kyzyljahamamam Maden. The height of this spring above sea level is 1050 metres, and the temperature of the water in it is 18 degrees Celsius. Kyzyljahamamam Maden is the second most important mineral spring in the world. Its water contains soda, calcium, magnesium and chlorine, and its water consumption helps in the treatment of digestive organs, liver disease, gallbladder disease, diabetes, obesity, pancreatic disease, regulates blood circulation, breaks down fat, improves metabolism.
Higher up in the mountains is Bolu, the capital of the ila, famous for its cuisine, and most importantly for its extremely tasty yoghurt. To the north of here among the hills is the Yedigöller National Park with its seven lakes, an ideal place for hiking.
