Nature / Cave
Buzluk Cave (Ice Cave)
Merkez, Elazığ
A cave on the Harput plateau that freezes in summer but has no ice in winter, referred to as the only example of its kind in Türkiye.
Safety warning
Its story
The cave is about 12 km from central Elazığ and 6 km from Harput, on the northern slope of Buzluk Tepe, beneath a sinkhole formed under the influence of the fault line. Its most interesting feature is that ice forms inside in summer but not in winter: in summer the large temperature difference between inside and outside creates a strong air current, rapid evaporation lowers the temperature and icicles form. It is reported that while 22 °C is measured at the surface, 0 °C is measured 30 meters down, and that ice is present from spring until October. In the 1950s, ice taken from here was sold under the name 'Kudret Buzu' (Ice of Providence); the people of old Harput also used the cave to store food. Today, with no ice being taken, the cave is a favorite of those seeking coolness in the summer heat.
Key facts
- Period
- Natural formation
- Admission
- Open area
- Getting there
- About 6 km northeast of Harput
- Visit duration
- 45 minutes
Trip purpose
- Seasonal
- Photography
Location
38.73611, 39.28276
Where to eat nearby
No food & drink venues listed nearby.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps
Reviews
No approved reviews yet. Reviews are written in the app after a visit.
Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elazığ_Buzluk_Mağarası | https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harput | https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/3897367746