What do you think about spending the day at an invigorating waterfall on a hot summer day?
Upper Düden Waterfall is one of the best recreational areas and it's located only about 12 kilometers northeast of Antalya. It's a magnificent natural beauty where you can breathe in the fresh air and take in the beautiful shades of green.
In this article, you will find all the information you need to visit Upper Düden Waterfall in Antalya and some tips about this place.
What Can I Do at Upper Düden Waterfall?
Upper Düden Waterfall is also called "Alexander Falls". It's said that Alexander the Great, who conquered Pamphylia between 334-333 BC, gave water to his horses while passing through this region.
This recreation spot is preferred by those who want to get away from the city center and find peace in nature. The pleasure of visiting the waterfall on a hot day is always welcome.
There are places for observing picturesque panoramas, as well as restaurants and cafes. You can find plenty of restaurants on the both sides of the lake. It's also possible to bring your own food and enjoy in the picnic areas. It is very refreshing to have a picnic by the creek and to soak your feet in the water to cool off.
Picturesque Views From the Caves
The caves behind the waterfall are very interesting formations. The cavities of the caves are like a window that offers a beautiful view. You can even pass under where the waterfall flows. Do not forget to watch the waterfall from the cave behind the flowing water. Sometimes in the caves you have to bend down and they can be quite humid. Therefore, it's important to be careful not to slip.
Entrance, Tickets, and Tours
How to Get to Upper Düden Waterfall
Upper Düden Waterfall is located in the Varsak District, inside the Kepez District.
- Minibus: You can take the Varsak minibuses departing from Antalya city center.
- Public Bus: It's also possible to get here with municipal buses numbers VC30, CV17A, VL62, VF66, VC69, 524, and 524A.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
You can visit Upper Düden Waterfall in all seasons. It is a great escape to find peace away from to the city center and is less crowded between November and April.
There is a small entrance fee. The Museum Pass Card is not valid here.
Upper Düden Waterfall is located in the Varsak District, inside the Kepez District.
Minibus: You can take the Varsak minibuses departing from Antalya city center.
Public Bus: It is also possible to get here with municipal bus numbers VC30, CV17A, VL62, VF66, VC69, 524, and 524A.
The History of Upper Düden Waterfall
The source of the Düden River is a series of karst springs, united under the general name Kırkgözler and are located around the 30th kilometer of the old Antalya-Burdur road. Their waters collect in one stream and are directed through channels to the turbines of the hydroelectric power stations in Kepez and then through an artificial canal passing through the city from west to east, where they reach a place called Düdenbaşı. The old riverbed starts there and is where Upper Düden waterfall is located.
The regulator, built in front of the Bıyıklı sinkhole, directs the Kırkgözler and Pınarbaşı waters into the canal to the Kepez hydroelectric power plant, where the pressure pipe transfers them to the equilibrium funnel and lowers it through the plant’s turbine. In Düdenbaşı, water again flows from a long-channel discharge unit, where it forms artificial cascades. From here, the amount of water forms a large river. Seven irrigation ditches distribute water to land northeast of Antalya.
The area where Upper Düden Waterfall is located was turned into a picnic and recreation area by the DSİ between 1970 and 1972.
Read about more waterfalls in the Antalya region here.