---
title: Tortum Waterfall
slug: tortum-waterfall-f76d6
url: /detay/tortum-waterfall-f76d6
type: article
language: English
entity:
  primary: Tortum Waterfall
  type: article
  disambiguation: Stunning Tortum Waterfall in Turkey: a breathtaking 48m high cascade.  Visit Erzurum!
  categories:
    - name: Geology And Earth Sciences
      slug: jeoloji-ve-yeryuzu-bilimleri
      url: /kategori/jeoloji-ve-yeryuzu-bilimleri
    - name: Travel And Tourism
      slug: seyahat-ve-turizm
      url: /kategori/seyahat-ve-turizm
    - name: Geography
      slug: cografya-2
      url: /kategori/cografya-2
  tags:
    - Tortum Waterfall
    - erzurum uzundere
author: Zehra Yayla
created_at: 2025-05-27T15:48:49.609832+03:00
updated_at: 2025-06-11T15:15:59.169229+03:00
image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/05/27/eA2fX6fR0knyfucPweCSrqihfiXE5krz.png
---

# Tortum Waterfall

<!-- CONTEXT: KURE Information Cards for "Tortum Waterfall" -->

## KURE Information Cards

### KURE Information Card: Tortum Waterfall

![lzLwlPTFlsg0kvn6GDDk6yvEHCJlt1Ox.webp](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/05/27/eqgOM3Pgp6rJbeMYbhOxrMe0rAooXg2t.webp)

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Width(Text) | 21–22 m |
| Location | Erzurum / Türkiye |
| Tourism Types | Picnic Area,Water Sports,Nature Tourism |
| Water Source | Lake Tortum and Tev Valley |
| Elevation(s)(Text) | Apx. 1,000 m |

<!-- CONTEXT: Article Content for "Tortum Waterfall" -->

## Article Content

[Tortum Waterfall](/en/detay/tortum-selalesi-a9337/llms.txt) is a natural waterfall located in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye, within the boundaries of the [Uzundere district](/en/detay/uzundere-district-b1081/llms.txt) in [Erzurum province](/en/detay/erzurum-province-e5e63/llms.txt). Formed at the point where [Lake Tortum](/en/detay/tortum-lake-8b912/llms.txt) flows toward the Tev Valley, the waterfall is one of the highest in the country and attracts attention both for its geological formation and its touristic significance.

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/27/aoeoXNMGBUCdUukztLBMNzB6Zf96oXH9.jpg)
*Tortum Waterfall in Erzurum (Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture – Culture Portal)*

### **Formation and Geographical Location**

Tortum Waterfall was formed in the 18th century as a result of a massive landslide that broke off from Mount Kemerlidağ and blocked the Tev Valley, through which the Tortum Stream flows. This landslide also led to the formation of Lake Tortum. As the water from the lake began to flow northward into the valley, it created a waterfall approximately 48 meters in height and 21–22 meters in width. Located at an elevation of about 1,000 meters above sea level, the waterfall lies approximately 95 to 100 kilometers north of [Erzurum](/en/detay/erzurum-9302c/llms.txt) city center. Administratively, it is currently within the boundaries of the Uzundere district; until 1987, however, it was part of the [Tortum district](/en/detay/tortum-district-920e7/llms.txt).

### **Geomorphological Features**

Tortum Waterfall flows over highly resistant limestone layers, and at the point where the water cascades down, a natural hollow known as a “plunge pool” has formed. On sunny days, rainbow reflections occur where the water flows, enhancing the site’s visual appeal. These aesthetic features have made the waterfall a prominent destination for nature tourism throughout the year.

![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/27/8Pdnu23zOuWTUudxSmeP7VXg6nxByQun.jpg)

[Tortum Waterfall in Erzurum (Republic of Türkiye Erzurum Governorship)](http://www.erzurum.gov.tr/tortumselalesi)

### **Usage and Touristic Function**

The area surrounding the waterfall offers visitors natural viewing terraces, walking paths, and picnic spots, attracting significant attention particularly during the spring and summer months. The water flow reaches its peak in May and June, while a reduction in flow is often observed from July onwards. Additionally, there are designated areas in the region where various water sports can be practiced.

Tortum Waterfall has contributed to Türkiye’s electricity supply through a [hydroelectric power plant](/en/detay/hydroelectric-power-plant/llms.txt) constructed between 1952 and 1960. Although this facility has influenced the waterfall’s water regime, it has also helped preserve its natural appearance.

### **International Significance and Ranking**

Some local sources claim that with its height of 48 meters, the waterfall ranks among the highest in the world, purportedly placing third after Victoria Falls (120 m) and [Niagara Falls](/en/detay/niagara-falls-1a485/llms.txt) (51 m). However, this claim is not extensively verified in scientific literature. Nonetheless, Tortum Waterfall is recognized as one of the highest and visually most impressive waterfalls in Türkiye.

<!-- CONTEXT: Academic Sources and References for "Tortum Waterfall" -->

## Academic Sources and References

1. Erzurum Governorate. “Tortum Waterfall.” Accessed April 12, 2025. http://www.erzurum.gov.tr/tortumselalesi
2. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the “Tortum Waterfall.” Erzurum Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. Accessed April 12, 2025.
3. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism. 2024. “Tortum Waterfall – Erzurum.” Turkey Culture Portal. Accessed May 27, 2025. https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/erzurum/gezilecekyer/tortum-selalesi