Belgrad Forest Orienteering Experience

Belgrad Forest: A Rooted Address to Get Acquainted with Maps and Compasses

Belgrad Forest has a vast deciduous forest cover spreading over the Sarıyer ridges in the north of İstanbul. The dense texture formed by beech, oak, and hornbeam creates a cool and shaded environment even in summer. The dams, arches, and waterways from the Ottoman period give the area a unique character; these structures are both visible references and distinct signs that can be easily read on the map. Belgrad Forest is one of the areas where the sport of route-finding in nature with maps and compasses has been applied for the longest time in Turkey. Thanks to its proximity to the city center, it is possible to create a program where you can hit the road in the morning and return in the afternoon.

The most distinctive feature of the area is the density of the trail network. The forest roads, running tracks, and narrow goat paths that intersect with each other create a highly suitable laboratory for a participant who wants to learn how to navigate. The terrain is generally gently sloping; the stream beds and the low ridges around the dam provide an ideal ground for understanding the contour lines by looking at the terrain. The thickening shrub cover at times concretely shows what the green tones on the map mean.

What We Do During the Day

The event starts with a short outdoor lesson by the guide. First, we solve the language of the map: scale, contour lines, color codes, and control point recognition signs are explained one by one. Then, you take the compass in your hand and try to orient the map to the north and take a walking direction towards where you want to go. These basic exercises are done in a way that everyone can see clearly, on the edge of an open dam.

After the warm-up tour, we move on to the logic of control points. The orange-white control flags placed in the forest show the circles on the map; the description next to each point tells exactly what the flag is next to. You record your passage by reading your electronic SI card to the unit at the point. Thus, at the end of the course, you can see how much time you spent on which leg. The guide accompanies the group at the first points; as confidence increases, participants start making their own decisions.

Who Can Participate and What to Bring

The program is designed for adults and families; not having read a map before is not a problem. Different difficulties are offered, from a short and trail-heavy initial course to a medium-level course that requires preferences within the forest. Children can share the same course with their parents. The half-day option is approximately three to four hours, and the full-day option is around six hours, including breaks and a second course.

Bring a closed terrain shoe with a gripping sole, long pants that can push branches away, at least one liter of water, and a small snack. The guide provides safety with a whistle, first aid kit, and gathering point information; the group never leaves the area. Belgrad Forest is a protected area: we do not unnecessarily leave the trail, carry our trash back, and do not disturb the wildlife. You can create your registration immediately to participate in this limited-capacity experience.