History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Kale-i Bâla (popularly known as Yukarı Kale or Varoş Kale) is an enormous medieval defensive castle rising on one of the steepest and highest peaks of the Fırtına Valley, within the borders of the Kaçkar Mountains National Park. The castle, which was actively used during the Greek Empire of Trebizond and the Ottoman period in the 14th and 15th centuries, became the most strategic surveillance base controlling the historical caravan route extending to İspir and Eastern Anatolia via Fırtına Valley. The semicircular towers and steep rocky walls of the building, which is architecturally similar to Zil Kale in the lower valley, are still standing. According to legend, Kale-i Bâla guards would inform Zil Kale of caravan dangers with the help of trumpets and fire towers on foggy days, and no enemy force passing through the valley could escape the eyes of these mountain eagles. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The castle was built on a steep rocky hill at an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters above sea level, within the borders of Kale Village, 40 km south of Çamlıhemşin district center. It is surrounded by lush spruce forests, alpine meadows, the roaring Fırtına Creek canyon and the misty peaks of the Kaçkar Mountains. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the castle ruins is completely free (inside the Kaçkar Mountains National Park).•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to visitors 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset (07:30 - 19:30).•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Hiking shoes are a must as the last 150 meters of the stone-stepped mountain path to the castle contains steep and uneven ground; Not wheelchair or stroller accessible.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a historical information board, observation terrace and a country cafe in Kale village. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Kale Köyü Mevkii, Fırtına Valley Upper Region, 53780 Çamlıhemşin/Rize.•Road Condition and Vehicle Suitability: It can be reached in 40 km by following the asphalt and partially parquet valley road from Çamlıhemşin towards Zil Kale and Şenyuva. The last part is a winding mountain road and can be overcome by all passenger vehicles with careful driving.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Transportation is provided up to the Kale pathway junction by Çat and Kale village plateau minibuses departing from Çamlıhemşin center.•Parking Availability:There are free car parking pockets on the roadside at the beginning of the castle path. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:Wide-angle views extending from the stone towers of the castle to the depths of Fırtına Valley and the sea of clouds produce postcard-worthy frames.•Light and Shooting Hours:The moments when the fog clouds rising from the valley surround the castle in the early morning hours and the golden hour in the afternoon are unique.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:On your return from the castle tour, you should taste buttered Black Sea muhlama, corn bread, trout and strong Rize tea in the wooden mountain facilities in the valley.