Pertek

Pertek is a town in Tunceli Province, eastern Turkey, located about 30 km south of Tunceli city on the shore of the Keban Dam Lake. The population is around 6,000. Pertek Castle, situated on a small island in the lake, is the town's iconic landmark. The castle was originally on a hilltop but became an island when the Keban Dam flooded the valley in the 1970s.

The climate is continental with cold winters and warm summers. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The town is small and quiet.

By Plane

Elazığ Airport (EZS, 100 km south, 1.5 hr).

By Car / Road

Pertek is on the D885 highway between Tunceli (30 min) and Elazığ (1.5 hr). Minibuses connect to both cities.

The town is walkable. A boat or kayak is needed to reach the castle island.

• Pertek Castle — A 14th-century castle on an island in Keban Dam Lake, accessible by boat. The fortress has impressive stone walls and towers. Boat trips available from the Pertek shore.

• Keban Dam Lake — The vast reservoir offers scenic boat trips and fishing.

• Pertek Ulu Mosque — A 16th-century Ottoman mosque in the town.

• Boat trip to Pertek Castle island.

• Fishing on Keban Dam Lake.

• Photography of the castle at sunset.

• Pertek Balıkçısı — Lakefront restaurant serving freshwater fish.

Tea houses overlooking the lake.

• Budget: Pertek Misafirhanesi — basic guesthouse, around 300 TL.

Fresh fish from the lake. Local agricultural produce.

• Tunceli (30 km north, 30 min) — Provincial capital and gateway to Munzur Valley.
• Elazığ (100 km south, 1.5 hr) — City with Harput Castle and museums.
• Munzur Valley National Park (40 km north, 45 min) — Alpine scenery and hiking.