Şavşat
Şavşat offers an extraordinary, officially certified Cittaslow (Slow City) alpine paradise, mirror lake, and medieval fortress experience. Its crowning natural jewel is Şavşat Karagöl (inside Karagöl-Sahara National Park)—a picturesque alpine landslide lake surrounded by pine forests, offering wooden walking paths and boat pedalo rentals. Visitors can explore the 10th-century Şavşat Castle perched
Tourist experience
Şavşat offers an extraordinary, officially certified Cittaslow (Slow City) alpine paradise, mirror lake, and medieval fortress experience. Its crowning natural jewel is Şavşat Karagöl (inside Karagöl-Sahara National Park)—a picturesque alpine landslide lake surrounded by pine forests, offering wooden walking paths and boat pedalo rentals. Visitors can explore the 10th-century Şavşat Castle perched on a rock pinnacle, visit the high Sahara Plateau for summer festivals, or walk through traditional wooden chalet villages like Yavuzköy. Gastronomy features PDO Şavşat Cheese (Şavşat Gorcola Peyniri), Gorcolo, and mountain flower honey.
Key points of interest
Investment outlook
Şavşat commands an outstanding Transparent Investment Score of 93.5/100, recognized as Northern Türkiye's premier Cittaslow-certified eco-tourism, alpine wooden chalet hospitality, and national park real estate investment market. Driven by high national and international tourist demand, chalet properties and boutique hotel investments yield exceptional returns. Residential buy prices average $1,300/m² with rapid annual capital appreciation (~47.0% YoY in USD).
Living here
Residing in Şavşat represents an idyllic, peaceful, clean, and Cittaslow-certified mountain lifestyle with pure spring water and clean high-oxygen air. Neighborhoods feature traditional wooden chalet homes, quiet community streets, zero urban noise, and close-knit highland solidarity.
History & cultural identity
Şavşat (historically Shavsheti, meaning 'Land of Black Forests' in ancient Georgian), dramatically situated on high alpine tablelands surrounded by dense Scotch pine forests in eastern Artvin bordering Georgia, holds a world-famous Cittaslow (Slow City), medieval Bagratid Georgian, and national park history. Serving in the 9th and 10th centuries as a royal capital of the Bagratid Kingdom of Tao-Klarjeti, the district is home to majestic stone fortresses like Şavşat Castle (Söğütlü Kalesi). Officially designated as a certified international Cittaslow town, Şavşat is globally celebrated for Karagöl-Sahara National Park and its pristine wooden chalet architecture.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Şavşat designated as a Cittaslow (Slow City)?+
Şavşat earned official international Cittaslow certification for preserving its traditional wooden architecture, pristine environment, quiet lifestyle, and organic local gastronomy.
What is the difference between Borçka Karagöl and Şavşat Karagöl?+
Borçka Karagöl is set in dense rainforests near Borçka, while Şavşat Karagöl is located inside Karagöl-Sahara National Park amidst high-altitude Scotch pine meadows.
How far is Şavşat from Central Artvin?+
Şavşat is located 70 kilometers (a 50-minute drive) east of Central Artvin along a smooth mountain highway.