Daday Ballıdağ

Ballıdağ is a forested mountain and plateau region located within the borders of Daday district in Kastamonu province, with an altitude of approximately 1,570 meters. It is known as an "oxygen reservoir" thanks to its dense forests covered with trees such as black pine, Scots pine, beech, and fir. It is an important destination for ecological tourism, nature walks, horseback safaris, and winter sports. Located close to the Daday district center, Ballıdağ is approximately 30-35 km from the Kastamonu city center. With its clean air, lush green forests, and tranquil atmosphere, the region is an ideal escape for those seeking to get away from stress. Known for horse breeding since the Ottoman period, Daday has many horse farms and nature tourism activities around Ballıdağ. The most well-known feature of Ballıdağ is the Ballıdağ Chest Diseases Hospital (Sanatorium), established in the 1950s (around 1954-1958). Planned as Turkey's second largest chest diseases hospital, the facility was built in this forested area, chosen by experts from Switzerland due to its high oxygen levels. With a capacity of approximately 300-350 beds, the hospital served for many years in the treatment of diseases such as tuberculosis, asthma, and COPD; the famous writer Rıfat Ilgaz also received treatment there. It closed in the mid-2000s (approximately 2005-2009) and remained derelict for a long time.