Take your time to visit this place if you enjoy history. Is worth the walk to the entire facility. If you wish to do that, be prepare for an easy hike into the mountain across de field. Wear long pants, sport shoes, and if possible long sleeve or get some bug repellant many flying insects in the fields. Don’t worry they don’t attack but it is sometimes annoying when you look up and see hundreds or when you move your arms quickly and touch them. I was with short sleeve and no issues what so ever

Go to the museum first. It’s best to come to the castle by car or bus. If the big gate on the east side isn’t open, it’s 5 km, around the farms to the lake side entrance. There are very few signs to guide you. I had to ask a farmer for help. The climb to the top is strenuous and uneven. Wear good shoes. It’s sad to see how much trash is everywhere. The Turks can learn from the Greeks about how to care for historical sites. The view is nice. It’s very difficult to get to the Xerxes Epigraph. There are bees everywhere. If you are allergic, then don’t go!

Such a beautiful Castle. You have to visit! You can see the city site and also on the other side you can see Van lake. It is a little bit hard to find the entrance to the Castle. And also there are two-part divided.

Sehr schön. Kann ich auch empfehlen. Wasser mitnehmen :-) Ist nicht grade soooo leicht bis nach oben. Die aussicht auf VAN ist sehr schön von dort oben

Nice hike with amazing city and lake view. The way up and down a bit slippery, so prepare a comfortable shoes and get some water with you. Entrance fee is 12 liras, which is reasonable for such a nice sight. I was really enjoying the walk 😊

You must visit the castle to witness how narrow it is.

It could be an amazing attraction but it is not taken care of, and it is not easy to visit. Even the part where the Xerxes inscription is located is super interesting but there is not even an entrance. There are ancient churches completely ruined that could be restored and exhibited as tourist attraction. It has great potential but poorly administered.

I read some comments and saw that some people are bored here but its not because of the fortress I think. ☹️If you dont like history do not visit such places. I disagree with you, it is a perfect place to see. The only problem is the toilet. Its dirty, it should be clean, and they should put toilet paper 🧻

This location from outside looks soo huge & impressive that some people of our group didn't feel good to climb to the top. We had to check the history through some reviews & websites to understand the history of this palace that exists for almost 3 000 years & so many civilizations left traces there. I hope one day they will be able to restore it and facilitate the access.

Nice castle with a great full view of Van and Van Lake. We went when there is snow there, and it's beautiful. However, the way back down can be a little slippery so watch out for your steps. The castle can be better if the authorities put in more attention to it. Not much people when we went there in late December. We hope the local authorities can put more attention to the historic castle such as cleanliness and building new toilets. All in all, we we enjoyed our visit there and hope to visit there again next time.

What a nice place in spring season.. I love the atmosphere and nature.. you should ensure to take your time here

Its kinda hiking with impressive slope :) be prepared for a 20 min foot pain but at the end u see the whole city under you. Should go definitely

Nice walk up to the castle and a great view over the city, lake and mountains

It's okay. Views are nice but there's garbage on the ground even with a lot of trash cans. And there is no cafe or shop anywhere to buy water. I would not come again.

Beautiful at sunset. Worth a visit.

Its a cool short 30’ visit while in Van