If you are staying on Istanbul’s Asian side, in Kadıköy, Üsküdar or near Beykoz, you might assume horse riding means staying on your side of the Bosphorus. There are farms around Beykoz and Polonezköy, and they can be fine for a short forest ride.
But if you want to ride along a Black Sea beach, go deep into a forest on a long trail, or see forest, lake and coast in one day, it is worth crossing the bridge. Kerem Bey Horse Farm is on the European side, in Uskumruköy, Sarıyer, between Belgrade Forest and the Black Sea coast.
How to get there from the Asian side
The easiest route is the Northern Marmara Motorway (Kuzey Marmara Otoyolu). It crosses from the Asian side to the European side over the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. After the bridge, leave the motorway at the Uskumruköy toll gates. The farm is 5-10 minutes from there. For the last part, type “Kerem Bey At Çiftliği” into your navigation app.
A few things to know:
- The bridge and motorway have tolls. Check the current fee before you set off. Rental cars usually have a toll tag, ask your rental company.
- A taxi or ride-hailing car is the simplest option if you are not driving.
- Public transport to this area is limited and involves transfers.
Address and map are on the contact and directions page.
Why it is worth crossing
You can reach three very different landscapes from one farm.
- Forest: a calm 30 minute ride on trails at the edge of Belgrade Forest, fine for first-time riders.
- Lake: a 45 minute route through the forest down to the water.
- Beach: riding along the Black Sea sand. The beginner ride takes 45-60 minutes, experienced riders can take a 90-120 minute version. See beach horse riding.
All rides are guided, and helmets and equipment are provided at the farm. If you have never ridden, read our guide for first-time riders.
Make a day of it
- Breakfast: the farm’s restaurant serves a Turkish village breakfast. Many visitors ride first and eat afterwards.
- ATV: if someone in your group does not want to ride, they can join an ATV tour in the same forest. Two people can share one ATV.
- The beach: Kilyos beach is close by if you want to see the sea in summer.
Prices
| Ride | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Arena ride (for children) | 4 laps | 500 TL |
| Forest ride | 30 min | 1,500 TL |
| Lake ride | 45 min | 2,000 TL |
| Beach ride | 45-60 min | 3,500 TL |
| ATV forest tour | 30 min | 2,000 TL |
| Riding lesson | 30-40 min | 3,000 TL |
All prices are on the prices page.
Before you come
- Book ahead, especially at weekends. The drive is long and rides can fill up.
- We are closed on Thursdays and open 09:00-19:00 on other days.
- Wear comfortable long trousers and flat, closed shoes. Bring a light jacket for the wind on the beach.
Booking
Fill in the booking form on the site or message +90 546 414 00 89 on WhatsApp in English. Tell us the date, number of riders and the ride you would like, and we will set the time together.