Cappadocia: Journey to a fairy-tale world

Cappadocia, a historically significant region in central Anatolia where human activity dates back to at least 3000 B.C., is one of Turkey's most famous tourist sites. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The castle in Uchisar, with its large network of underground dwellings and winding passageways, marks the area's highest vantage point.

Carpet shops stand next to souvenir stalls, decorated down to the smallest detail. Here, in the alleys of Nevsehir, you can be transported to another time.

The small town of Goreme, situated in the middle of a national park, hosts numerous accommodations with cozy roof terraces. Many are decorated with splendid, colorful cushions — the perfect spot to admire hot air balloons as they drift over the volcanic landscape.

A hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia is a truly magical experience. It's particularly beautiful early in the morning, when the rising sun bathes the area's towering rock pillars, or fairy chimneys, in a surreal light. A trip in a balloon lasts between one and four hours.

Of course, this unique setting is a favorite for Instagram snapshots and other photo and video shoots — whether it's being carried aloft by a crane in a flowing red dress or exploring the landscape with a horse or camel.

The national park also features this bizarre landscape, the so-called Love Valley. The name comes from the phallic rock formations that have been shaped by wind and weather over thousands of years.

The soft volcanic tuff stone, widespread in the region, has made it possible, even with simple tools, to carve entire cities into the rock. Persecuted Christians were the first to create their hiding places here in the third century. Later, homes, churches and entire monasteries were also shaped out of the rocky landscape.

The underground cave system that branches throughout the stony volcanic landscape is difficult to see from above. Those who venture underground will discover a subterranean architecture that's unique in the world.

The Cappadocian landscape can be explored by hot air balloon, bicycle, horse or camel — but also by quad bike. You can take the four-wheelers on a drive through the narrow streets of small villages, or go on tours in the national park around Goreme.