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Orienteering in Ankara

Where can you go orienteering in Ankara, which clubs are there and how do you start?

Short answer

Ankara is home to the Turkish Orienteering Federation and to some of the strongest university orienteering teams in the country. Civil clubs, institutional clubs and university teams are active. Parks and campuses are used for sprint, and forest areas around the city for forest courses. The main national-calendar event in Ankara is METU Open. Adults, university graduates, families, expats and international students can start at Kanyon Orienteering's free taster sessions, with help in English.

By the coaching and mapping team of Kanyon Orienteering · Updated:

Why Ankara?

  • The federation is based in Ankara.
  • University orienteering is strong: in 2026 Ankara University won the men’s team title at the national university championship and Hacettepe University placed second among women.
  • Parks, campuses and forests around the city offer terrain of every difficulty.
  • The historic city (Ulus, Hamamönü, the Citadel) is unique sprint terrain.

What you can do

  • Taster sessions — in parks, short and free.
  • Club training — weekday evenings in parks and on campuses, weekends in forest.
  • Local races and a club league — family and beginner friendly.
  • National event — METU Open (6–7 March 2027).
  • Permanent courses — Kanyon Orienteering aims to set up permanent and app-based courses in Ankara’s parks.

Start with Kanyon Orienteering

Kanyon Orienteering has been active in Ankara since 2013. It is based in Çankaya, makes its own maps and focuses on adults, university graduates and families.

  1. Taster session — free.
  2. Beginners’ course — 6 weeks.
  3. Join the club — training and races.

Frequently asked questions

I don't speak Turkish. Can I join?

Yes. Maps are universal, and our coaches can brief you in English. Taster sessions are the easiest way in; write to us in English.

I'm an Erasmus or international student in Ankara. Where can I orienteer?

University orienteering teams are active in Ankara, and Kanyon Orienteering welcomes students and graduates. Contact us and we will point you to the best option for your campus and schedule.

I'm visiting Ankara for a few days. Can I orienteer?

Check our events page. For groups (e.g. a club on a training trip) we can arrange maps and courses on request.

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