Duden Waterfall: The Mysterious Story of Its Formation, Sources, and Dramatic Fall into the Sea

Antalya’s Underground Miracle

Among Antalya’s most unique natural wonders, Duden Waterfall stands out not only for its breathtaking beauty but also for its geological structure and mysterious underground journey — making it one of the world’s most fascinating waterfalls.

What sets Düden apart from others is extraordinary: the same water emerges as two separate waterfalls, finally cascading from Antalya’s cliffs straight into the Mediterranean Sea.

In many ways, Düden is a natural miracle — a place where underground water labyrinths reveal themselves in spectacular fashion.

1. How Was Duden Waterfall Formed? A Geological Wonder of Karstic Soil

Much of Antalya is built upon karstic terrain — land composed of limestone, travertine, and chalk layers that dissolve easily in water.

Because of this unique ground structure:

• Water quickly sinks underground

• Cavities and underground chambers are formed

• Caves, galleries, and tunnels take shape

• Streams travel for kilometers beneath the surface

And Düden Waterfall is the perfect result of this karstic system — a natural masterpiece shaped by the underground journey of water.

2. Where Does Düden’s Water Come From?

The water of Düden does not originate from a single source. In fact, it is formed by the combination of several powerful springs and underground flows.

 Main water sources feeding Duden:

1. Kepez Hydroelectric Plant outlet   – Water released here is directed into the Düden stream.

2. Underground waters from the Burdur – Karain – Varsak line   – Thanks to the karstic terrain, mountain waters seep underground and connect to the Düden system.

3. Kırkgöz and Pınarbaşı springs   – Located north of Antalya, these are among the strongest natural water sources that sustain Düden.

3. Where Does the Name “Düden” Come From?

The word Düden in Anatolia is traditionally used to describe water that disappears underground.

In Old Turkish, the term tüten / tüden meant “to pass inside” or “to flow inward.”

Because of this linguistic root:

• Any stream that sinks below the surface and re-emerges was called a Düden.

• In Antalya, there are several such sinkholes and water inlets that carry this name.

This etymology highlights how closely the name Düden reflects the region’s unique geological character.

Why is the Düden Area Important for Real Estate and Lifestyle?

In recent years, Düden has gained significant value thanks to its proximity to Antalya’s fastest-growing districts:

• Lara

• Güzeloba

• Kundu

• Varsak

• Kepez

• Karpuzkaldıran

This strategic location makes Düden a high-potential investment zone.

At Net Antalya Property, we classify the Düden area as a “high-potential region” especially because of:

• Family-friendly residential complexes  

• Close connection to nature and the coastline  

• Location advantages that rapidly increase property value

For investors and families alike, Düden offers both lifestyle quality and strong real estate growth — a rare combination that makes it one of Antalya’s most promising areas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Düden Waterfall

Where does Düden’s water come from?  

Düden is fed by multiple sources, including the Kırkgöz and Pınarbaşı springs, underground waters from Varsak, and the outlet of the Kepez Hydroelectric Plant.

Does Düden Waterfall flow into the sea?  

Yes. The Lower Düden Waterfall cascades dramatically from Antalya’s cliffs, dropping 40 meters directly into the Mediterranean.

How was Düden Waterfall formed?  

Its formation is the result of Antalya’s karstic terrain, where water travels long distances underground before re-emerging at the surface.

Why are there two Düden Waterfalls?  

Because the same underground water system surfaces at two different points: the Upper Düden and the Lower Düden.