Lake Uzungöl: A Symphony of Peace and Splendor in Turkish Nature
Nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of Turkey, Uzungöl Lake offers a peaceful retreat where you can spend hours immersed in tranquility. A lake that has drawn the attention of travelers for centuries, Uzungöl presents an experience like no other, whether you’re seeking solitude or an adventure. Let us introduce you to one of Türkiye’s most popular destinations.
Where is Uzungöl Lake?
Uzungöl Lake is located in the Trabzon province of Türkiye, approximately 100 kilometers from the city center of Trabzon. Situated in the northeast, near the Black Sea, this area is surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Çaykara region.
Uzungöl is a popular destination for tourists interested in hiking, camping, and fishing. Many also visit the lake for a brief respite and to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The Best Time to Visit Uzungöl Lake
The best time to visit Uzungöl Lake in Trabzon depends largely on your preferences. If you prefer avoiding crowds and would like to save on travel expenses, it’s recommended to visit during the spring or autumn seasons.
In these months, the weather is mild, and the area is less crowded compared to peak tourist months like summer.
Access to Uzungöl Lake
The closest airport to Uzungöl Lake is Trabzon Airport (TZX), located about 100 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours to reach the lake.
The nearest train station is in the center of Trabzon city, and from there, you can take a bus or taxi to the lake, a trip that lasts about two hours. Alternatively, you can reach Uzungöl via bus from the Trabzon Intercity Bus Terminal, with the journey taking around two hours as well.
Once you arrive, the lake’s shore is about 1.5 km long and can be accessed either by walking or taking a short taxi ride.
Distances to Uzungöl Lake
- From Van to Uzungöl:
The distance between Van and Uzungöl is approximately 633 kilometers. While you can travel by both land and air, many tourists prefer driving, as the scenic route offers beautiful natural views. By car, the journey takes about 8 to 9.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops. By bus, the trip takes roughly 12 hours. - From Batumi to Uzungöl:
The Georgian city of Batumi is about 200 kilometers away from Uzungöl, and the drive takes approximately 3 hours. The route is filled with spectacular scenery, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself. - From Istanbul to Uzungöl:
The distance from Istanbul to Uzungöl is roughly 752 kilometers. By car, the drive takes about 9 hours and 7 minutes. Many choose to drive, as the journey passes through diverse landscapes of Turkey.
The Origin of Uzungöl’s Name
Uzungöl, one of Trabzon’s most captivating attractions, translates to “long lake” in Turkish. This name is fitting, as the lake stretches for more than 1.5 kilometers.
The formation of Uzungöl dates back to past landslides, when a portion of the earth’s surface rose and blocked the flow of mountain rivers. This created a natural dam that, over time, evolved into the stunning Uzungöl Lake we see today.
The Nature of Uzune Lake
The area surrounding Uzune-Gol Lake is a lush paradise filled with vibrant greenery, towering pines, and rolling hills, creating a picturesque landscape. This lake serves as a habitat for a diverse array of plants and animals, including colorful wildflowers and majestic eagles that occasionally soar overhead.
The forests around the lake are home to various tree species such as pine, beech, and oak, which provide shelter and nourishment for wildlife including squirrels, deer, and wild boars. The lake is also a sanctuary for numerous fish species, including salmon, carp, and bass, and plays a crucial role in breeding waterfowl like ducks and geese.
Uzune Lake spans nearly 2 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of 30 meters. It is nourished by multiple springs and streams and drains into a small river that flows into the Black Sea.
Amenities of Uzune Gol Lake
A spacious parking lot is conveniently located near the lake, accommodating hundreds of vehicles, so visitors with private cars need not worry about parking. Additionally, several restrooms have been established for public use in the parking area and along the footpaths.
There are also two supermarkets and several shops within a few kilometers of the lake, where visitors can purchase food, souvenirs, and drinks.
Recreational Activities at Uzune Gol Lake
Uzune Gol Lake offers a variety of recreational activities, including:
- Skydiving: Experience the thrill of skydiving over the lake while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
- Boating: Many tourists visit Uzune Lake specifically for boating. You’ll understand why once you step onto a boat and glide to the center of the lake.
- Mountain Climbing: Adventurers can find hiking trails in the area, so remember to wear appropriate shoes and bring the necessary gear.
- Cycling: The beautiful scenery around Uzune Gol Lake is a cyclist’s dream. Rent a bike and explore the stunning surroundings.
- Photography: It’s impossible to visit Uzune Lake without wanting to capture its beauty. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, you’ll find plenty of stunning photo opportunities.
- Walking: The enchanting nature of Uzune Gol invites leisurely strolls. Designated walking paths around the lake make it easy to enjoy the view.
Sightseeing Near Uzune Gol Lake
If you’re interested in exploring nearby attractions, consider visiting:
- Uzune Bridge: This charming wooden bridge spans the river and is a must-see for many tourists visiting the Uzune Gol region.
- Uzune Gol Mosque: Situated at the edge of Uzune Gol Lake, this mosque features two tall minarets and an architectural style reminiscent of many other Ottoman mosques, drawing attention from afar.
Sharah Village
Sharah village is only 19 kilometers away from Uzun Gol, and we advise you not to miss this village because its beautiful natural scenery and rural architecture will fascinate you.
Garster’s Cottage
If you are a fan of nature and visiting the forest excites you, Alibaba suggests you visit the southern part of Uzune Gol. By going to this area, you will reach a place called Garster’s Villa. The view of this villa is so spectacular that you don’t want to go back down after going to the top of the hills and seeing its beauty.
Haldizen’s Villa
This area is also about 20 kilometers away from Uzune Gol; but it can be counted among the rarest natural areas of the Black Sea.
Sumla Monastery
You are very lucky that in addition to seeing the natural scenery, you can also visit the most historic and oldest Christian monasteries. Soumla Monastery is located among dense forests and on high rocks. Visiting this monastery is not without pleasure.
Stay in Uzune Gol
The good news for those who don’t think one day is enough to visit Uzune Gol Lake is that you can stay overnight in this area. There are various options for staying that you can choose according to your budget or taste. Many hotels, guest houses, and hostels have been built in this area, each of which has a different quality and cost. Among the most famous Uzune Gol hotels, we can mention Sezgin Hotel, Inan Kardsler Hotel, Kozi Palace Hotel, Enal Motel, and Yali Apart Guest House.
Hotel Reservation in Uzune Gol, Trabzon
If you want to stay in a suitable hotel in this area, you should also think about its cost. We have listed the good hotels around this lake for you below:
- Doga Motel: Distance to Uzune Gol is 290 meters
- Torkaz Apart Hotel: 300 meters to Uzune Gol
- Dunya Residence Hotel: Distance to Uzune Gol is 350 meters
Tenting in Uzune Gol
If you are not a fan of staying in gazebos around the lake, I suggest having a picnic. You can enjoy being in nature every moment by camping next to the Uzune Gol Lake; of course, you can’t camp anywhere, and certain areas have been designated for camping. All these areas are near the lake and have many amenities such as swimming pools, toilets, Wi-Fi, restaurants, and bars. The cost of these areas varies depending on the facilities they offer; but on average, it is between 10 and 50 Turkish lira per person per night.
Recommendations for Visiting Uzune Gol Lake
Don’t forget to take your comfortable walking shoes with you before going to Uzune Gol Lake, especially if you plan to walk on its hiking and climbing routes. Do not forget other equipment such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially in the summer season. A camera is also one of the most important necessities that you will need in Uzune Gol Lake. There is no need to purchase a ticket or pay an entrance fee to visit this lake. You can go to this attractive tourist area on holidays.
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