Loading...
Suggested:
Hidden deep within the misty mountains of Trabzon, in the lush Black Sea region of Türkiye, lies Uzungöl — a serene alpine lake surrounded by pine forests, wooden chalets, and the sound of rushing streams.
Table of contents [Show]
Hidden deep within the misty mountains of Trabzon, in the lush Black Sea region of Türkiye, lies Uzungöl — a serene alpine lake surrounded by pine forests, wooden chalets, and the sound of rushing streams.
Its name literally means “Long Lake”, but Uzungöl is much more than a body of water.
It’s a place where time slows, where nature still breathes freely, and where travelers rediscover the peace they’ve been missing.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Soğanlı Mountains, Uzungöl has become one of Türkiye’s most beloved natural destinations.
Whether you come for reflection, adventure, or simply to breathe in the cool mountain air, Uzungöl offers a timeless connection to nature’s calm rhythm.
The first thing you notice about Uzungöl is the color — endless shades of green.
The dense pine forests, emerald meadows, and mirror-like lake create a palette that soothes the eyes and the soul.
The lake was formed centuries ago when a landslide blocked a mountain stream, creating a natural basin.
Today, it stretches for nearly a kilometer, with the quaint Uzungöl village nestled along its shore.
In the morning, fog drifts gently over the surface, while in the evening, the reflection of the mosque’s twin minarets dances on the water.
It’s an image that captures both tranquility and tradition — nature and culture in perfect harmony.
The people of Uzungöl belong to the warm and resilient communities of Türkiye’s Karadeniz (Black Sea) region.
Their lives are closely tied to the rhythms of nature — tending to fields, beekeeping, crafting woodwork, and hosting travelers with legendary hospitality.
Traditional Black Sea architecture is everywhere: wooden houses with flower-filled balconies, steep roofs to shed rain, and cozy interiors that smell of pine and tea.
Many families run small guesthouses or tea gardens, welcoming visitors as if they were part of the family.
And then there’s the food — simple, local, and deeply satisfying.
No visit to Uzungöl is complete without sampling its regional cuisine.
Kuymak (Mıhlama): A delicious blend of cornmeal, butter, and local cheese, melted to perfection — rich, gooey, and unforgettable.
Karalahana Soup: Made from black cabbage, a staple of the region.
Fresh Trout: Uzungöl is famous for its fish farms, serving freshly caught trout grilled or baked with herbs and butter.
Honey and Tea: The area’s wildflowers produce some of Türkiye’s best honey, paired perfectly with a steaming cup of Rize tea.
Eating here is more than a meal — it’s part of the experience, connecting you to the land and its people.
While Uzungöl is known for peace and stillness, it’s also a paradise for nature lovers.
Dozens of trails wind through the surrounding valleys and forests.
The Şerah Village Trail and the Demirkapı Plateau Route offer panoramic views of the lake and snow-capped peaks beyond.
You’ll pass waterfalls, alpine meadows, and shepherds’ huts that seem frozen in time.
The area is home to a variety of bird species and wildflowers — making it a dream for photographers.
At sunrise, mist rolls over the forest, creating a mystical atmosphere that feels straight out of a painting.
For adventure seekers, local operators offer jeep safaris into the highlands or paragliding over the lake — giving you a bird’s-eye view of Uzungöl’s emerald valley.
Every season paints Uzungöl in different colors, each more enchanting than the last.
Spring: The valleys burst into bloom with wildflowers, and waterfalls swell with melting snow.
Summer: Cool mountain air and lively evenings by the lakeside attract families and travelers escaping the heat.
Autumn: The forest turns into a golden mosaic — a dream for photographers.
Winter: Snow transforms the lake into a silent wonderland, and wooden lodges glow with firelight.
Each visit feels like discovering a new world — because Uzungöl never looks the same twice.
The iconic Uzungöl Mosque, with its slender twin minarets, stands gracefully at the lake’s edge — not as a monument of grandeur, but as a symbol of serenity.
When the call to prayer echoes across the valley, blending with the sound of the river and the rustle of the trees, it’s hard not to pause and simply listen.
This is what makes Uzungöl truly special: it invites you to slow down, to breathe, to remember what peace feels like.
There’s no rush here — only rhythm.
Many travelers describe a deep sense of grounding, as if the place itself whispers: “You belong to the earth.”
As Uzungöl’s popularity has grown, efforts to preserve its fragile ecosystem have become increasingly important.
The Turkish government and local communities are working together to balance tourism with sustainability — promoting eco-friendly lodging, waste reduction, and responsible hiking.
Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, avoid littering, and minimize noise near the lake.
After all, Uzungöl’s magic lies in its silence — a silence worth protecting.
By Air: The nearest airport is Trabzon Airport (TZX), about 100 km away (roughly 90 minutes by car).
By Road: Regular buses and shared taxis run from Trabzon to Uzungöl via Çaykara.
By Car: The scenic drive through mountain roads offers breathtaking views at every turn.
Once in Uzungöl, everything is within walking distance — the lake, the village, and most viewpoints.
Uzungöl offers accommodation for every style and budget — from traditional wooden lodges to modern boutique hotels with lake views.
If you want an authentic experience, choose a family-run guesthouse in the hills, where mornings begin with homemade bread and fresh honey.
For romance, pick a lakeside chalet with a balcony overlooking the water — perfect for watching fog rise through the valley at dawn.
Demirkapı Plateau: A scenic mountain plateau known for its wild nature and panoramic views.
Sultan Murat Plateau: A highland retreat with fresh air, meadows, and traces of Ottoman history.
Trabzon City: Visit the Sumela Monastery, Atatürk Mansion, and the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon — blending natural beauty with deep history.
There’s something poetic about Uzungöl.
It’s not just the scenery — it’s the way everything here feels alive, yet peaceful.
The whisper of rain on leaves.
The laughter of locals brewing tea by the lake.
The slow drift of fog over wooden rooftops.
Uzungöl isn’t a place to check off your list — it’s a place to feel.
It teaches you that beauty doesn’t shout; it breathes quietly in green hills and silver waters.
Uzungöl is the soul of the Black Sea — wild, pure, and endlessly soothing.
It’s a place that reminds you that peace is not found in silence, but in harmony.
Whether you come to hike, photograph, or simply sit by the lake and watch clouds roll across the mountains, Uzungöl gives you something rare: stillness with meaning.
And when you finally leave, you don’t really say goodbye.
Because Uzungöl isn’t a memory — it’s a feeling you carry with you, long after the fog has lifted.
Davutlar Thermal Springs is a relaxing wellness destination near Kuşadası, offering natural hot mineral pools, healing water, and a peaceful atmosphere for travelers seeking a soothing Aegean experience.
Zeus Cave is a magical natural pool near Kuşadası, offering cool turquoise water, mythological charm, and a peaceful escape into Aegean nature.
Dilek Peninsula & Büyük Menderes Delta is a breathtaking national park near Kuşadası, offering crystal-clear beaches, mountain trails, wildlife, and one of the most beautiful natural landscapes on the Aegean coast.
