Borçka Karagöl Nature Park

Borçka Karagöl is a landslide-dammed lake hidden in the heart of a dense spruce and beech forest in the Borçka district of Artvin, sitting at roughly 1,450-1,480 metres above sea level. Its name, meaning "Black Lake," comes from the near-black reflection cast on its still surface by the deep green forest and the lake's own dark depths, which give it a famously mirror-like appearance.

History & Formation

The lake was formed in the late nineteenth century when a large landslide broke off the slope of the Savgule (Klaskur) valley and dammed it like a natural wall; while sources cannot fix the exact date, around 1890 is frequently cited. The water pooling behind the barrier created this calm, two-part mountain lake whose deepest point reaches about 25 metres. The area was registered as Borçka Karagöl Nature Park on 14 August 2002, enclosing a protected zone of 368 hectares. Rich in a red-spotted trout population, the lake bans hunting and its natural fabric is carefully preserved.

Boardwalk & Views

Its tourist appeal springs from the wooden boardwalk that rings the shoreline: a well-maintained, signposted circuit of roughly 2 kilometres lets visitors of all ages walk the full perimeter comfortably in about two hours. The viewing terrace on the southern shore is the most prized photo spot, capturing the entire forest-framed lake in a single frame; in the first light of morning, when the surface is windless, the flawless reflection of the surrounding trees produces postcard scenes. Agencies feature Borçka Karagöl so often because it is both easily accessible and visually striking, and because it slots into the same route as nearby treasures such as Macahel (Camili) and the Maral Waterfall. The average visit lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though guests staying in the lakeside bungalow facilities often stretch it across a full day.

Visiting, Access & Tips

Access is via a road of roughly 25-27 kilometres from Borçka town centre; most of the route is asphalt, while the final 6 kilometres is a narrow mountain road paved with natural stone cobbles. Because this last stretch is steep and winding, it is challenging for large tour coaches, so agencies usually make the ascent by midbus or minibus. There is an organised car park and picnic area at the lakeshore. Disabled access is partly possible along the flat sections of the boardwalk, but remains limited by the cobbled road and sloping approaches. The best window to visit runs from June through October; the October-November autumn colours mark the lake's most enchanting season and its peak. In winter the final section may close due to snow. The recommended route sets out from Borçka, takes in the lakeside walk and a pause at the viewing terrace, and returns by way of the Macahel valley.