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Lake
Trabzon
Karadeniz
Priority Stop
NatureUzungöl is a landslide-dammed lake in the Çaykara district of Trabzon Province, set at roughly 1,090 metres above sea level and about 95 kilometres southeast of the city centre. The lake formed in the 17th century when a large landslide blocked the bed of the Haldizen Stream, creating a natural dam and a body of water some one kilometre long, five hundred metres wide and up to fifteen metres deep. Local people call it 'Şeraho' in the Romeyka dialect, while its Turkish name simply means 'long lake', describing the way the water stretches along the valley floor. The area was designated Uzungöl Nature Park on 3 October 1989.
Scenery & Local Life
Steep spruce forests, mist-wrapped ridges and the reflection of the lakeside mosque on the still water together form the region's most recognised postcard image, one that has become an emblem of Black Sea tourism. Beyond its scenery, Uzungöl is a living valley of trout restaurants, timber guesthouses and highland culture.
Tourist Value
For agencies Uzungöl is an indispensable stop: it stays open in all four seasons and draws both domestic visitors and heavy international demand from the Gulf states, Iran and Russia, with its green landscape and cool climate making it the first choice for Arab travellers in summer. The average visit lasts three to four hours including a lake circuit, a meal and photo breaks, though most itineraries devote a full day to it. Guided programmes usually leave Trabzon in the morning, reach the lake around midday, serve a trout lunch and then climb to the upper plateaus.
Surroundings, Access & Best Time
Nearby highlights include the Haldizen plateaus, Şekersu, the Demirkapı-Yedigöller route and Çaykara's misty pastures. The best photo spots are the mosque-reflection angle on the north shore, the hillside view terraces and the upper slopes at dawn when the sea of cloud settles. Access is via the Trabzon-Of coast road and the Çaykara turn-off; road-renewal works on the Of-Çaykara section continued through 2026, and tour buses use the lakeside and central car parks. The flat lakeside promenade and wooden decks make it relatively accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. The best period is June to September, when the greenery and plateaus are open, together with the autumn colours; peak season is the summer months and public holidays.
Visit & Logistics
Visit & Logistics- Getting thereThe Trabzon-Of coast road (D010), then the climb inland via the Çaykara-Uzungöl turn-off; about 95-99 km total, 1.5-2 hours. Road-renewal and widening works between Of and Çaykara continuing through 2026 can cause occasional delays. Minibus/shuttle services run from Trabzon.
- ParkingPaid car parks at the lakeside and in central Uzungöl; they can fill up early on busy summer days.
- Coach accessTour coaches can reach the lakeside and central car parks; the narrow inner-road sections require careful driving, with limited manoeuvring room for large vehicles.
- AccessibilityThe flat lakeside promenade and wooden decks are relatively accessible for wheelchairs; the upper plateau walks and steep slopes are not accessible.
- Photo spotsThe mosque-reflection angle on the lake's north shore (the classic postcard frame), the hillside view terraces and panorama points, the upper Haldizen slopes at dawn when the sea of cloud settles, and the lakeside promenade with its wooden decks and trout restaurants.
- Suggested routePlanned separately from central Trabzon and Sumela; Uzungöl is scheduled as a full day: morning departure from Trabzon, a midday lake circuit and trout lunch, then the upper Haldizen plateaus or Şekersu, returning via the Of coast.
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