Small Lakes

Lake Abant

Small lakes are blue spots not easily located on maps. Still, their pastoral beauty, geological and historical characteristics and biological richness attract attention.

The Daily Hürriyet newspaper formed a jury composed of photographers, tourist agents, guides, biologists and travel writers to choose the ten best small lakes in Turkey.

Meke Lake
Meke is a crater lake and the youngest volcanic formation in Turkey. It is located in the Karapınar district of Konya and is an ideal place for nature lovers. It is 101 kilometers away from Konya and 8 kilometers away from Karapınar. You can reach the lake from the turnoff at the 7th kilometer of the Karapınar-Ereğli highway. After a two-kilometer drive, a wonder of nature spread over 16 hectares meets you. There are no facilities such as electricity, accommodation and asphalt, but the lake is a favorite place among campers and photographers. Meke is a saltwater lake 12 meters deep and is a natural SIT (protected) area of the first degree. The crater lake was formed after two volcanic eruptions 400 million years ago. The island in the lake was formed nine thousand years ago. You can take a 5-kilometer walk around the lake. Meke is also the living and breeding habitat of various species of bird.

Nemrut Lake
Nemrut is the biggest crater lake in Turkey. It was named after the Babylon King Nemrut, who lived in 2100 BC. The lake was formed as a result of the eruption of the 445-meter-high volcanic Mount Nemrut in the fourth era. There are hot and cold water crater lakes on top of the mountain. The cold water lake covers an area of 13 m2 and is 155 meters deep. The hot water lake has a temperature of 60°C and has an area of 3 m2. The deepest point is 100 meters. Nemrut Lake is 26 km away from Bitlis and 15 from Tatvan. The lake attracts the attention of both local and foreign tourists although there are no rest or accommodation facilities. The Bitlis Governorship continues efforts to open the area to tourism.

Sülüklügöl
Sülüklügöl is a National Park in Akyokuşkavagı village of Dokurcan district near Adapazarı-Akyazı. It is a three-hour drive away from Istanbul. The dirt road beginning from the entrance to the Sülüklügöl Protected Nature Area continues for 9 kilometers to the lake. It is 1200 meters above sea level, and it formed as the result of a landslide three centuries ago. 183 dead pine and oak trees which collapsed during the landslide are still in the lake. Although it is called Sülüklügöl (Lake with Leeches), you won't see leeches, as the villagers breed trout in the lake. It is an attractive place in all seasons and a favorite address among trekkers. The lake is surrounded with oak and pine trees.

Borçka Karagöl
Karagöl is located in the Borçka district of Artvin. After leaving the Borçka-Camili highway at the second kilometer, Karagöl is only 5 kilometers away. It carries the ecological characteristics of rain forests due to the rain and humidity. It houses various species of fishalthough fishing is forbidden. A guesthouse of the Ministry of Forestry with a capacity of 25 people is run by the TEMA Foundation. It is the only place for accommodation near the lake. However there are some pensions in the villages nearby. Swimming is not allowed but sailing is available. It exhibits a stunning view in fall with the colorful leaves of the trees.

Abant Lake
Abant is most probably the most famous lake in Turkey. It is 30 kilometers away from Bolu, and you can reach it from the crossing on the Ankara-Istanbul highway. The lake is at the end of a 22-kilometer drive. The seven-kilometer walk around the lake offers a great opportunity to enjoy the area. Those who don't wish to walk can ride horseback or complete the tour on a horse cart. Abant lake is surrounded with pine trees. The manner in which the lake was formed is a topic of discussion. Its deepest point is 45 meters. The countryside is pleasantly different in each season. Water lilies embellish the surface in summer. It is also famous for its trout. Accommodation is available.

Şavşat Karagöl
Karagöl is 25 kilometers away from the Şavşat district of Artvin. The mountains around were also named after the lake. It is popular with camping and RV tourists. The lake is within the boundaries of the Sahara Karagöl National Park and a resting facility near the lake belongs to the District Forestry Directorate. The lake covers an area of 10 hectares. Electricity, washrooms and fountains are among the facilities provided. Karagöl houses various wild animal species.

Yedigöller (Seven Lakes)
When you take the turn at the 19th kilometer of the Bolu-Gereda highway and drive 42 kilometers, you find seven small lakes in a valley formed as the result of a landslide: Büyükgöl (Big Lake), Seringöl (Cool Lake), Deringöl (Deep Lake) , Nazlıgöl (Elegant Lake), Küçükgöl (Small Lake), İncegöl (Thin Lake) and Sazlıgöl (Reedy Lake). The lakes are on an area of 550 hectares, while the National Park they are located in is 2019 hectares. The area is among the best-known trekking places. There are only small bungalows belonging to the Forestry Ministry where visitors who want to linger can stay. Deer and trout production farms are also in the area. An entrance fee is paid according to the type of vehicle and the number of visitors. Tables, firepits and fountains are available for picnickers. Fishing is available in Yedigöller between April 1st and September 1st.

Gölcük
Gölcük is a small artificial lake 950 meters above sea level in Bolu, covering an area of 45,000 m2. The 1350-meter walk around the lake is worth a try. It is 13 kilometers away from Bolu, and you can reach it from the turn at the 10th kilometer of the Seban highway. The guesthouse of the Ministry of Forestry, a restaurant and tea garden are the facilities. Additionally, tables, firepits, fountains and washrooms are available for picnickers.

Salda Lake
A tectonic lake located 4 kilometers away from the Yeşilova district of Burdur, it is in a deep hole on the northern skirts of Mount Eşeler and a stopping point for tourists visiting Pamukkale. It is surrounded with pine forests. Salda is known as the deepest, cleanest and clearest lake in Turkey. The lake water includes magnesium, soda and clay, which help heal some skin diseases such as pimples and fungal infections. The forests host various wild animals such as partridges, rabbits, foxes and wild boar, while the lake houses wild geese. Swimming is available, and as such the beach is popular with tourists and the local people. The area has been a natural SIT (protected) area of the first degree since 1989. Camping is available.

Kovada Lake
The lake is located in the Eğirdir district of Isparta. You can reach Kovada by turning south from the Isparta-Eğirdir-Konya highway and driving for 23 kilometers. It covers an area of 4 m2. It is 29 km away from Eğirdir and 65 km from Isparta. This tectonic lake is also a Natural Park and is the breeding grounds of the ruddy-goose. The lake hosts various kinds of geese and
herons. Amateur fishing is also available. Pike perch, lobster and carp are the residents of the lake. Kovada is surrounded with pine, oak and plane trees. Wild boars, martens, badgers, foxes, wolves, partridges, woodcocks and pheasants are the animals living in the forest. The lake is 925 meters above sea level and 6-7 meters deep. There are places available for camping.

Would you like to add your comment about this article? Click here!

Editor's Picks

Antalya Antalya, one of the most breath-taking places of Turkey, because of its spectacular location... more...

Traveling by Bus Every corner of Turkey can be reached from the bus station, or Otogar as it is called here. more...

Best of windsurf spots Recently the number of beaches providing windsurfing facilities has increased and shores are embellished with colorful surf.. more...

Anatolian Civilizations Museum The museum is located southeast of Ankara Citadel and is composed of two Ottoman Buildings. more...

Trattoria da Rosario Trattoria da Rosario is a small but special Italian restaurant hidden amongst the trees in Koşuyolu, Kadıköy. more...

Hamams in Ankara Would you like to take a bath in Karacabey Hamam of 15th century or Şengül Hamam of 18th century? more...

Latest Articles