Where is Uzungöl, and how do you get there?
Uzungöl lies inland in the eastern Black Sea region, where the Soğanlı and Kaçkar mountain ranges meet. Türkiye's Culture Portal and the Trabzon Governorship place the lake 99 km from Trabzon and 19 km from Çaykara. According to the 12th Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the nature park covers 1,625 hectares and sits at around 1,100 m. The lake itself is about 1,000 m long, 500 m wide and 15 m deep.
It's a landslide-dammed lake, formed when rocks falling from the slopes blocked the Haldizen stream. Dense forests of Oriental spruce and the region's traditional wooden houses complete the scene.
From Trabzon
From Trabzon, follow the coast road east and turn inland at Of, towards Çaykara. After Çaykara, the lake is 19 km away. The Ministry's regional directorate notes that widening and resurfacing work has been carried out on the Çaykara–Uzungöl section, so road conditions can change from year to year. Journey time depends on traffic, season and weather; check a maps app for a current estimate before you set off. On summer weekends, allow for congestion at the entrance to the lake.
Public transport and tour timetables change with the season. If you're based in Trabzon, a day tour is one option. For those who prefer to travel at their own pace, a hire car or private transfer gives more flexibility.
From Çaykara
The 19 km road from the centre of Çaykara is a valley road that climbs alongside the stream. It's winding, so take it slowly in the dark and in fog.
From Istanbul
The overland route is long. The practical option is to fly to Trabzon Airport and drive the 99 km from there. If you choose an early-morning flight, you'll see the lake in daylight. If you're landing in the evening, spending your first night in Trabzon and setting off in the morning is better than driving the winding valley road in the dark.
When is the best time to visit Uzungöl? The four seasons
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism's listing for Uzungöl Nature Park gives April to October as the best period to visit. That doesn't mean the lake closes in winter; it simply helps to know that each season offers something different.
| Season | How the lake looks | Who it suits | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Fresh green in the valley as snow retreats from the plateaus | Those avoiding the crowds | Roads up to the plateaus may not be open yet |
| Summer | Deep green slopes, frequent mist | Families, plateau trips, the Seven Lakes | The busiest season; make the most of early mornings |
| Autumn | Yellowing deciduous trees among the spruce | Photography, quiet walks | Evenings cool down quickly |
| Winter | The lake and houses under snow | Snow and silence | Road conditions, chains, short daylight |
Spring
In April and May the valley comes alive and the streams run full. Snow can linger on the high plateaus, so if you plan to head up, ask locally whether the road is open.
Summer
Summer is when Uzungöl sees the most visitors. According to a January 2026 report by Haber61, 137,166 Saudi Arabian nationals stayed at the lake in 2025, a 49 per cent increase on the previous year. To keep the crowds from overshadowing the lake's real character, start your day early. In the first hours of the morning the water is usually still, and the mist lifts slowly from the slopes. Mist and rain are common even in summer, so pack a waterproof and a light fleece.
Autumn
September and October bring thinner crowds and changing colours. On the Trabzon coast, October is the wettest month on long-term average (Turkish State Meteorological Service, 113.4 mm), so be ready for rainy days at the lake as well. When the rain stops, clouds drifting away through the spruce trees are the image that belongs to Uzungöl in this season.
Winter
Winter shows a different side of Uzungöl, and we cover it in its own section below.
Things to do in Uzungöl
The lakeside walk
The path around the lake is the first thing to do in Uzungöl. It's largely flat and easy, suitable for families and walkers of all ages. Take your time and stop for photos: the reflection of the lakeside buildings and the forest in the water is Uzungöl's best-known view.
Viewpoints
Roads climb the surrounding slopes for a view of the lake from above. According to local press, these include a viewing terrace built in 2017 and the Glazomat ridge, about 5 km from the lake. The roads up to the viewpoints are steep and narrow; in winter or after rain, ask locally about conditions before driving up.
The highland plateaus (yayla)
The Trabzon Governorship lists Şekersu, Demirkapı and Yaylaönü as plateaus easily reached from Uzungöl. The Culture Portal also mentions these plateaus and the lakes in the higher mountains.
- Demirkapı (Haldizen): the plateau that rises along the Haldizen stream, which feeds the lake. GoTürkiye also highlights Demirkapı for its streams and valleys.
- The Seven Lakes (Yedigöller): according to local sources, a string of small mountain lakes above 2,500 m in the Haldizen plateau area, about 15 km from Uzungöl. Part of the road may be unpaved. Plan it only in summer and in clear weather, and go with someone who knows the area if you can.
- Şekersu: a plateau higher than the lake, a regular stop on Uzungöl tours.
- Sultanmurat: according to the Governorship's inventory, in Çaykara at 2,000 m, about 105 km away via the Trabzon–Çaykara–Ataköy road.
Weather on the plateaus changes very quickly. Dress in layers, take water and snacks, and keep your phone charged; signal can be weak in some higher areas.
Wildlife and nature
The Culture Portal notes that trekking, birdwatching and botanical tours take place around Uzungöl. According to the Ministry's listing, Oriental spruce dominates the surrounding forests. Species such as wild goat, roe deer, bear, wolf and trout are among the region's wildlife. Seeing them is a matter of luck; staying on the paths is for your safety and theirs.
Şerah village
The Culture Portal lists the wooden houses of nearby Şerah village among examples of the region's traditional architecture. It makes a pleasant walk or short drive if you want to step away from the lakeside crowds for a while.
Best times for photography
- First light: if the water is still, reflections are at their sharpest, and the crowds haven't arrived yet.
- Just after rain: as mist lifts from the slopes, the spruce trees appear layer by layer.
- Towards sunset: the valley is narrow, so the sun drops behind the slopes early. The light comes from above, off the ridges, rather than straight across.
Local food
Trout from the lake is a well-known part of a meal in Uzungöl, and the Ministry's listing also mentions trout in the region's waters. At breakfast, try Trabzon kuymak: made with cornmeal, butter and cheese, it received geographical indication status in 2024. It's a filling breakfast and a good start to a day on the plateaus.
Uzungöl in winter
In winter Uzungöl is a different place. The roofs of the lakeside houses are covered in snow, the spruce trees turn white and the summer crowds are gone. A winter visit simply needs a little more preparation.
When does it snow in Uzungöl?
It isn't possible to give an exact date. Snow arrives early or late depending on the year, and its depth varies too. To give you an idea: according to a January 2022 report in Çaykara Gündem, that winter 60–70 cm of snow was measured at the lake centre and more than 1 metre at Glazomat, higher up. If you're going for the snow, check the Turkish State Meteorological Service forecast for Çaykara and local news a few days before you travel.
Is the road to Uzungöl open in winter?
Local press reports that in winter the main roads to Uzungöl are kept open by Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality and the General Directorate of Highways teams, with salt spread on the bends. Even so, during heavy snowfall the road may become difficult or close temporarily.
- Before setting off, call the Highways information line on 159 (in Turkish) or check the daily road conditions bulletin.
- Make sure your car has winter tyres, carry snow chains and practise fitting them once beforehand.
- Keep the tank full, and carry a blanket, water and a charger.
- Daylight is short, so don't leave the return journey until after dark.
- If you're hiring a car, ask about winter equipment when you collect it.
What to wear in winter
- Waterproof boots with non-slip soles; the paths around the lake can ice over.
- Layers: a thin base layer, a fleece or wool mid-layer and a wind- and waterproof outer layer.
- A hat, gloves and spare socks.
- Sunglasses; the glare off the snow is stronger than you might expect.
A warm break in winter
The real pleasure of a winter day is warming up after the cold: tea by the lake, a hot meal in a restaurant with a wood stove, a hammam or sauna at the hotel. Don't rush the move from cold to heat. Give your body a few minutes in a lukewarm space first, then move on to the hotter areas. We explain how the hammam, sauna and steam room differ in our sauna vs steam room vs hammam guide.
Uzungöl with family and on honeymoon
With family
Uzungöl works well with children. The path around the lake is largely flat, there's plenty of open space, and you don't need to climb to see the lake.
- Keep a close eye on small children near the water.
- If you're heading up to the plateaus, take spare clothes and a warm layer for the children.
- Plan the day around the children's pace, with short walks and frequent breaks.
On honeymoon
The calm of the mist, the lake and the wooden houses also makes Uzungöl appealing for couples. Honeymooners usually stay a night or two: a morning walk around the lake, an afternoon trip to a plateau, an evening at the hotel. If you're thinking of a spa evening for two, our couples massage guide explains how two treatments in the same room unfold.
Day trip or overnight? Planning Trabzon to Uzungöl
| Plan | How it works | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Day trip from Trabzon | Early start, lakeside walk, one viewpoint, lunch, return late afternoon | Tight schedules; summer and autumn |
| One night in Uzungöl | Day 1: arrive in the afternoon, evening walk, rest at the hotel. Day 2: lake in the morning, plateau in the afternoon | Those who want to see the lake at its calmest |
| Two nights in Uzungöl | One full day on the plateaus (Demirkapı, Şekersu), one day for the lake and nearby villages | Nature walkers and photographers |
A day trip is possible, but it means a round trip of about 200 km, and the lake often looks its best early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The easiest way to catch those hours is to stay one night. For a two-day plan that also covers Trabzon city, Sümela and the plateaus, see our guide to things to do in Trabzon. We'd suggest not squeezing Sümela and Uzungöl into the same day; they lie in different directions.
A sample one-night plan
Day 1
- Afternoon: arrive at the lakeside, settle in and take a short first walk around the lake.
- Late afternoon: head up to a viewpoint before the light slips behind the slopes.
- Evening: dinner with trout, followed by a hammam, sauna or massage at the hotel.
Day 2
- Early morning: walk around the lake once more before breakfast, when the water is at its stillest.
- Breakfast: kuymak.
- Late morning: head up towards Demirkapı or Şekersu. Be ready for sudden mist and rain on the plateau roads.
- Afternoon: return to Trabzon, getting through the winding valley road before dark.
Common first-timer mistakes
- Only seeing the lake at midday: this is when crowds are thickest and the light is harshest. In the morning or late afternoon you'll see a completely different lake.
- Dressing lightly because it's summer: the lake is well above the coast, and when the mist comes down it turns cool quickly.
- Taking any car up a plateau road: some roads are unpaved and steep, and become slippery after rain.
- Setting off in winter without checking the road: calling 159 takes a few minutes and can save the day.
- Leaving the spa to the last minute: evening slots can fill up in busy periods, so book during the day.
After your walk: hammam, sauna and massage in Uzungöl
If you're looking for a spa or massage in Uzungöl, the short answer is yes. Our Uzungöl location is inside the Flora Uzungöl Resort Hotel by the lake.
- Address: Uzungöl Mah. Fevzi Çakmak Cad. No:286, 61940 Çaykara / Trabzon
- Phone and WhatsApp: +90 532 649 19 61
- Facilities: massage, a Turkish bath, sauna, steam room, indoor pool, gym and a VIP room with a jacuzzi. More on our location page.
What order works best at the end of a cool day?
- Start lukewarm. If you've come in from outside, shower first and give your body a few minutes to warm up.
- Steam room or sauna. Keep it short and listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, step out straight away.
- Hammam. Our Turkish bath rituals begin with warming up on the heated marble platform. The attendant (natır) then scrubs away dead skin with a kese mitt and washes you with foam. The menu includes the Pasha Hammam (40 min), the Scheherazade Hammam (55 min) and the Sultan Hammam (80 min); ask which are offered at this location when you book.
- Massage. A massage after the hammam is one way to bring the day gently to a close. You'll find the options, with durations, on our massage menu.
- Rest. Wrap yourself in a peştemal (a light Turkish cotton towel) and sit with sherbet or herbal tea. Don't head straight back out into the cold.
If it's your first time at a hotel spa, our guide to your first hotel spa visit explains what to expect with changing, towels and the order of things.
Good to know
- Booking: by WhatsApp or phone. Summer evenings can be busy, so message during the day.
- Non-resident guests: welcome; you don't need to be staying at the hotel.
- Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 22:00 during the season. The Uzungöl spa is seasonal (our other locations are open all year), so message the spa to check it is open before you set off.
- Women-only times or areas: if this matters to you, mention it when you book.
- Age rules: ask the location about age requirements for the hammam, sauna, pool and massage.
A note on health
The sauna, steam room and hammam raise body temperature. A review study associates regular sauna use with some positive findings, but the same review lists unstable chest pain, a recent heart attack and severe aortic stenosis as contraindications (Laukkanen et al., 2018). England's NHS notes that during pregnancy it may be preferable to avoid saunas and steam rooms because of the risks of overheating, dehydration and fainting. If you're pregnant, have a blood pressure or heart condition, or another long-term condition, check with your doctor before you go. Uzungöl's altitude is worth bearing in mind too: after a long walk on the plateaus, drink water and rest first, and move to the hot areas afterwards. Don't use the hot areas after drinking alcohol or straight after a heavy meal.
You can see all our Black Sea spa locations, including Trabzon city centre and Ordu, on one page.
Practical notes for Uzungöl
- Weather: we couldn't find long-term climate statistics for Uzungöl published by the Turkish State Meteorological Service. Data from the Trabzon coastal station doesn't reflect conditions at the lake's 1,100 m altitude. The lake is noticeably cooler than the coast, so take a jacket for the evening even in summer.
- Clothing: a waterproof and non-slip shoes in every season; boots, a hat and gloves in winter.
- Cash: cash can come in handy at small businesses and roadside stops on the plateau roads, so carry some.
- Mobile signal: there's usually signal around the lake, but it can weaken on the plateaus and deep in the valleys. Download offline maps.
- Respect: the lake is a nature park. Take your rubbish home, stay on the paths and don't feed wild animals.
- Timing: in summer the lake and viewpoints get busy towards midday; the quietest hours are early in the morning.
