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Uzungol is a lake situated in Trabzon Province, in the Ankara district of Turkey. In addition to the Lake, Uzungöl is the name of a village nearby too. Throughout the years, people have gravitated to this beautiful lake and its village as well as its environment. The lake is 99 km from Trabzon’s city center and 19 km from Aykara’s district center.
An avalanche transformed the stream bed into a dam, making the region famous for its natural environment. At first glance, the lake and the village appear to be inaccessible between high mountains. From time to time, a thick cloud of fog will surround the lake at night. The recent tourism boom has attracted investors, who have opened a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops in the area.
How to Get There
The main way which is used by most of the visitors is a road trip from Trabzon. There are daily buses from Trabzon where you can get their tickets or reserve them in advance. If you are planning to travel from Trabzon, you will get to Yomra, Araklı, Sürmene, Of, Uzungöl, respectively. Also, if you are coming from another country, you can arrive in Trabzon by Airplane. There are daily international flights to Trabzon Airport, helping you save time and reach Uzungöl more rapidly.
Best Time to Visit Uzungöl
The highest amount of crowd is among summer days. Uzungöl is rarely visited during the winter months. Most of the visitors come from Europe. Arab tourists are usually the ones who see Uzungöl in the summers.
It is essential to remember that the Mediterranean and Aegean climates are different. Take along warm clothing when exploring in June since the daytime temperature is just right for exploring, but it dips at night.
The lake and surrounding mountains are usually covered in a snow blanket in the winter, November to March. The local council of the area has lots of plans for visitors coming to Uzungo in the wintertime, so don’t think life slows down during this time.
This also has a stunning white covering that is hard to overlook. Otherwise, Uzungöl experiences its busiest times in July and August. Keep in mind that it rains in Autumn, making parking and getting to the mountains more difficult.
Attractions
Terassa
Uzungöl can be viewed from this raised boardwalk platform. If you walk 800m up the road that starts around the lake’s southwest corner, behind the Ada Restaurant, you will find this footpath. There is also the long zigzag staircase from the lake’s southeastern corner. By car, it would take approximately 25km to continue round the mountaintop settlement of Ekersu.
Eski Körpü
A wonderful foreground for pictures of a mosque set against a mountain backdrop is the antique stone footbridge at the lake’s western outflow.
Helicopter tour
Local to the area, the helicopter tour has attracted lots of visitors in recent years. You can buy tickets for a great aerial tour of the Uzungöl in person.
Paragliding
Akyaz Flight Hill, which is 10 km away from Trabzon, Akçakale Hill, which is 25 km away, Varoz Flight Hill, which is 35 km away, and Düzköy Haçka Training Hill are the important trails in the area.
Where to Eat
Migron Restaurant
Migron’s price tag reflects its position as Uzungöl’s top dining choice, and it comes with one of Uzungöl’s most impressive lake views from its roof terrace. Turkish food is included in the menu, but you are welcomed just to have a Turkish coffee. It’s situated on the south side, near the mosque.
Doga Restaurant
You can enjoy the view of the lake from the 1st floor.
INAN KARDESLER BUNGALOW & Restaurant
It is located in a nice place but not directly near the water. The seafood and the salads are popular among visitors.
Cafe Limni
Situated next to the Uzungöl theme park, It has a spectacular view of the lake and mountains.
Sofra Restaurant
Apart from delicious food, like other restaurants located around the lake, Sofra restaurant has a beautiful view of the lake and the mountains.
Where to Stay
There are several Hotels and Inns in the Uzungöl area. Here is a list of some, which are among the most visited.
Elif Inan Hotel
Elif Inan Motel is located about 700 meters from Uzungöl (Long Lake) and provides free WiFi throughout the venue and 24-hour reception. The hotel’s rooms have heaters and air conditioners.
Aygün Suites Hotel & Bungalow UZUNGÖL
Aygün Suites Hotel & Bungalow Uzungöl is only 50 meters from Uzungöl and is surrounded by trees and offers scenery landscapes from its windows to the lake.
Ilhan Kardesler Apart Hotel
Ilhan Kardesler Apart Hotel in Uzungol is located 240 metres from the lake. It has an undisturbed garden and great views of the mountains around. Everything is made even more special thanks to the hotel’s staff.
Poyraz Hotel
Located in Uzungöl, right by Lake Uzungöl, Poyraz Hotel offers free WiFi and a restaurant.
Goblec Hotel and Bungalow
Uzungöl (Long Lake) is only 500 meters away from this wooded hotel, which is built by the banks of a river and provides stunning mountain views. The 24-hour front desk provides free WiFi and a 24-hour safety deposit box.
Royal Uzungöl Hotel and Spa
A wooden-built hotel with an air-conditioned lobby and a private pool, it features spa facilities in a village setting.
Yesil Kosk Hotel
Yesil Kosk Hotel is situated in the Uzungöl region, 5 km from Uzungöl Plateau and Lake. It provides accommodation with a garden and terrace. It has a restaurant, free private parking, and a restaurant.
Sezgin Hotel
The Sezginler Hotel, famous for its natural beauty, offers free WiFi and rooms with satellite TV.
Klipa Hotel
Located 2 minutes away or 1.5 km from Uzungöl, Kilpa Hotel offers free WiFi throughout and also offers free private parking on site.
Yedigoller Hotel and Restaurant
The Yedigoller Hotel & Restaurant is situated in the Demirkapi village and surrounded by lush forests. It has a wooden construction with a traditional Turkish breakfast, a picturesque river with a mountain view, and friendly staff.
Souvenirs
The surrounding villages offer a lot of handcrafted items, especially by using wooden boards, spoons, and Pestemals dyed in specific colors specific of the region. Also, there are dolls available there that are dressed in local costumes made by local people.
