Turkey Holiday Diary 4 min read
One of the small, cute but famous districts of Trabzon is Caykara. The most popular tourist district of Caykara is Uzungol. This lake is so popular that it gave the region its name. Trabzon Uzungol is one of the most distinguished and most interesting destinations of Lake Tourism in Turkey. This highland paradise, surrounded by emerald green forests and mist-shrouded mountains, offers visitors a glimpse of Turkey most pristine natural landscapes.
Tourism Destination
Uzungol, which is one of the tourism paradise of Trabzon province, has been designated as a tourism center by the ministry. Uzungol, which attracts the attention of local and foreign tourists with its natural beauty, is one of the frequented tourist spots with its activities such as hiking and paragliding.
The lake name means Long Lake in Turkish, describing its elongated shape nestled in a valley between steep mountainsides. The setting, with traditional wooden houses clustered at one end of the lake and dense forests rising on all sides, creates scenery that seems almost too perfect to be real.
About Trabzon Uzungol
Uzungol, Turkey where the rain forest is located at the junction Soganli and Kackar mountain range. This region is also home to the oldest forests in the temperate region of the world. The temperate rainforest ecosystem here supports extraordinary biodiversity, with tree species including beech, chestnut, and various conifers growing in dense stands.
It is green in all seasons of the year thanks to abundant rainfall and relative temperate climate. The Black Sea region receives Turkey highest rainfall, creating the lush vegetation that distinguishes it from the drier Anatolian interior. Even in summer, mist often hangs over the mountains, adding to the mystical atmosphere.
Natural Heritage
There are more than 60 endemic plant species identified in Demirkapi and Soganli mountains. It also has a rich environment in terms of wild animal life. Brown bears, wolves, and wild boar roam the forests, though they rarely venture near the tourist areas. Bird species include eagles, hawks, and numerous songbirds.
Trabzon Uzungol has such protection statues as Natural Protected Area, Special Conservation Area and Nature Park. These designations help preserve the environment while allowing sustainable tourism development.
Things to Do
If you go to Uzungol, we recommend that you get up early in the morning and walk around the lake in silence with the sunrise and take a deep breath. The circular path around the lake takes about an hour to complete, with the morning mist rising from the water creating ethereal photography conditions.
You can also take pictures of beautiful landscapes and nature while hiking. Trails lead up into the surrounding mountains, offering increasingly dramatic views as you ascend. Local guides can lead visitors to highland pastures called yayla, where traditional shepherding continues as it has for centuries.
Local Culture
The region is home to the Laz and Hemsin peoples, ethnic groups with their own languages and cultural traditions. The distinctive wooden architecture reflects adaptation to the wet climate, with steep roofs designed to shed heavy rainfall and snow. Local cuisine features Black Sea specialties including corn-based dishes, local cheeses, and fresh fish from mountain streams.
Traditional crafts include weaving and woodworking. The hospitality of local people is legendary, with visitors often invited to share tea or even meals with families they meet. This genuine warmth distinguishes Uzungol from more commercialized tourist destinations.
Accommodation
The village at the lake end offers numerous hotels and pensions, many built in traditional style with wooden balconies overlooking the water. Prices vary from basic rooms to more luxurious options, but all provide access to the stunning natural setting. Breakfast typically includes local products like honey, cheese, and freshly baked bread.
How to visit Trabzon Uzungol?
To visit Trabzon Uzungol, you must go to Trabzon city center first. This is the easiest way for you. Or you can get in touch with a tour company and visit with a guide. This depends entirely on your preference. Trabzon has a domestic airport with connections to Istanbul and other Turkish cities.
You will love the hospitality of the local people of Trabzon. You will never feel like a stranger. If you are going from Istanbul or a different city, it would be helpful to get professional support. There is no need to rent a car. Because you are going to walk abundantly and you will be intertwined with nature. Peaceful, pleasant and unforgettable moments are waiting for you at Trabzon Uzungol.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June-August) brings the warmest weather and busiest tourist season. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal colors. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, though some facilities may close for the season.
Our previous article Holiday to Turkey 2026 in our article titled Travel Guide provides information about.
4 Comments
Uzungol is like a fairy tale! The lake surrounded by mountains and forests is breathtaking. So peaceful!
The trout from the lake restaurants is delicious! We hiked to the plateau and the views were amazing.
Stayed in a wooden bungalow by the lake. Waking up to that view was magical! Black Sea region is underrated.
The fog rolling over the mountains creates such a mystical atmosphere! Photos do not do it justice.