Uzungol, Turkey: A Mountain Lake Village Straight Out of a Fairytale
- Jenn & Leon
- Nov 7, 2022
- 11 min read
Updated: Jan 3
South of the city of Trabzon in Türkiye, you will find Uzungöl, aka the long lake.
Situated in a gorgeous, lush mountain valley and surrounded by a cabin-style village, Uzungol is not all too different from ski resorts, although there is none of that here.
Snow (depending on the time of year), cafes, traditional restaurants, and wonderful views await you in Uzungöl, and if you are traveling in the Black Sea region, then we would recommend a visit.
We visited in early April, and it was fairly quiet, with fellow tourists few and far between, alongside a melting snow that dazzled in the sun to add even more beauty to the scene.
In this post, we take a look at all you need to know about Uzungol, including what to do there, the best time to visit, the local food, and our accommodation in Trabzon.
In This Post...
About Uzungol
Uzungöl is a picturesque mountain lake situated south of the city of Trabzon in the Black Sea region of Türkiye.
We had a fantastic time here, and it reminded Jenn a lot of ski resorts in Canada!
Visiting is affordable and is certainly worth a visit if ever you are in the area. Uzungöl is also the name of the village on the lake's coast.
The lake was formed by a landslide, and it is famous for its natural environment; the high-rise sloping mountains and dense surrounding forests add almost as much allure to the experience as the lake itself.
In recent years, a tourist boom has led to many hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops cropping up in the village.
The government has also invested in local roads and infrastructure to improve accessibility.
Interested yet? Keep reading for how to get here, the best time to visit, things to do, and a rundown of our accommodation.
Oh, and did we mention the knife/sword store? That too!
Our Journey to Uzungöl
The first thing to note is that most of what you will see online when referencing Trabzon City is indeed Uzungöl Lake.
However, this lake is 100 km—a 90-minute drive—away from the city. So, if you are booking accommodation, it is important to bear this in mind.
We were a little caught out by this, although it worked out nicely for us in the end, as we took a tour there courtesy of our hotel.
You will find plenty of tour operators in the main shopping hub of Trabzon, most of whom will likely offer a package deal that will stop at some local confectioneries and souvenir stores.
Our tour included a stop at Akif Usta Bıçakçılık, a famous knife store, which we will talk about later.
Our tour was provided by Zağnos Tours International, and we would recommend them based on our experience. Find out more information about their tours and services here.
Alternatively, check out this Trabzon tour option with lunch included.
If a tour is not for you, car hire is also available in Trabzon, and the prices are fairly reasonable.
We did not get one this time round, but we have used Rental Cars for road trips in the past and can highly recommend the service.
Uzungöl Weather—The Best Time to Visit
July is the hottest time of the year in Uzungöl, with temperatures as high as 38 degrees Celsius (100°F).
The driest month is February, and the rainy season runs between May and August. At over 1000 ft above sea level, the air is fresh and cool for most of the year.
We enjoyed the climate here; even with the snow, the temperature was decent, and it did not feel that cold. It felt very fresh and crisp, though!
Snow tends to start falling in November, but by April, the melt will begin, and in our opinion, this is the perfect time, as it adds to the magic of this place without feeling too uncomfortable.
● June - September - The summer months
● April & May - Avoid the heat
● August - The most rainfall
● November - March - Winter months
How Much Time (and Money) You Need in Uzungöl
Ultimately, you will not need a great deal of cash in Uzungöl. Walking around the lake is free, as is its famous Instagram photo op observation deck.
The lake is, of course, the star attraction, and you can walk around it via a dedicated and well-maintained pathway.
There are many shops, stalls, coffee shops, and restaurants to tempt you, plus there is a swing affording incredible views from above the lake for 10 Turkish lira.
We were here for around 3 hours as part of the tour, and we felt this was plenty of time; we stopped for a bite to eat and a coffee within that.
We spent around USD 10 on the food; we did not purchase anything from the stores on this occasion.
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The Local Food & Things to Do in Uzungöl
There are a fair few things to do in Uzungöl if you want to add more to your experience of this iconic lake. Here are our picks, including the famous Mıhlama / Kuymak cheese!
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⪢ Food—Kuymak/Mıhlama Cheese & Menemen
No trip to Uzungöl would be complete without trying Mıhlama cheese, a breakfast favorite in Türkiye's Black Sea region.
Its primary ingredients are cornmeal and cheese, which are melted and served with bread.
Leon loves cheese but is not a fan of Mıhlama. Jenn liked it, though! She could not finish it all; however, we have to say it was just a tad too much.
We also ordered menemen, which has become a favorite of ours ever since we first tried it in Istanbul.
Menemen is a mix of onions, peppers, tomatoes, and eggs, and it is delicious. You will find it wherever you go in Türkiye; with the inclusion of onions, it's a great national debate!
There are plenty of other options to try here, and of course, we would strongly recommend a traditional Turkish breakfast if you have yet to try one. They are, simply put, amazing!
We also stopped off at this very cool, zen-like coffee store after walking the lake perimeter. The coffee was excellent, as was Leon's salep.
This rich, creamy, milky drink is a Turkish winter favorite and is always served with cinnamon on top. It almost tastes like rice pudding!
You simply must try it; this warm beverage is a game-changer!
⪢ Shopping in Uzungöl
There are plenty of souvenir shops and trinket stores here, and no doubt more will continue to open as tourism in this area grows. It is always great to invest in the local economy, too!
Most of the stores are small and crammed full of goods. We always enjoy browsing through them; honestly, you never quite know what you might find.
⪢ Uzungöl Mosque
We did not go inside, but this mosque has two striking minarets that are typical of a Turkish skyline.
It is a nice feature of Uzungöl, and you cannot miss it as you drive up to the lake.
You can go inside, but be aware that if you are not a Muslim, you will not be given access after the call to prayer.
⪢ Uzungöl Swing
The swing is at the top of the hill, and you can drive and park there if you do not fancy climbing the stairs.
We did not try it, but it does look like a lot of fun. Let us know what you think if you give (or have given) it a go!
At the time of writing, the cost for this is 10 TL, which is around 50 cents.
⪢ Uzungöl Lake Observation Deck
Again, at the top of the hill, this is perhaps the best thing you can do in Uzungöl, as it is the perfect vantage point to take in the epic beauty of the lake and its surrounding mountains.
It is completely free and offers you that perfect social media shot!
⪢ The Hapsiyas Bridge
This bridge is on the way to Uzungöl and is sometimes referred to as 'the Tiled Bridge' because of the terracotta tiles on its roof.
It was built in 1935 and has been granted the status of a 'monumental piece'. A neat little stop-off!
Turkish Tea & Knife Store in Trabzon
As part of our tour, we stopped off at two pretty cool places on the way to the lake.
The first was the İkiçay Tea Factory, although unfortunately, the factory was closed for maintenance.
We were still able to try some tea and watch a pretty cool traditional Turkish dance, however. Of course, we grabbed a bag to take home too, and we have to say the quality was excellent!
If you are a lover of tea, be sure to stop by. For more information, check out their website here.
Our other stop was at Akif Usta Bıçakçılık, a popular knife store with a beautiful shop front and some pretty cool stock.
They have a range of other items too, including chinaware and a host of trinkets and souvenirs.
But the main offer is the knives and swords (yes, swords), including a fairly large (and heavy) one that Leon was lucky enough to hold! Check out their website here.
Accommodation in Trabzon
We spent 2 nights at the 3-star Deryaman Hotel Trabzon, which is located in the heart of the city.
It is just a short 5-minute walk from the major shopping district and about 20 minutes from the Black Sea coast.
The room was great, and we had a very nice stay here. The bed was comfy, and the bathroom was clean and well serviced. Coffee/tea is included (which we always look for), and the room was a good size.
The hotel itself is neatly decorated both in the hallways and rooms, and there is a nice modern elevator too.
Breakfast was included in our price, and just as with all the breakfasts we have ever had in Türkiye, it does not disappoint at Deryaman.
The hotel restaurant is on the top floor and is enclosed, so you should not expect to find views of the city there. But it is well presented and is open all day, even outside of mealtimes.
It could easily be a nice place to relax or work outside of your room. You can check out the room in our Trabzon video on YouTube.
We picked this spot mainly for its proximity to local amenities, and on that front, it ticks every box.
There is a vast array of restaurants, bars, and food stores that are easily found by just crossing the main road in front of the hotel entrance.
There were no issues with the concierge, and the check-in process was smooth. They do accept cards, and there is no deposit required, although be prepared to be asked for cash, as it does seem to be the most encouraged method of payment.
When we booked our tour to Uzungöl, the card machine was mysteriously 'updating,' and so I had to nip out to the ATM.
On that note, finding an ATM was a little difficult given the number of stores there are in the main shopping area. Tap here for directions to the ATM we used.
Easily Find Hotels in Uzungol and Beyond
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Uzungol hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the city.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
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How to Get to Uzungöl from Trabzon
Uzungöl is located in the Çaykara district of Trabzon Province, nestled in the Pontic Mountains about 99 km southeast of Trabzon city center.
It’s one of the most scenic drives in northern Turkey—and a must for any Black Sea road trip.
By Car (Most Flexible Option)
Driving is the easiest and most flexible way to reach Uzungöl.
● From Trabzon: Approx. 1.5–2 hours via the D885 highway, then turn inland at Of toward Çaykara/Uzungöl.
The road is paved and well-maintained, winding through lush valleys and small villages.
● Parking: Paid lots are available near the lakefront (around 20–30 TL).
We recommend stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way—it’s a beautiful route with plenty of photo ops.
By Minibus (Dolmuş)
Local dolmuş (shared minibuses) run from Trabzon’s main dolmuş terminal or Çaykara town to Uzungöl.
● Frequency: Limited—especially off-season. More frequent in summer
● Cost: Around 40–60 TL one way
Ask locals or your hotel in Trabzon for the latest timetable
This is a more local experience, but the service can be irregular and slower than driving.
By Tour or Private Transfer
Many hotels in Trabzon offer day trips or private transfers to Uzungöl. These typically include:
● Round-trip transport
● A few scenic stops
● Free time at the lake (2–3 hours)
Expect to pay around 500–800 TL for private drivers or 250–300 TL per person for group tours.
This is a great option if you don’t want to rent a car but still want a stress-free experience.
🔗 Check out this Trabzon tour option with lunch included
Car Rental
Whether you're planning scenic road trips or quick rides around town, renting a car or scooter can save time. Rentalcars.com helps you find the best deals from reputable providers.
Explore Uzungol on YouTube
Join us for our day tour as we take you on our day tour from Trabzon. Watch and see the parts that the blog post doesn't show!
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Our Experience Rating:
Uzungol
We had a wonderful day here overall, wandering around the lake and enjoying some of the local amenities.
We would most certainly recommend a visit if you are in the area or looking for things to do if you are staying in Trabzon, like we did.
It is not quite as spectacular as the likes of Lake Louise or Lake Moraine in Canada, but it did remind us of them for sure. Give it a go... You will not be disappointed.
FAQ: Visiting Uzungöl—A Scenic Day Trip from Trabzon
Where is Uzungöl located?
Uzungöl is a picturesque lake village nestled in the mountains of Trabzon Province in northeastern Turkey. It lies about 100 km southeast of Trabzon, making it ideal for a day trip or overnight stay.
How do I get to Uzungöl from Trabzon?
You can reach Uzungöl by:
● Car or taxi (approx. 1.5–2 hours)
● Minibus/dolmuş from the Trabzon city center or the airport
● Organized tours, which are convenient and often include photo stops
What makes Uzungöl special?
Uzungöl is famous for its alpine-style lake setting, lush green mountains, wooden chalets, and misty, fairy-tale atmosphere. It’s a favorite getaway for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking peace and cool air.
Is Uzungöl good to visit year-round?
Yes!
● Summer (June–September): Great for hiking, greenery, and escaping the coastal heat
● Winter: Quiet and snowy, perfect for a cozy, scenic retreat
● Spring & autumn: Quieter with vibrant seasonal colors
What are the top things to do in Uzungöl?
Walk around the lake and through the village:
● Enjoy local Black Sea cuisine like trout and mıhlama
● Take in views from the Uzungöl Seyir Terası (viewing platform)
● Try ATV rides or short nature hikes in the surrounding forests
● Visit nearby Haldizen Valley for waterfalls and nature spots
Are there good food and drink options in Uzungöl?
Yes. The area offers local restaurants serving traditional Turkish breakfasts, trout dishes, corn-based Black Sea specialties, and Turkish tea with a view.
Can I stay overnight in Uzungöl?
Absolutely. There is a range of hotels, bungalows, and guesthouses, many with lake or mountain views. Booking ahead is advised during peak summer and holiday periods.
Is Uzungöl crowded?
It can get busy during summer and public holidays, especially with domestic tourists. Early morning or visiting outside peak season (spring/fall) offers a more peaceful experience.
Is Uzungöl suitable for families or elderly visitors?
Yes! The area is safe and walkable. While there are hills, the lake circuit is relatively flat and easy to navigate, with plenty of spots to relax.
What should I pack for a trip to Uzungöl?
Bring layers, as mountain weather can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and rain protection are useful—plus a camera for the stunning views!
I really enjoyed our time in Uzungol