About Uzungöl
Uzungöl sits at about 1,100 meters in a narrow valley in Trabzon's Çaykara district, where a landslide is believed to have dammed the Haldizen stream and formed the lake. A mosque with a slender minaret on the shore, wooden chalets climbing the slopes and dark spruce forest reflected in the water create one of the most photographed scenes on the Black Sea coast. Mornings often begin under thick mist that lifts within minutes, and the highland pastures above still welcome families who move up with their animals each summer, making butter, cheese and honey along the way.
Most visitors come on a day trip from Trabzon or as part of a multi-day Black Sea tour that also covers Sumela Monastery, the Ayder plateau and the tea gardens of Rize. Typical things to do in Uzungöl include walking the lakeside path, driving up to viewpoints above the valley, jeep or minibus outings to nearby plateaus and a trout lunch by the water. Staying a night lets you see the lake quiet again once the day crowds leave. On TurTalebi you can compare tours from local firms and pay securely by card.
Uzungöl Tours
Tours run by local firms in the area. Pick a date, see the price and book securely by card.
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All ToursTop Things to See
Lakeside Walk
A flat path loops around the lake, taking in the shoreline mosque and the forested slopes mirrored in the water. Go early in the morning for still water and the fewest people.
Viewpoints Above the Valley
Lookouts on the roads climbing the valley slopes take in the whole lake and the houses strung along it, with the surrounding peaks on clear days. Head up early, before clouds settle into the valley.
Çaykara Highland Plateaus
Summer pastures with stone-based wooden houses and wide meadows, where families still spend the warm months with their herds, give you a close look at the region's yayla culture.
Sumela Monastery
Built into a sheer cliff in the Altındere Valley near Maçka, this Greek Orthodox monastery is a frequent companion stop to Uzungöl, and many day tours fit both into a single itinerary.
Ayder Plateau
In Rize's Çamlıhemşin district, Ayder adds hot springs, waterfalls and views of the Kaçkar Mountains, and it is usually the next big stop after Uzungöl on Black Sea itineraries.
Trout and Black Sea Breakfasts
Lakeside farms supply fresh trout, while kuymak, a rich dish of cornmeal, butter and melted cheese, and generous village breakfasts served in wooden houses round out the food side of the trip.
Plan Your Trip
When to Go
May to September is the most comfortable window, with open roads, mild temperatures and the greenest slopes in June and July. Rain is possible in any month, so pack a light waterproof. July, August and Turkish public holidays bring heavy crowds to the lakeshore. October offers autumn color and a calmer mood. In winter the valley turns white and the scenery is striking, but some plateau roads close and winter tires are essential.
Getting There
Trabzon Airport is the usual gateway. Uzungöl is about 100 km from central Trabzon, roughly a two-hour drive along the coast road to Of and then inland up the Solaklı Valley through Çaykara. Rize-Artvin Airport is a handy alternative if you are combining the lake with Ayder. Public transport is limited, so most travelers arrive on a tour, by private transfer or in a rental car.
Practical Tips
- Weather shifts fast in the valley, so dress in layers and carry a light rain jacket even in midsummer.
- Walk the lakeshore early in the morning, before the day-trip groups arrive and the paths get busy.
- Stay overnight by the lake if you can, since evening light and morning mist after the crowds leave make the best photos.