Borçka Karagöl Guide — The Landslide Lake

1. At a glance

• Location: Borçka district, Artvin — 27 km inland; 1,500 m elevation.
• Origin: Formed in 1950 by a major landslide that dammed a valley.
• Unique: Tree trunks submerged in the water + mirror-like reflection.
• Surroundings: Spruce forest.

2. Getting there

By road

• Borçka → Karagöl: 27 km, single-lane paved. Winding, ~45 min.
• Last 5-8 km can be rough dirt; 2WD fine but careful after rain.
• Artvin centre: 60 km. Hopa: 40 km.

Nearest airport

• Rize-Artvin (RZV) — 90 km, 1.5 hours.
• Batumi (Georgia) — 60 km via Sarp border.
• Trabzon (TZX) — 200 km.

Transit

• No regular dolmuş from Borçka — taxi or rental car.
• Artvin-based day tour operators run trips on select dates.

3. When to visit

By month

• May-June: fresh green, few tourists.
• Jul-Aug: busy with picnic crowds; early morning still calm.
• Sep-Oct: best autumn colours — peak mid-October.
• Nov-Apr: road rough, lake partially frozen.

Time of day

• Morning 06:00-09:00: windless, golden light, perfect reflection.
• Midday: harsh sun, reflection fades.
• 17:00-19:00: second light window.
• Afternoon wind often ripples the surface and kills reflection.

4. Photo tips

• Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) ideal for reflection shots.
• Polarizer filter makes submerged trees pop.
• Tripod + 1-2 sec exposure gives silky water.
• Drone: national park rules apply; get local permission.
• For “tree-in-mirror” shots, get low perspective 1-2 m from the shore.

5. Around the lake

• Short walking loop (~30 min).
• Viewing terrace — main photo spot.
• Bungalow + pension: very limited near the lake; can be overpriced in peak.
• Picnic areas scattered; crowded on summer weekends.
• WC / cafeteria run by park administration, seasonal.

6. Nearby combos

• Macahel (Camili) UNESCO biosphere: 70 km further, 2.5 hours. Karagöl + Macahel same-day is tough (long drive); plan 2 days.
• Mençuna Waterfall: near Arhavi, 60 km from Borçka. 90 m drop.
• Hopa-Sarp border: 55 km; easy day trip to Batumi.

7. Stays

• Borçka centre: affordable hotels and pensions.
• Near the lake: limited bungalows; book early in summer.
• Artvin centre (60 km): wider choice.
• Macahel villages: combine with homestay programmes.

8. Practical

• Park entry: ticketed (price varies by season).
• Mobile: Turkcell strongest around the lake.
• Cash: withdraw in Borçka — no ATM at the lake.
• Clothing: evenings get cool even in high summer; bring light fleece.
• Mosquitoes: rare but present in summer near the water.
• Etiquette: no loud noise, no lamp-fishing, pack out all trash.

9. Suggested 3-day Artvin programme

• Day 1: Artvin centre + Çoruh valley view + Atalar Bridge.
• Day 2: Borçka Karagöl (early morning) + Mençuna Waterfall (midday) + Borçka overnight.
• Day 3: Borçka → Macahel (early start) + valley overnight.