1. Profile
- Location: Çaykara district, Trabzon. Lake circumference ~1 km. Elevation 1,090 m.
- From Trabzon centre: 100 km, 1.5-2 hours.
- Origin: natural landslide lake (150+ years ago).
- Status: Since 2020 under Ministry of Culture & Tourism “Area Directorate” control — renovation ongoing due to overdevelopment.
2. Access
By air
- Trabzon Airport (TZX) → Uzungöl: 100 km, car or tour.
- Gulf direct flights land at TZX; Uzungöl is the top stop for Arab tourists.
By road
- Trabzon → Of → Çaykara → Uzungöl.
- Dolmuş from Trabzon bus station to Çaykara/Uzungöl runs through the day in summer.
Day tours
- Trabzon to Uzungöl day tour ₺500-1,200/person (food in/out).
- Popular combo: Sümela + Uzungöl.
3. Entry & fees
- Lake entry free; parking ₺50-100.
- Walking path around the lake free.
- Kayak / bike / horse rentals charged by operator.
4. What to do
At the lake
- Walking loop ~25 min.
- Bike rental ~₺150/hour.
- Kayak / pedal boat ~₺200-300 per 30 min.
- Night lights / laser show on select nights.
Surroundings
- Horseback tours: 1-2 hours to Demirkapı direction (₺600-1,200).
- ATV/buggy tours: 30-60 min around the lake.
- Zipline: 1-2 operators nearby.
Photo spots
- Opposite slope viewing terrace: classic reflection shot.
- Mosque + lake: the postcard frame.
- Evening illumination after 20:00.
5. Demirkapı Highland (2,300 m)
- Above Uzungöl; 12 km by car + 4x4 section.
- Glacier lakes + high-altitude views.
- 4-5-hour trek from Uzungöl one way.
- Local jeeps run day trips.
6. Quieter alternatives
When Uzungöl is too busy:
- Sultanmurat Highland (1,900 m): pine forest, picnics, camping. 20 km.
- Şerah Highland: Çaykara; pristine, simple stays.
- Haldizen Highlands: trekking routes.
- Balıklıgöl: alternative lake in Çaykara.
7. Food
- Butter trout: fresh at lakeside restaurants.
- Muhlama / Kuymak: a breakfast must.
- Pide, lahmacun: Turkish classics in abundance.
- Arabic menus / halal cuisine: standard across the area.
8. Stays
- Hotels: 4-5 star chains and local operators cluster around the lake.
- Bungalows: around the lake and at higher elevation (Şerah, Sultanmurat).
- Peak Jul-Aug: jacuzzi bungalow ₺4,500-10,000/night.
9. When to visit
- May-June: lush, low tourist volume.
- Jul-Aug: PEAK. Crowded, expensive, but lively (Arab tourist peak).
- September: still great weather, fewer people — preferred.
- October: autumn colours are spectacular.
- Nov-Mar: quiet; lake sometimes snow-covered.
10. Practical tips
- Weekends Jul-Aug are packed with day tourists; pre-09:00 or post-18:00 is calmer.
- Plan parking in advance; near-centre lots fill.
- No littering — ecosystem is fragile.
- Drone use requires special permission.
11. Pair with Trabzon centre
- Day 1: Trabzon centre (Boztepe, Hagia Sophia, Atatürk Pavilion) + Akçaabat meatballs.
- Day 2: Sümela Monastery (full day).
- Day 3: Uzungöl + Demirkapı (fit hikers).
- Day 4: Move to Rize/Ayder.
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