Imagine a geography that includes magnificent lake views, stunning natural landscapes, hiking trails, waterfalls, diverse plant and tree species, and a rich fauna and flora. Picture a place where you can have picnics in beautiful landscapes and capture amazing moments for photography. Envision a location that offers opportunities for various activities such as sports, camping, nature photography, birdwatching, and more. Well, Yedigöller National Park, which encompasses all these options, has been one of Turkey’s most important national parks since 1965.
Plenty of hiking routes in the National Park
Yedigöller National Park and the Names of the Lakes
The Yedigöller basin, which covers a total area of 1642 hectares, has been protected as a national park since 1965. Located in a prominent area of Western Karadeniz (Black Sea) region, the park is situated 42 kilometers north of Bolu, south of Zonguldak, and at the 152nd kilometer of the Ankara-Istanbul highway. The name “Yedigöller,” meaning “Seven Lakes,” is given to this basin because it comprises a total of seven lakes.
The lakes in the basin are Büyükgöl (big lake), Seringöl (cool lake), Deringöl (deep lake), Nazlıgöl (spoiled lake), Küçükgöl (small lake), İncegöl (thin lake), and Sazlıgöl (reedy lake). These seven lakes are located on two different plateaus, with a 100-meter difference in elevation between the two plateaus. The highest elevation at which the lakes are found is 1488 meters, while the lowest lake sits at an elevation of 465 meters. Therefore, the Yedigöller basin has a geographically diverse landscape. This area is also known as the Köyyeri region.
Expect to see wildlife during your trek
Today, Yedigöller, which is mostly known for its natural beauty, has ancient Byzantine ruins in the Köyyeri area, indicating an even older historical heritage.
Connections and Distances between Yedigöller’s Lakes
The seven lakes that give the basin its name are interconnected in different ways. As mentioned earlier, the lakes are located on two large plateaus, and the largest lake, Büyükgöl, hosted the first trout breeding station in 1965, which is still used for breeding trout today. Büyükgöl, with an elevation of 780 meters, reaches a depth of 15 meters at its deepest point. Deringöl, located to the southeast of Büyükgöl, feeds Büyükgöl through a 20-meter flowing section. Immediately north of Büyükgöl is Seringöl.
Every seasons has a different color in Yedigöller
On the other plateau, the largest lake is Nazlıgöl, known as the “Waterfall Lake” because of its extensive basin, from which water springs in the northeast, forming a waterfall. Therefore, it is also called the “Waterfall Lake.” Küçükgöl, Sazlıgöl, and İncegöl are also found on this plateau. The lakes are arranged from north to south, with a 1000-meter difference in elevation between the highest and lowest lakes.
Plant and Animal Diversity in Yedigöller
Yedigöller National Park is located in an exceptionally fertile region with a wide variety of plant species. Among the tree species found around the lakes, oak, beech, and hornbeam are the most common. You can also come across trees such as black alder, red alder, trembling aspen, sycamore maple, yellow pine, and black pine. Hazelnut, spruce, linden, and common hornbeam trees can also be seen in the area. Moreover, you may encounter important plant species like wild pear, along with endangered animals like European mink.
Yedigöller
The Yedigöller basin is rich in wildlife. You can find animals such as rabbits, roe deer, and deer, which are common game animals, as well as various bird species like wild pigeons and partridges. In addition, animals like martens, wolves, foxes, squirrels, wild boars, and bears are found in the upper layers of the lake. The entire national park is ideal for birdwatching, with over a hundred different bird species identified. Especially in May and September, you can engage in sports fishing for a fee in Deringöl and Büyükgöl.
Where to Stay in Yedigöller National Park?
Yedigöller National Park offers ideal accommodations for both sports activities and natural activities such as hiking. The park features large bungalow houses with 72 beds and 18 units. These facilities also include a restaurant. Additionally, there are opportunities for camping and caravan camping on a 1-hectare area. Yedigöller is ideal for photography, outdoor sports, camping, and relaxation. Its proximity to Istanbul and Ankara makes it a popular destination for day trips on weekends.
Local accommodation is available in Yedigöller
