Uzungöl

A pristine mountain lake surrounded by dense forests and dramatic peaks in the heart of the Pontic Mountains, offering serene natural beauty and outdoor activities. An accessible yet remote destination perfect for hiking, fishing, and experiencing unspoiled alpine landscapes.

Things to do

• Lake Circumference Hike — A moderate 11 km trail circles the entire perimeter of Uzungöl, offering changing forest vistas, mountain reflections, and access to secluded shores.
• Çatalpınar Waterfall Trek — A steep 2-3 hour hike leads upward through beech forests to a hidden waterfall cascade fed by alpine springs.
• Fishing on the Lake — Rainbow trout and brown trout are abundant; hire a local guide or rent a boat from the northern shore for early-morning or evening catches.
• Plateau Meadow Exploration — Day hikes to surrounding alpine meadows reveal seasonal wildflowers, grazing herds, and panoramic peaks beyond the lake basin.
• Uzungöl Tea House Rest — Stop at a lakeside teahouse for black tea and local pastries while watching mist rise from the water at dawn or dusk.
• Bird Watching — The lake and surrounding coniferous forests host alpine songbirds, eagles, and migratory waterfowl, particularly in spring and autumn.
• Photography from Sernoord Peak — A steep but short ascent from the eastern shore yields commanding views of the full lake basin and Pontic ridges, ideal for sunrise photography.

Food to try

• Trout (Alabalık) from the Lake — Fresh-caught rainbow or brown trout, typically grilled whole with lemon and herbs at lakeside restaurants, is the signature local dish.
• Rize Black Tea with Local Honey — The nearby Rize province produces Turkey's finest black tea; pair it with wild mountain honey and cheese at sunrise.
• Cornbread (Mısır Ekmeği) — A dense, slightly sweet cornbread baked in mountain villages is served warm with butter and eaten alongside cheese at breakfast.
• Wild Mushroom Stew (Mantarlı Güveç) — Local cooks prepare earthy stews using foraged forest mushrooms, cream, and herbs in clay pots, a seasonal autumn specialty.
• Anchovy (Hamsi) from the Black Sea — Though Uzungöl is inland, nearby coastal towns deliver fresh anchovy to mountain restaurants, grilled simply or wrapped in grape leaves.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Forest and Wildlife — The lake and forests are protected; visitors should remain on marked trails, take all trash, and never disturb nesting birds or cut vegetation.
• Arrive Early and Stay Flexible — Weather in the Pontics changes rapidly; start hikes at dawn and be prepared to return quickly if fog or storms develop.
• Learn Basic Turkish Greetings — Remote teahouses and local fishing guides appreciate efforts to speak Turkish; simple phrases like 'Merhaba' and 'Teşekkür ederim' build goodwill.
• Hire Local Guides for Safety — Mountain terrain can be treacherous in poor visibility; hiring a village guide from the northern settlement provides safety, local knowledge, and supports the community.