Lakes and forests
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Abant | A forest lake formed by an ancient landslide, with a lakeside walk, horse-drawn carriages and trout restaurants. | About 35 km from Bolu; entry fee |
| Seven Lakes National Park (Yedigöller) | Seven lakes in a row among dense forest, with the Kapankaya terrace overlooking them all, at their loveliest in autumn. | About 45 km from Bolu; roads can close with snow |
| Lake Gölcük | A quiet lake among pine and fir trees, with walking trails and bikes for hire. | About 13 km from Bolu |
Snow in winter
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Kartalkaya | A ski resort among the forests, with plenty of snow for families and skiers. | Usually December to March |
Tips before you go
- Autumn is the loveliest time for the Seven Lakes and their colours; winter is for snow at Abant and Kartalkaya.
- Bolu is about three hours by car from Istanbul on the motorway, so it fits two or three days of your trip.
- In winter the Seven Lakes roads can close with snow, so check before you go.
Flights to Istanbul
More places nearby
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- Things to do in Bursa
- Things to do in Bodrum
- Things to do in Sapanca
- Things to do in Fethiye
- Things to do in Pamukkale
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Bolu?
Lake Abant, the Seven Lakes (Yedigöller) national park, Lake Gölcük and the Kartalkaya ski resort.
How far is Bolu from Istanbul?
About three hours by car on the motorway.
When is the best time to visit Bolu?
Autumn for the colours of the forests and lakes, winter for snow, and spring and summer for greenery and walks.
Planning your trip to Turkey? Read Travel to Turkey from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.