The lake and the village
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Uzungöl Lake | A lake formed when a landslide dammed the river, with a quiet path around it between wooden houses and forest. | Village centre |
| Uzungöl Mosque | A twin-minaret mosque on the lakeshore beside the old stone bridge, the village's best-known view. | On the lakeshore |
| The Uzungöl viewpoint | A platform above the village that takes in the whole lake between the mountains; loveliest in the morning. | Uphill road above the village, by car or on foot |
| The waterfall at the lake outlet | A small waterfall on the river at the end of the lake, with cafés on the water. | Northern end of the lake |
Plateaus above the clouds
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Karester plateau | A plateau at about 2,300 m looking over a sea of cloud in the morning, up a mountain road. | 30 to 40 minutes by minibus from central Uzungöl |
| Haldizen (Demirkapı) plateau | Green pastures and shepherds' huts at the source of the river that formed the lake. | Above Uzungöl; the road needs a four-wheel drive |
| The Haldizen glacier lakes | Small lakes between bare peaks at about 2,800 m, for keen walkers. | About 4 hours on foot from the village, summer only |
Tips before you go
- Saudis enter Türkiye visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days.
- Uzungöl is about 100 km from Trabzon, roughly two hours by car, so make it a day trip or stay a night.
- May to September for the greenery, October for the colours, and in winter snow covers the village.
- Evenings are cool even in summer and rain is possible any day, so bring a jacket and an umbrella.
Hotels in Uzungöl
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Uzungöl?
The lake and its lakeshore mosque, the Uzungöl viewpoint, the waterfall at the lake outlet, the Karester plateau, and the Haldizen plateau and its glacier lakes.
How far is Uzungöl from Trabzon?
About 100 km, roughly two hours by car.
When is the best time to visit Uzungöl?
May to September when the plateaus are green, October for autumn colours, and winter for snow.
Do Saudis need a visa for Uzungöl?
No, Saudis enter Türkiye visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Planning your trip to Northern Turkey? Read Trabzon and Uzungöl: Northern 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.
