Uzungol

Black Sea, Turkey 2 tours visit here

Uzungöl is a lake and highland village in the mountains of Trabzon Province, in Turkey's eastern Black Sea region, formed when a landslide dammed the valley of a mountain stream. Set at around 1,100 metres above sea level and enclosed by steep, densely forested slopes, it is one of the best known nature destinations in the region and is protected as a nature park. The setting is the attraction. Mist often settles over the water in the early morning, and the small mosque with its slender minaret on the shore has become the area's signature view. A path follows the lake, wooden houses and chalet-style guesthouses climb the slopes, and restaurants beside the water serve local trout. Above the village, rough roads lead up to the surrounding highland pastures, or yaylas, such as Şekersu and Demirkapı. Most travellers come on a day trip from Trabzon, following the coast east and then turning inland through Of and Çaykara; the road ends at the lake, so it is a there-and-back journey. Summer is the busiest season and noticeably cooler than the coast, autumn brings colour to the forest, and winter snow can close the higher yayla tracks.