Uzungöl

Uzungöl, "the long lake", lies in the Çaykara district of Trabzon province, about 95 km from the city centre. It was formed when a landslide dammed a stream in the valley, and the area around it was declared a nature park in 1989.

A twin-minaret mosque on the shore has become the symbol of the place, framed by wooden houses and dense pine forest that the evening mist sometimes covers. Hotels and restaurants around the lake serve trout from the valley's farms.

From the village, roads climb to high pastures with cool air and views over the whole valley, an easy outing by car for families. In the evening, the path around the lake makes a pleasant walk.

We suggest two nights in Uzungöl, to enjoy its quiet after the day visitors leave. It is best from June to September.