Uzungol
The complete Uzungol guide: the lake, the famous mosque, cabins and apartment-hotels, the best time to visit, and the distance from Trabzon. Arrange your Uzungol tour with Absher Travel.
Uzungöl — meaning "the long lake" — is the best-known natural destination in Northern Türkiye and the most visited by Arab travellers. It sits within Trabzon province at around 1,100 metres, ringed by forested, mist-wrapped mountains that give it a scene straight out of a painting.
Uzungol is about 95 km from central Trabzon (roughly one to one and a half hours by car along a spectacular mountain road). The route passes villages, valleys and small waterfalls well worth stopping at for photographs.
Uzungol is ideal for families and for those who love quiet and nature, offering varied accommodation from wooden cabins and lake-view apartment-hotels to mountain hotels.
What is Uzungol known for?
- The emerald lake and its famous wooden mosque reflected in the water.
- Mountain cabins and apartment-hotels with direct lake views.
- Lakeside restaurants serving fish and grilled dishes.
- The surrounding highlands such as Şekersu with their elevated views.
- Boating, cycling and walking around the lake.
Top places in Uzungol
Uzungol Lake and the mosque
The heart of the area — a walk around the lake with the wooden mosque mirrored on the water forms the most famous scene in Northern Türkiye.
Uzungol glass viewing platform
A suspended glass platform overlooking the lake and village from above, giving a thrilling panorama and the finest photographs.
Waterfall at the head of the lake
A waterfall at the top of Uzungol lake surrounded by greenery — a beautiful, quiet stop for photos and relaxation.
Şekersu Highlands
Highlands above the lake reached by 4x4, offering a view over the clouds across the whole of Uzungol.
Cabins and apartment-hotels
Staying in a wooden cabin in the forest by the lake is among the finest experiences Uzungol offers families.
Cafés and restaurants with views
Turkish tea or a fish meal facing the lake and mountains is an unforgettable experience.
Paragliding
A tandem paragliding flight with a professional pilot, soaring over Uzungol lake, the village and green mountains with a breathtaking aerial view — one of Uzungol's most thrilling adventures and best for photography.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Uzungol is June to September, with greenery, light mist and mild temperatures. Early morning gives clearer visibility before heavy mist gathers around midday. Winter visits for the snow are also possible, subject to road conditions.
Tips from Absher
- Set off early from Trabzon to enjoy the drive and avoid crowds and heavy mist.
- Book your cabin or apartment early in July and August — demand is very high.
- The final stretch is mountainous and winding — a car with a local driver is more comfortable and safer.
Nearby destinations you may like
FAQs about Uzungol
How far is Uzungol from Trabzon?
Is there accommodation and are there cabins in Uzungol?
When is the best time to visit Uzungol?
Can I collect a car without a driver in Uzungol?
Useful information about Uzungol
Located Uzungol Lake (Uzungöl) amid the mountains of Northern Türkiye, it is one of the most beautiful areas in Türkiye. The most common question is: how far is Trabzon from Uzungol? The distance from Trabzon to Uzungol is around 95–100 km (about two hours), and thenearest airport to Uzungol is Trabzon Airport. Uzungol is also a reasonable distance from Ayder and Rize, making it easy to combine them in one itinerary, while Istanbul is far enough away to require a flight.
Visitors often check theUzungol weather andtemperature in Uzungol before travelling, especially Uzungol weather in August; you can follow it on the weather page. As for accommodation in Uzungol it includes Uzungol lakeside hotels andUzungol cabins andUzungol apartments at a range of prices — we arrange them for you at the best rates (see Top 10 Hotels in Uzungol). And don't miss Uzungol restaurants andUzungol waterfall andFish Lake and the scenery of Uzungol town itself.
