2-Day Yedigöller National Park Route

Yedigöller National Park, located in the northern part of Bolu province in Türkiye’s Black Sea region, is known for its dense forests, rich wildlife and seven lakes formed by ancient landslides.

Declared a national park in 1965, it covers more than 1,600 hectares and has become one of the best-loved nature escapes.

With a 2-day Yedigöller National Park route, you can walk around the lakes, follow forest trails, enjoy long picnics in the fresh air and end the day with simple, satisfying dishes from Bolu’s local cuisine.

7 Points

85 km

3 h

2-Day Yedigöller National Park Route box

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Explore Yedigöller National Park in Bolu on a 2-day route with lakeside walks, forest trails and picnic stops.

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Day 1: Büyükgöl, Seringöl, Deringöl, Waterfall and Smiling Rocks

In the early morning, set off from Bolu city centre towards Yedigöller. The park lies around 40 kilometres to the north, and the road climbs through forests before reaching the entrance gates and main car parks.

Begin your walk around Büyükgöl, the largest of the lakes. Wooden platforms and paths follow the shore, giving you many chances to stop, listen to the water and take photographs of the reflections.

Then, continue on foot towards Seringöl and Deringöl. The path between the lakes is simple to follow and keeps you close to the shoreline. Plan short stops at each lake to take photographs, rest on benches and watch the reflections on the water before moving on.

Late in the morning, follow the signposts to the small waterfall and the area known as Smiling Rocks. The route takes you along a narrow valley with a stream, tree roots and stones shaped by water. On the way, pause briefly at Dilek Fountain, then continue walking until you are ready to turn back towards the lakes.

For lunch, use one of the designated picnic areas close to Büyükgöl, Seringöl or Deringöl. Bring supplies from Bolu, such as bread, cheese, olives and pastries, or prepare a simple picnic with grilled sucuk and vegetables in the permitted barbecue zones. Tables, water taps and basic facilities make it easy to stay in the park all day.

Towards evening, you can stay in simple accommodation or camping areas near the park. For dinner, choose a restaurant where you can try trout from local streams cooked with butter and herbs, or a plate of Mengen pilavı prepared with rice, meat or mushrooms and walnuts.

Day 2: Nazlıgöl, İncegöl, Sazlıgöl and Kapankaya Viewing Terrace

On the second day, explore Nazlıgöl, İncegöl, Sazlıgöl and the Kapankaya viewing terrace. Start at Nazlıgöl and follow the marked paths and wooden bridges around the lake. Spend the first hours of the day walking around the shore, watching the light change on the water and taking photographs from different points.

Afterwards, follow the signs towards İncegöl and Sazlıgöl. These smaller lakes are linked by short forest paths and are suitable for easy, unhurried walking. Plan a simple loop that passes both lakes, stopping at clearings and resting points along the way to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the forest.

Around midday, choose a picnic area near one of the lakes or visit a nearby facility for lunch. You can eat grilled chicken or köfte with salad, order a village-style breakfast served throughout the day, or choose gözleme filled with cheese or potatoes. A bowl of soup with fresh bread is another practical option if you want to keep the meal light.

In the afternoon, drive or walk up to the Kapankaya viewing terrace. Spend time at the terrace looking over the valleys and wooded hills of the park and, if the weather is clear, take photographs of the wide view across the forest and the shapes of the land around the seven lakes.

Late in the afternoon, return once more to Bolu. For your final evening, choose a restaurant in the city centre and taste keşli erişte topped with dried yogurt and butter or seasonal vegetable stews with salad. To finish, try local sweets or buy hazelnut-based treats as a small reminder of your days in Yedigöller.