Province · Mar Negro Ocidental

Bolu

Province of lakes and forests between Istanbul and Ankara: Lake Abant, the seven lakes of Yedigöller, the snow of Kartalkaya and the Ottoman houses of Mudurnu.

In the photo: Lake Abant (Abant Gölü), Bolu

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The province

Get to know Bolu

Bolu lies in the Western Black Sea region, halfway between Istanbul and Ankara, and is therefore the most common stop for those crossing northern Turkey by road. Pine- and beech-covered mountains, high-altitude lakes and thermal springs shape the landscape.

Lake Abant (Abant Gölü), at 1,328 meters elevation and 34 km from the city of Bolu, is a national park and has a path around the shore. Further north, Yedigöller National Park, established in 1965, brings together seven lakes formed by ancient landslides and connected by small waterfalls; in October the forest usually turns yellow and red. Thirteen kilometers from the capital, Lake Gölcük is a natural park with trails and picnic areas.

In winter, the Kartalkaya ski resort in the Köroğlu mountains is the province's main skiing spot. The mountains are named after the hero of a popular Turkish epic, honored in a festival in August.

Mudurnu, an old merchant town on a route that linked the interior to Istanbul, preserves more than two hundred registered historic houses and is on UNESCO's tentative list. Göynük, another small town in the province, also retains old townhouses. Both are part of the Cittaslow network of relaxed‑paced towns.

Bolu is famed for its cuisine. The district of Mengen is known as the land of cooks, with a tradition deriving from the Ottoman palace kitchen, and holds a culinary festival in early August. Mengen pilaf is one of the dishes named after the place.

When to go

May to October is usually the season for trails and lakes. October and early November bring autumn colors to Yedigöller and Abant, with heavy weekend traffic. The ski season at Kartalkaya depends on snowfall and typically runs from December to March. Winters are cold, with snow in the mountains.

Getting there

Bolu does not have an airport with regular commercial flights. The most used airports are Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), on Istanbul's Asian side, and Ankara Esenboğa (ESB). The highway between Istanbul and Ankara crosses the province, and there are frequent buses from both cities to Bolu. For Abant, Yedigöller and Mudurnu, a car offers more freedom; check local transport before you go.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Bolu

Can you visit Lake Abant on a day trip from Istanbul?

Lake Abant is about 258 km from Istanbul by road. A day trip is possible but will take the whole day. With one night in Bolu or by the lake itself, you can walk the shore at leisure and include Yedigöller or Mudurnu.

What is the difference between Abant and Yedigöller?

Abant is a single, large lake with a path around it and visitor facilities, 34 km from Bolu. Yedigöller is a national park of seven smaller lakes within the forest, north of the capital, popular for hiking, photography and camping.

When to see the autumn colors in Yedigöller?

Leaves usually change color between early October and early November, depending on the year. Weekends during this period can be very crowded; if you can go on a weekday you'll find shorter queues at the entrance.

Where to ski in Bolu?

The Kartalkaya resort in the Köroğlu mountains is the province's main ski area. The season depends on snowfall and typically runs from December to March. Check slope conditions before you travel.

What to eat in Bolu?

Bolu is known for the cooks of Mengen, a district with a tradition in the Ottoman palace kitchen. It's worth trying Mengen pilaf and the dishes served at roadside restaurants between Istanbul and Ankara.