Uzungöl Tour: Route, Timing, and Practical Information for Those Traveling from Trabzon

Uzungöl is located in the inner part of the Solaklı Valley, within the Çaykara district, at an altitude of approximately 1,090 meters above sea level. It is around 99 kilometers from Trabzon city center by road. The lake is a natural reservoir lake formed by a natural dam blocking the end of the valley; the pine and spruce forests surrounding it create a dense layer of fog on the lake’s surface, especially in the morning hours. This foggy scenery is the main feature that visually distinguishes Uzungöl from other highland areas of the Black Sea region.

Which Season Should You Visit?

Uzungöl can be visited in all four seasons, but each season offers a considerably different experience. The summer period, extending from mid-June to the end of September, is the most predictable in terms of weather. If you set out early in the morning, it is possible to see the fog; in the afternoon, the weather usually clears and the color of the lake changes. During summer weekends, especially in July and August, crowd levels increase noticeably; the surrounding parks and lakeside areas may be full.

October and November bring autumn colors. The yellow-orange tones of the beech and oak trees contrast with the dark green of the pine forest; visitor numbers decrease noticeably during this period. However, rainfall increases from mid-October onward, and roads may be damp and slippery. In winter, especially between December and March, the effects of snow are strong in the region. Some winding sections along the Solaklı Valley are prone to snow and icing; traveling without winter tires is not recommended during this period. In spring, during April and May, the highland may not yet be fully open; the peaks are covered with snow, while the lower areas have begun to turn green. Those who want to take an early spring trip should monitor weather conditions day by day.

How to Get There from Trabzon?

There are several ways to reach Uzungöl from Trabzon. The most common option is the road that continues from Trabzon city center via the Çaykara route. The route proceeds along the Trabzon ring road, through the Of district, and then into the Solaklı Valley. The total travel time varies between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

For those traveling by rental car, most of the road has been widened; however, once you enter the Solaklı Valley, the bends become more frequent and some sections are narrow. Navigation can occasionally be unreliable in the valley in question; Uzungöl signs are generally sufficiently clear. For those using public transportation, it is possible to find minibuses from the Trabzon bus station operating on the Çaykara and Of route; from there, a minibus connection to Uzungöl may be available. For day visitors, this transfer-based option may be inefficient in terms of time.

Those arriving by rental car from Trabzon Airport can follow the Of route directly from the airport. The distance between the airport and Uzungöl is approximately 85 kilometers. Those making reservations through Turvop can choose the option that suits their schedule from among the day tours and activities covering the region.

How Should a Day Trip Be Planned?

Setting out early is essential for spending a full day efficiently in Uzungöl. If you leave Trabzon around 07:30–08:00, it is possible to reach the area around 09:30–10:00. At this hour, it is still possible to see clusters of fog around the lake, and the crowds have not yet increased.

The walking path around the lake consists of a route that is partly paved and partly surfaced with dirt. Walking all the way around the lake takes approximately 45–60 minutes. This can extend to 1.5 hours with pauses and photo breaks. The grocery stores and shops around the lake open early in the morning during the summer season; you can stop for breakfast or tea.

Yıldız Lake, near Uzungöl, is a lesser-known and quieter alternative. It is located approximately 300 meters above the lake level, at the end of a short hiking route. When visited in the morning, visitor density is minimal. It is possible to drive to the area; however, the road is narrow and partly unpaved.

Hışırtı Waterfall is 3–4 kilometers from Uzungöl. It can be reached by car or on foot; the parking area may fill up during the high season. The waterfall is not large; it offers a small rainforest atmosphere amid lush greenery.

Food, Drinks, and the Surrounding Villages

It should be noted that dozens of restaurants and guesthouses in Uzungöl village serve similar types of food: cornbread, collard greens soup, rice pudding, and regional pastries. Quality varies from one establishment to another; restaurants close to the lakeshore generally charge higher prices, but they all offer similar menus. To avoid difficulty finding a table at lunchtime, it may be preferable to sit down before 12:00 or after 13:30.

On the return journey, it is possible to stop at small villages along the Solaklı Valley. Locally produced hazelnuts, muhlama, and corn flour can be purchased in some villages within the Of district. These stops add 20–30 minutes to the day.

Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Is It Not Suitable For?

Uzungöl is suitable for anyone looking for nature walks, photography, or a peaceful day trip. It offers a suitable route for families with children because the area around the lake has level ground. The lakeside area is manageable for older visitors; however, the walk to Yıldız Lake may be challenging because of the terrain.

Uzungöl alone may not be sufficient for visitors seeking active adventure or rafting. There are points in the Solaklı Valley offering canoeing and river walking opportunities; however, these activities require separate planning. For visitors with limited time who are restricting their Trabzon visit to a single day, combining Uzungöl and Sumela may be too rushed; fitting both into the same day means having to hurry through each of them.

Practical Planning Information

• Recommended duration: Full day (departing from Trabzon between 07:30 and 18:00). Half a day is enough to see only the area around the lake; a full day is needed if Yıldız Lake and the waterfall are included.
• Best season: Late June to early September is the most balanced period in terms of fog and greenery. The first half of October can be preferred for autumn colors.
• Transportation: Rental car or organized day tour from Trabzon city center or the airport; public transportation involves transfers and takes a long time.
• There are few gas stations along the Solaklı Valley road; fuel should be topped up in Trabzon or Of.
• In winter and early spring (December–April), winter tires or chains may be mandatory; follow the regional highway authority updates for current road conditions.
• Parking areas may fill up in the afternoon during weekend visits; going early and leaving before noon is a sensible option.
• Banks and ATMs are limited around the lake; carrying cash is practical.
• The best light for taking photographs is between 08:00 and 10:00 in the morning; in the afternoon, light coming from the west creates glare on the lake’s surface.

When planning a visit to Uzungöl, the main decision points are the season and departure time. The area offers a much calmer and more distinctive experience when you create a schedule that takes advantage of the early hours and arrives before the crowds. Clarify who it is suitable for, which activities you can combine, and how much time you need to set aside, then proceed with the reservation; reversing this order usually leads to disappointment.