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Nature reserve
Artvin
Karadeniz
Priority Stop
Family
NatureKaragöl-Sahara National Park lies within the Şavşat district of Artvin, high in the mountain forests of Turkey's Eastern Black Sea region. Declared a national park on 31 August 1994, it protects roughly 3,251 hectares across two distinct geographic features that give it its name: the landslide-dammed lake of Karagöl, cradled in dense spruce and fir forest, and the lower-lying Sahara Plateau, famed for its broad alpine meadows.
Formation & Nature
Karagöl itself was formed when a large mass of earth slid down the slope and blocked a stream valley, ponding the dark, still waters that mirror the surrounding woodland. When morning mist and the cool highland air settle over the basin, the lake becomes the region's single most photographed scene, especially in autumn, when the yellow and copper foliage is reflected on its glassy surface. Sitting at an average elevation of around 1,500-1,800 metres, the park combines a crisp highland climate with rich vegetation that has been the subject of botanical study.
Visiting & Route
Agencies treat Karagöl as an indispensable stop on Şavşat itineraries because it delivers the full Black Sea repertoire, forest, lake, plateau and traditional timber village texture, all within a short walk. A boardwalk and forest paths of about 1.5 kilometres encircle the water and suit every age group; the typical visit runs 1.5 to 2 hours, or a full day when combined with the plateau. On guided tours Karagöl is usually the climax of a day-long Şavşat nature route: mornings are spent at Şavşat Castle and the Cevizli (Rabat) Church, the lake is reached in the early afternoon, and the return pauses in the meadows of the Sahara Plateau. Nearby highlights include the Maçahel (Camili) Biosphere Reserve and Borçka Karagöl Nature Park. The best photography points are the viewing deck at the northern end of the lake and the ridge paths through the forest, with early morning and sunset giving the finest reflections.
Access & Transport
Access is via the Artvin-Şavşat highway; the roughly 25-kilometre mountain road from the town centre narrows toward the end, so midibuses are preferred over full-size coaches. There is a car park and picnic ground at the lake entrance, and while the boardwalk is partly wheelchair-friendly, the sloping forest tracks limit fuller access.
Best Time
The ideal window is June to October: summer brings the plateaus to life, while the September-October autumn is the peak season for its blaze of colour. In winter, snow can close the roads and make access difficult.
Visit & Logistics
Visit & Logistics- Getting thereArtvin to Şavşat via the D010 highway (~70 km), then about 25 km of mountain road from central Şavşat to the lake (narrow, part asphalt/part gravel toward the end). A private or tour vehicle is recommended; public transport is limited.
- ParkingA car park and picnic ground at the lake entrance; it can fill up in peak season.
- Coach accessTour coaches can easily reach central Şavşat; the narrow mountain road up to the lake is difficult for large coaches, so midibuses are preferred.
- AccessibilityThe wooden boardwalk around the lake is partly wheelchair-accessible; the sloping forest paths and mountain road limit further access.
- Photo spotsThe wooden viewing deck at the northern end of the lake (early morning/sunset for reflections), ridge paths through the forest, the lakeside bungalow row and the meadows of the Sahara Plateau.
- Suggested routeThe high point of a day-long Şavşat nature route: Şavşat Castle and the Cevizli Church in the morning, Karagöl in the afternoon, with a break at the Sahara Plateau on the way back.
Tours that include this place