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Lake
Ordu
Karadeniz
Priority Stop
Family
NatureUlugöl Nature Park is a forest-ringed landslide-dam lake in the Gölköy district of Ordu, set at roughly 1,200 metres above sea level on the boundary of the villages of Haruniye and Süleymaniye. It was declared Turkey's 36th nature park by ministerial decree on 7 September 2009, a formal protected status that safeguards the lake's natural character from development.
Geography & Ecosystem
Within its 26.5-hectare protected area lie three separate bodies of water: the largest is a clear lake covering about 7 hectares and reaching an average depth of 15 metres, while the other two are smaller, reed-fringed pools. As the largest lake in Ordu province and a first-class freshwater body, Ulugöl stands out across the region. It is enveloped by a dense forest ecosystem dominated by beech and accompanied by hornbeam, alder, maple, hazel and oak; its waters hold carp and Abant trout, while its woods shelter wild boar, marten and weasel. The still surface mirrors the surrounding trees, and the cool, clean air makes the park a haven for photography and quiet recreation.
Facilities & Activities
The park is equipped for day use with walking trails, a viewing terrace, picnic tables, gazebos, children's play areas, a buffet, fountains, a prayer room, toilets and parking, along with country cottages for overnight stays. Visitors come to picnic, walk, cycle, watch birds and wildlife, and take photographs.
Visiting, Route & Best Time
Agencies favour Ulugöl because it offers an accessible, safe and well-serviced nature stop that folds neatly into inland Gölköy and Çambaşı plateau itineraries. The average visit lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, extending to half a day with a picnic. On guided tours it usually serves as a rest point between highland pastures and the Boztepe panorama. Nearby highlights include the Gölköy town centre, Çambaşı Plateau and the Perşembe highlands. The best time to visit is May to October, with summer as the peak season; snow lends the lake a distinct beauty in winter, though road conditions become harder.
Visit & Logistics
Visit & Logistics- Getting thereAbout 74 km from central Ordu (fully paved); 9 km from Gölköy town centre. Reached by private car or tour coach; public transport is limited — take a dolmuş to Gölköy, then a vehicle from there.
- ParkingFree parking is available within the park.
- Coach accessTour coaches can reach the entrance car park via the paved road; the inland mountain road is winding, so large vehicles require careful driving.
- AccessibilityThe entrance, car park and picnic area are accessible over level ground; the forest trails and viewing terrace are partly uneven, offering limited wheelchair access.
- Photo spotsThe viewing terrace on the lake's north shore, best for forest reflections in the early morning; the path between the small reed-fringed lakes; and the panoramic lake view from the hilltop.
- Suggested routeA half-day picnic and nature-walk stop combined with Çambaşı Plateau on the Ordu-Gölköy inland nature tour.
Tours that include this place