Nestled by a shimmering lake and hemmed in by forested mountains, Uzungol is set in the "Hidden Valley" and has a cool high-altitude climate. Spend your days paddling on the lake, hiking in the mountains and devouring freshly-caught trout at waterfront taverns.
Things to do in Uzungöl
Uzungol's crown jewel is postcard-perfect Long Lake. Head down to the waterfront and rent a kayak or enjoy a picnic on the grassy foreshore. Lake trout, known locally as “alabalik”, is considered a local delicacy, with most restaurants serving their own creative dishes.
Architecture enthusiasts will swoon over Uzungol's characterful wooden houses, which feature a mix of boutique hotels, cafes and souvenir stalls. Some restaurants even offer traditional folk music and dancing in the evenings. For a classic Turkish experience, pair a show with hot apple tea and flavoured hookah.
The Uzungol Plateau is a great place to stretch your legs. It's laced with scenic hiking trails that wind through fragrant pine forests and alpine pastures. You can also hike to a handful of picturesque lakes clustered around the Kackar Mountains.
For a different perspective, why not splurge on a helicopter tour? You can enjoy a bird's-eye view over Long Lake, the Uzungol Plateau and the lush Kackar Mountains. ATV and cycling tours also access the Hidden Valley, while snow sports enthusiasts can try heliskiing and cross-country skiing during winter.
Getting around Uzungöl
Thanks to its compact streets, Uzungol is easy to get around on foot or by riding bicycles. You can arrive by private car or minibus from Trabzon. Flights arrive at Trabzon Airport, located around 1.5 hours from Uzungol.