Do you ever have those moments when you're tired of the endless noise, the crowds, and the concrete jungles of the city, and you just want to throw yourself into the arms of nature? Imagine a place that's more than just a park or a forest, a magical place where you literally walk on water, where trees reach for the sky from within a lake. Well, the Acarlar Floodplain Forest in Sakarya is exactly that kind of place. The term longoz or floodplain forest might sound technical, but its meaning is quite simple: a forest with a lake for its floor. This place also holds special significance as it is Turkey's largest single floodplain forest. So, what are the things to do in Acarlar Floodplain Forest? Let's embark on a journey into the depths of this unique ecosystem.

Discover the unique nature by walking on the wooden platform over the water

The moment you step into the heart of the floodplain, you are greeted by a wooden walking platform built over the water. When you take your first step onto this platform, forget every walking experience you've ever had. Here, accompanied by the gentle lapping of water and the chirping of hundreds of birds, you glide through ash, alder, and beech trees whose roots are submerged in the water. This enchanting atmosphere makes you feel as if you've stepped into another world.   

This wooden path, which covers the most captivating 750-meter section of an approximately 1.5-kilometer route, actually serves a much deeper purpose. This is an extremely sensitive ecosystem, protected as a 1st Degree Natural Protected Area. The platform is a conservation tool that allows us, the visitors, to experience this rare beauty up close without causing any harm. So, walking on this path is actually a part of respecting nature and a privileged window into this protected world. Acarlar Floodplain Forest is one of the most special stops on any list of places to visit in Sakarya, and this platform allows you to experience its beauty firsthand.

If it's the season, take a boat or sea bike tour among the water lilies

If you choose to visit the Floodplain Forest between May and November, you will find yourself in what feels like a Monet painting. During this period, the lake's surface is adorned with pure white water lilies, like a bride. This visual feast is further enriched by water violets (Hottonia palustris), an endemic species in Turkey found only here, covering the water's surface. This scenery is a true paradise for photography enthusiasts.   

In the past, it was possible to take a boat or sea bike tour among these fields of water lilies, and you may still see this activity mentioned in many sources. However, it's important to know that such activities were restricted around 2014 to protect the floodplain's delicate ecological balance and the birds that nest here. This decision is the best evidence of the region's transformation from a recreational area to a sustainable ecotourism center. Now, we enjoy this unique view from the observation decks on the wooden platform without any interference with nature, savoring the peaceful beauty of the water lilies.   

Observe the rich bird species and aquatic life

Acarlar Floodplain Forest is a breathtaking place not only for its flora but also for the diversity of wildlife it hosts. It is located on one of the two main bird migration routes passing through Anatolia. This means you have the chance to observe approximately 235 different bird species here throughout the year. Don't forget to bring your binoculars!   

As you walk quietly on the platform, it's only a matter of time before you encounter a cormorant gliding on the water, an elegant heron, or flocks of wild ducks. If you're lucky, you might even spot a sea eagle in the sky. This richness is not limited to birds. Life beneath the water is just as vibrant. Freshwater fish like catfish, carp, and pike are an important part of this ecosystem. In fact, everything you see is interconnected: the water lilies provide shelter for the fish, the fish become food for the birds, and this perfect balance ensures the floodplain's survival as a healthy ecosystem.   

While You're Here...

Although it's hard to leave the magic of Acarlar Floodplain Forest, your adventure doesn't have to end here. This region of Sakarya is full of other natural beauties to discover.

If you can't get enough of nature walks, the nearby Maden Deresi (Maden Creek) waterfalls await you with their cool waters and adventurous trails.   

For a more relaxed day, Poyrazlar Gölü (Poyrazlar Lake) is a great alternative, offering picnic and camping facilities.   

If you'd like a bit of sea air, you can take a walk along the waves of the Black Sea at Karasu Beach, which boasts one of the longest coastlines in Turkey.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When is the best time to visit Acarlar Floodplain Forest? The most ideal period is from May to the end of November, when the water lilies are in bloom and nature is at its most vibrant. Spring, with the bird migration, and autumn, with the changing colors of the leaves, are also wonderful times to visit.   

2. What exactly does longoz (floodplain forest) mean? A longoz is a rare ecosystem formed when sand carried by a river flowing into the sea accumulates on the coast, creating a barrier and blocking the river's mouth. This causes the water to back up and flood the forested area. In short, it is a forest that is seasonally submerged under water.   

3. Is there an entrance fee for Acarlar Floodplain Forest, and what are the visiting hours? Yes, there is an entrance fee to the floodplain, with different rates for students and adults. While the floodplain is generally open to visitors at all hours, the operating hours of the cafes and facilities inside may vary depending on the season.   

Bibliography

Savaşkan, Y., & Haliloğlu, İ. O. (2023). AN EXAMINATION OF ACARLAR LONGOZ IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN TERMS OF ECOLOGICAL PRESSURE AND LAND USE. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 21(2), 170-194.(https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/sinopusd/issue/91959/1624132)