You've seen the famous photos, dreamed about it, and you've finally made it. Here you are! Before you is that fairytale lake hidden among lush green mountains, with clouds of mist dancing above it: Uzungöl. The indescribable peace you feel when you breathe in the air whispers that this long journey was worth it. So, what should you do to fully enjoy this beauty? The list of things to do in Uzungöl could go on and on, but we've drawn up a route for an experience that will let you truly live this corner of paradise, one you'll never forget. It all starts with that first step you take.

If you're ready, we're about to conquer Uzungöl in three steps. First, you'll feel its soul, then you'll savor its flavors, and finally, you'll discover its hidden secrets. This journey is not just a trip, but a heartfelt step into the heart of the Black Sea.

Take a full tour on the walking path around the lake

When you arrive in Uzungöl, it's impossible not to be captivated by the magic of the magnificent view that first greets you. The most instinctive and best thing to do is to immerse yourself in the heart of this beauty, right around the lake. This walking path, which is about 2 kilometers long and can be completed in about an hour at a comfortable pace, is like a runway that will show you every face of Uzungöl .

As you start your walk, on one side you'll have the calm waters of the lake, constantly changing color with reflections, and on the other, small shops, cafes, and stalls selling local products that give you a sweet holiday feeling. This path is not just a walking trail but also a vibrant social area where life flows. The famous Uzungöl Mosque, which has become a symbol of Uzungöl, will offer you a different postcard view from every angle. Its view is especially enchanting when it's lit up in the evening.   

Don't rush during this walk. Sit on a bench, fill your lungs with the clean mountain air, and just enjoy the moment. This is a place intertwined with nature yet at the center of life. This full tour around the lake offers you not just a physical activity but also an opportunity to understand the much-talked-about spirit of Uzungöl. Sometimes the energy of the crowd, and sometimes the silence under a tree, will accompany you.

Taste local delicacies at one of the restaurants with a lake view

After that refreshing walk around the lake, you'll feel that your body and soul deserve a reward. Now it's time for the second and most delicious step of the Uzungöl experience! The area around the lake is filled with inviting restaurants, each with a spectacular view. In these places, you not only satisfy your hunger but also get the chance to meet the most authentic tastes of Black Sea cuisine.

So, what should you eat? You should definitely put the fresh trout, fried in butter, at the top of your list . This flavor, identified with the clear waters of Uzungöl, is the signature dish of the restaurants here. When served with steaming, fragrant cornbread, it's simply irresistible . If you're looking for something more local and hearty, then your choice should definitely be kuymak (or muhlama, as it's known in some regions), which will dazzle you with its endlessly stretching cheese .

Make sure to choose a restaurant with a lake view. Looking out the window at the unique combination of the mountains and the lake while you eat will double the pleasure of your meal. Venues that have been serving for years, like Doğa Restaurant, Cennet Restaurant, or İnan Kardeşler, offer great options to live this authentic experience . Of course, what you taste in Uzungöl is just the beginning. If you want to learn more about the other gems of(https://www.yerelrehber.com/en/city/trabzon), let us show you the way.

Enrich your trip by going up to the nearby Haldizen (Demirkapı) Plateau

You've experienced the magical atmosphere in the center of Uzungöl and tasted the local delicacies. Shall we let you in on a secret? The true spirit of Uzungöl reveals itself when you move away from the crowd and climb higher, to the plateaus. That's why, to take your trip to the next level, you should turn your route towards Haldizen Plateau, also known as Demirkapı Plateau, just 16 kilometers from Uzungöl.   

Access to the plateau is via a forest road starting from Uzungöl's Şerah Village. The journey itself is an adventure. The views that greet you at every turn as you climb the winding roads will take your breath away. This road can be a bit challenging if your vehicle has low ground clearance, so you might prefer the plateau minibuses departing from Uzungöl or join a jeep safari tour, which is an enjoyable experience in itself . This road is like a gateway to the peace that awaits you, allowing you to leave the crowds behind.   

When you arrive at Haldizen Plateau, a calm and authentic atmosphere consisting of three small neighborhoods will welcome you . Time flows more slowly here. You can breathe in the clean air filled with the scent of mountain flowers and get lost among the wooden plateau houses . The real adventure awaits you a little further from the plateau: glacial crater lakes like Balıklı Göl and Aygır Gölü . These untouched beauties will make you feel like you're in a fairy tale. Going up to Haldizen is an unforgettable experience that will add depth to your Uzungöl trip and show you the pure, unspoiled face of the Black Sea.

Conclusion: Beyond Uzungöl

Every step you take, every bite you taste, and every hill you climb in Uzungöl brings you closer to the magical nature of the Black Sea. This three-step route, starting with a walk around the lake and extending to the peaks of Haldizen, will gift you the most beautiful memories of Uzungöl. But if your adventurous spirit is still not satisfied, since you've come this far, you can also explore other nearby plateaus like Şekersu, Karester, and Lustra. Each has its own unique character and different beauties to offer. If you want to explore not just the plateaus of the Black Sea but also the historic castles on its coastline, we recommend taking a look at the nearby historic Kızkalesi in the neighboring province of Rize.

Bibliography

For more official information about the Black Sea plateaus and plateau tourism, you can review the website of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism ((https://trabzon.ktb.gov.tr/TR-57698/yayla-turizmi-ve-yaylalarimiz.html)).   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When is the best time to go to Uzungöl? Uzungöl is beautiful in every season. The summer months (June-August) are the most popular, liveliest, and most crowded period. Spring and autumn are ideal for a quieter holiday and wonderful photographic colors. In winter, it takes on a fairytale-like appearance with a white blanket of snow, but remember that transportation can become difficult and you should come prepared .

2. How long does it take to walk around the lake? The walking path around the lake is approximately 2 kilometers long. Including time for photo breaks and admiring the scenery, the walk takes about 1 hour at a comfortable pace .

3. Can I drive to Haldizen Plateau with a regular passenger car? The road to the plateau is a stabilized forest road. It can be driven on in dry weather with care, but the road condition can change depending on the season. You may have difficulty if your car has low ground clearance. The safest and most enjoyable options are to use the minibuses from Uzungöl or to join organized jeep safari tours .