Yedigöller

About Yedigöller

Yedigöller (Seven Lakes) National Park is known for its seven interconnected lakes formed by landslides. The park features stunning autumn colors and diverse forest ecosystems including beech, oak, and pine trees. It's a popular destination for photography, hiking, and camping with rich wildlife including deer, wild boar, and various bird species.

Fauna

The park provides habitat for diverse wildlife including red deer, roe deer, wild boar, wolves, foxes, and various species of eagles and hawks. The lakes support a variety of fish species, including trout, and serve as important stopover points for migratory birds. The area is also home to numerous butterfly species and other insects important to the ecosystem.

Flora

Yedigöller boasts an exceptionally rich botanical diversity, featuring over 100 tree species including beech, oak, pine, hornbeam, and elm. The forest understory is rich with rhododendrons, wild strawberries, and various endemic plant species. Autumn brings spectacular foliage colors, making it one of Turkey's most photogenic locations during this season.

Geology

The park's distinctive landscape was shaped by tectonic activity and landslides that created its namesake seven lakes. The terrain consists of limestone and volcanic rock formations, with elevations ranging from 780 to 1,100 meters above sea level. The complex geological structure has resulted in numerous springs, streams, and the formation of natural dams that created the lakes system.

History

Established as a National Park in 1965, Yedigöller (meaning 'Seven Lakes' in Turkish) was historically part of the ancient region of Bithynia. The area served as a hunting ground and retreat for Ottoman nobles, with its lakes formed by landslides blocking stream valleys centuries ago. The park's modern development as a conservation area began in the mid-20th century, focusing on protecting its unique ecosystem and promoting sustainable tourism.

Notable Features

The seven lakes - Büyükgöl, Seringöl, Deringöl, Nazlıgöl, Küçükgöl, İncegöl, and Sazlıgöl - are the park's main attraction, each with unique characteristics and varying depths. The park offers well-maintained hiking trails, camping areas, and bungalow accommodations. Photography enthusiasts particularly value the park for its mirror-like lake surfaces reflecting the surrounding forest landscape, especially during autumn when the foliage creates stunning color displays.

Climate & Weather

Yedigöller experiences a transitional climate between the Black Sea and Central Anatolian regions, characterized by cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Average temperatures range from -5°C in winter to 25°C in summer, with significant rainfall throughout spring and autumn. The park's unique microclimate, created by its dense forest cover and lake system, maintains higher humidity levels than surrounding areas, making it ideal for diverse vegetation growth.