Top 3 Things to Do in Bolu, Turkey During Winter

Bolu is a city and province located in the Black Sea region of Turkey. It is known for its natural beauty, with many forests, lakes, mountains and protected natural reserves in the surrounding area. With a population of approximately 140,000, Bolu is not a very large city in comparison to the nearby capital of Ankara or Istanbul. Nevertheless, its rich history and stunning landscape makes it is a wonderful winter destination.

A Short History of Bolu

Located in Anatolia, ancient Bolu was likely part of one of the Hittite kingdoms. During the Roman era, Bolu was then known as Claudiopolis, after the Roman Emperor Claudius. It is thought that the current name of Bolu is a Turkic-language derivative from the Greek word “polis” as in “city”. With its location on the Roman road that connected Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) to the Black Sea region, Bolu became an important center of trade and commerce. Nowadays, Bolu is has many protected natural parks, as well as museums with artifacts from its rich ancient past.

Here are our top 3 recommendations for things to do in and around Bolu during the winter months:

1. Visit the Abant Natural Park.

Located in the Bolu province of Turkey, Abant Nature Park (Abant Tabiat Parkı) is a protected natural park known for the famously beautiful Abant Lake (Abant Gölü). Because of its fantastic beauty, it is a popular vacation spot for picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors for locals as well as tourists.

The park was established in 1976 as a nature reserve and has since been protected as a natural park in 1988. It is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including pine and oak forests, as well as a large number of fauna such as otters, foxes, falcons, owls and others as well as local species such as the Abant Trout and Abant Dormouse.

Over the years, Abant Nature Park has become a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike, and is known for its beautiful scenery and natural beauty. It is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, enjoying the outdoors, and a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to experience the peace and tranquility of nature.

There are also two hotels that are situated on the banks of the lake, as well as others located a short drive away. There are also several mountain bungalows (dağ evleri) that are available for rent in the area. If you enjoy waking up in the fresh mountain air with beautiful natural sights and sounds around, the area around the Abant Natural Park is highly recommended.

While the period between May and September are usually recommended for visiting the park due to more touristic activities, during winter, Abant turns into a winter wonderland whose beauty is difficult to match. It is an unforgettable sight if you get the chance to see it during its usual off-season!

2. Go skiing at the Kartalkaya Ski Resort.

Located in the Köroğlu Mountains, Kartalkaya is a popular ski resort with a variety of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Kartalkaya (Kartalkaya Kayak Merkezi in Turkish) is a ski resort located in the Köroğlu Mountains of the Bolu province in Turkey, approximately 200 kilometers northwest of the city of Ankara and about an hour away (38 km) from the city of Bolu. It is known for its ski and snowboarding trails, which are suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort is open from December to April, depending on the weather conditions.

Known for their beautiful scenery and natural beauty, Kartalkaya and the Köroğlu Mountains are a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. It is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the peace and tranquility of nature. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the ski resort also offers a variety of other activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding during the summer months.

There are 5 privately owned resorts and facilities in Kartalkaya, which are equipped with a number of amenities, including ski rentals, ski schools, spas, and a variety of dining and accommodation options. There are also first aid facilities and ski patrol. There are a total of 25 trails with various difficulty levels, and reaching a total of 40 kilometers, as well as several ski lifts, gondolas and drag lifts that transport skiers and snowboarders to the different runs of the mountain.

Kartalkaya is a popular and well-equipped ski resort that offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors. Look out for more in an upcoming post!

3. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Yedigöller National Park.

Located in the Bolu province, about 42 km from the city of Bolu, Yedigöller, or Seven Lakes, National Park (Yedigöller Milli Parkı) is home to a series of seven interconnected lakes and is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and fishing.

The park is located in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey, approximately 120 kilometers northwest of the city of Ankara. Yedigöller National Park has been a protected natural area since 1965. It is known for its series of seven interconnected lakes, located on two plateaus, which are also surrounded by forests, mountains, and streams. The whole area is teeming with life, with many different species of birds, wild animals and flora. It is also prided as having the most mixed natural forests the country.

There are accommodation services and restaurants that are provided near by the park, with some bungalows available within the natural park itself.

Visiting Yedigöller National Park is an absolute must, and it is beautiful regardless of the season you chose. However, be aware that during the winter months, the usual route between Bolu and Yedigöller may be closed due to snow and ice. If that is the case, the road from the north side of the park (from the village Yazıcık/Devrek) should be available. You can find more information on the official website of the Yedigöller National Park.

Closing

Bolu, Turkey is a great get-away to enjoy the outdoors and nature, as well as a great destination for many winter activities. From skiing or snowboarding at Kartalkaya Ski Resort to exploring the natural beauty of Abant and the Yedigöller National Park, there's something for everyone in Bolu. It is a beautiful region and city rich in natural parks, history, and culture. With much to offer, it is a destination worth visiting!

If this has helped give you some ideas on your next trip, be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media for more content like this!