Top 10 Places to Visit in Bolu

Described as the pearl of Turkey, Bolu continues to fascinate its visitors with its natural beauties. This unique city, located in the west of the Black Sea Region, takes on a different beauty in every season of the year. With its cool plateaus, gurgling streams, lush green forests and clean air, Bolu has become one of the favorite destinations of both nature lovers and those who want to escape the chaos of city life.

So why Bolu? The answer to this question can be given in many different ways. Bolu, which is home to many natural beauties by being in the heart of nature, also bears the traces of history extending from the Phrygians to the Ottomans. There are many shocking things to talk about in the city, which has many attractive aspects such as thermal waters and delicacies.

As Bilet.com , we prepared a list of places to visit in Bolu and said "I'm glad I came" for those who will visit the city. We have listed the places that will make you say that. If you are ready, let's examine it together.

1.Abant Lake Nature Park

Abant Lake, known as the pearl of Bolu, is one of the most special natural beauties of Turkey. Hidden among the lush forests, this lake fascinates its visitors by taking on a different beauty every season of the year. It is an unmissable destination for those who want to enjoy the peace of nature and clean air.

Abant Lake is a crater lake located in Mudurnu district of Bolu. Surrounded by pine, spruce and beech trees, the lake looks like a painting. The crystal clarity of the lake and the lush green nature around it provide peaceful moments to visitors.
Access to Abant Lake is quite easy. You can reach the lake, which is approximately 34 kilometers away from Bolu city center, by private car, bus or tour vehicles.

Things to Do in Abant Lake

• Nature Walks: You can take pleasant walks in nature thanks to the walking tracks designated around the lake.
• Bicycle Tours: You can enjoy pedaling around the lake by renting a bicycle or bringing your own bicycles. Don't forget to take safety precautions as dirt roads will be bumpy.
• Picnic: You can have a pleasant time with your family or friends at the picnic tables in the lakeside picnic areas or with your own means.
• Camping: There are specially reserved camping areas for those who want to camp in nature.
• Lake Sports: You can have fun by renting a boat or doing water sports on the lake.
• Bird Watching: The lake surroundings are home to many bird species. It is an ideal place especially for observing migratory birds.
• Photography: There are many suitable spots to photograph the unique beauties of the lake.
• Fishing: There are designated areas for those who want to fish in the lake. You can take your fishing rods and go fishing with your loved ones.
• Horse Riding: There are horse farms around the lake, and you can enjoy nature by horse riding.

2.Gölcük Nature Park

In the heart of Bolu, there is a paradise that offers all the beauties of nature: Gölcük Nature Park. This park, which is a frequent destination for those who want to get away from the stress of city life and have a peaceful getaway, offers a different beauty every season of the year.

Gölcük Nature Park is located very close to Bolu city center. Gölcük, an artificially created barrier lake, looks like a painting with the lush green forests around it. The crystal clarity of the lake and the calmness around it provide visitors with peaceful moments. Gölcük Nature Park is beautiful in every season of the year. However, the busiest period is the summer months.

It is very easy to reach Gölcük Nature Park. You can reach the park, which is approximately 13 kilometers from Bolu city center, by private car, bus or public transportation.

Things to Do in Gölcük Nature Park

• Photography: There are many suitable spots to photograph the unique beauties of the lake.
• Nature Education : You can learn about nature by attending nature trainings held in the park.
• Bird Watching: The lake is home to many bird species around it. It is an ideal place especially for observing migratory birds.
• Camping: You can stay in touch with nature by pitching a tent in the camping areas within the park.
• Children's Playgrounds: There are playgrounds where your children can play safely.
• Barbecue Areas: If you want to prepare your own food, you can benefit from the barbecue areas.

3.Yedigöller National Park

Yedigöller National Park, known as the pearl of Bolu, is one of the most special natural beauties of Turkey. This unique natural wonder, formed by the combination of seven lakes hidden among lush green forests, fascinates its visitors by taking on a different beauty every season of the year. It is an unmissable destination for those who want to enjoy the peace of nature and clean air.

Yedigöller National Park is a national park located in Göynük district of Bolu. When you step here, you will find yourself in a fairy tale. The seven separate lakes located close to each other and the lush green forests around them offer a unique view.

Access to Yedigöller National Park is very easy. You can reach the park, which is approximately 42 kilometers away from Bolu city center, by private car, bus or tour vehicles.

Yedigöller offers fascinating views, especially in the autumn months, when the leaves change color. It is an ideal place for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Camping is also available in the park, but this usually requires a permit and is limited to certain areas.

Fun Ways to Spend Time in Yedigöller National Park

• Hiking: There are many hiking trails in the park. These trails are of different difficulty levels and lengths and offer great opportunities to enjoy nature.
• Camping: Yedigöller is a popular place for camping. There are designated camping areas within the park. It offers an ideal experience for those who want to be alone with nature. However, you should take care to keep the environment clean while camping.
• Picnic: There are areas in the park where you can have a picnic. It offers families and groups of friends the opportunity to have a pleasant time in a beautiful natural environment.
• Fishing: There is also the opportunity to fish in the lakes within the park. However, permission may be required for this activity during certain periods.
• Photography: Yedigöller offers wonderful views for photographers with its riot of colors, especially in autumn. It is the perfect place to photograph natural beauty and wildlife.
• Bird Watching: The park is home to many species of birds and is an ideal place for bird watchers.
• Wildlife Observation: You can observe wildlife such as deer, roe deer, fox and various bird species. However, you should be careful and respectful when approaching animals.
• Visiting Waterfalls: There are several waterfalls in Yedigöller National Park. You can enjoy the natural beauty by visiting these waterfalls.

4.Kartalkaya Ski Center

Kartalkaya Ski Center, located in Mengen, the popular district of Bolu, is one of the most popular ski resorts in Turkey. Located at the foot of Köroğlu Mountain, the center attracts winter sports enthusiasts with its natural beauties, modern facilities and abundant snow. Its proximity to big cities such as Istanbul and Ankara makes Kartalkaya even more accessible.

You can reach Kartalkaya with your private car or buses. There are private bus services departing from Istanbul and Ankara. Additionally, some tour companies also organize Kartalkaya tours.

Kartalkaya ski resort offers many accommodation alternatives suitable for different budgets. A wide range of accommodation options are available, from luxury hotels to boutique hotels, from apartments to villas.

Why Should You Choose Kartalkaya?

You can enjoy winter sports at Kartalkaya Ski Center thanks to the long ski season that lasts from December to April. There are various tracks suitable for all levels, with a total length of more than 40 kilometers. It offers an ideal environment for both beginners and experienced skiers. You can make your holiday enjoyable thanks to modern facilities such as comfortable hotels, restaurants, ski schools and rental centers.

Activities and Sports You Can Experience in Kartalkaya

• Alpine Skiing: You can enjoy skiing on tracks of different difficulty levels.
• Snowboard: There are special tracks and tracks for snowboard enthusiasts.
• Snowmobile: If you want to experience the excitement of speeding on snow, you can rent a snowmobile.
• Sledding: Sledding is an entertaining alternative for children and adults.
• Nature Walks: You can take nature walks accompanied by snowy landscapes.
• Spa and Wellness: You can benefit from relaxing massages and other wellness treatments in hotel spa centers.

5.Historical Houses of Bolu

Bolu is a city that attracts attention not only with its natural beauties but also with its rich history and cultural heritage. In Bolu, which is especially famous for its wooden houses from the Ottoman period, there are many historical houses that bear the traces of the past. These houses display the best examples of traditional Turkish architecture and offer visitors an unforgettable experience.

Historical houses in Bolu were generally built using wooden materials. They attract attention with their large wooden doors and windows, wide eaves, wood carvings and decorations. The interior of these houses includes large rooms, attics and sofas. Natural materials used in the construction of houses ensure that they are cool in summer and warm in winter.

Accommodation in Bolu Historical Houses

There are many options for those who want to stay in historical houses in Bolu. Restored historical houses serve as boutique hotels or hostels. In this way, you can both stay in a historical house and enjoy the natural beauties of the region.

Goynuk Houses

Göynük is a district on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. There are 114 registered historical buildings here. Göynük houses are generally two-storey buildings that display the best examples of wood craftsmanship. These houses are generally known for their bay windows and gardens.

Mudurnu Houses

There are also many historical houses in Mudurnu. These houses are generally built by combining stone and wooden materials. Houses in Mudurnu are generally two or three stories high and built on wooden frames with adobe filling. These houses attract attention with their wooden decorations, large courtyards and gardens, and original architecture.
There are also other Ottoman structures in Mudurnu, such as old inns, baths and bazaars. Mudurnu Market, held on Saturdays, is a place where local products are sold and you can enjoy the historical atmosphere.

6.Sülüklügöl Nature Park

Sülüklügöl Nature Park is a natural paradise located in Mudurnu district of Bolu province of Turkey. This nature park takes its name from Sülüklügöl located in its center and attracts attention with its natural beauties and biodiversity.

Sülüklügöl Nature Park is located in Mudurnu district of Bolu province. Transportation can be provided via the Ankara-Beypazarı-Nallıhan-Mdurnu road. The park is spread over an area of approximately 810 hectares and is in an ideal location for those who want both ease of transportation and the desire to be in touch with nature.

Sülüklügöl was formed as a result of a landslide that occurred approximately 300 years ago. The leeches from which the lake takes its name are no longer found in the lake. The lush green forests around the lake, the clear waters of the lake and the surrounding fauna offer visitors a unique natural view. In addition to trees such as Scots pine and fir, many wild animals such as wild boar, brown bear, fox and gazelle live in the park.

Some Activities You Can Do in Sülüklügöl

• Trekking: Sülüklügöl Nature Park is one of the hiking destination options in Bolu and has many paths and tracks. You can both enjoy nature and get plenty of oxygen during your walk.
• Camping: It is also possible to camp around the lake. However, you should be careful to protect the natural environment while camping.
• Picnic: There are picnic areas in the park and offer an enjoyable time for families and groups of friends.
• Photography: There are many suitable spots to photograph the unique beauties of the lake and its surroundings.
• Bird Watching: The park is home to various bird species. It is an ideal place especially for observing migratory birds.
• Bicycle Tours: You can enjoy pedaling by renting a bicycle around the lake.

7.Bolu Museum

Bolu Museum is an important museum located in Bolu province of Turkey and exhibiting the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region. The museum, opened in 1981, attracts attention with its rich collections of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts. Located in the city center, the museum offers its visitors a visual feast and an in-depth perspective on the history of the region.

Bolu Museum offers an excellent opportunity for those who want to follow the history of the region from its beginning to the present day. You can visit the museum to get to know Bolu's rich cultural heritage and to learn about the traditions and customs of the region. Interactive exhibitions and activities for children in the museum offer visitors an enjoyable experience.

Bolu Museum is in an easily accessible location in the city center. You can reach the museum with your private vehicle or public transportation.

What's in Bolu Museum

Archaeological findings, ethnographic artifacts, samples and photographs from different periods are exhibited in Bolu Museum. Among the main works in the museum;

• Artifacts from the Phrygian Period: Various artifacts from the period when Bolu hosted the Phrygian civilization are among the most striking pieces of the museum.
• Roman Period Artifacts: Items, statues and coins used during the Roman rule of the region are also exhibited in the museum.
• Ottoman Period Artifacts: Various items, clothes and household appliances that give clues about Bolu's life in the Ottoman period are included in the rich collection of the museum.
• Local Handicrafts : Hand-woven rugs, wood carvings and other handicrafts unique to Bolu are also exhibited in the museum.

8.Seben Plateaus

Seben Plateaus, one of the unique natural beauties of Bolu, fascinates its visitors with its lush green nature, clean air and cool waters. Seben Plateaus, which is an ideal destination for those who want to cool off and be alone with nature, especially in the summer months, also stands out with the rich activity options it offers.

Bolu's Seben district is a region famous for its natural beauties and plateaus. Seben Plateaus offer an ideal environment for nature lovers, campers and photographers. These plateaus are a popular destination for those who want to experience the peace and beauty that nature has to offer.

Seben Plateaus are located in Seben district of Bolu province. The plateaus, located approximately 50 kilometers away from the city center, have a very easy location in terms of transportation.

9.Akkaya Travertines

Akkaya Travertines, among the natural beauties of Bolu, are a unique natural formation that is likened to Turkey's Pamukkale. Pools formed by pure white travertines, intertwined with lush green nature, offer a unique experience to their visitors.

Akkaya Travertines are located on the Mudurnu road, approximately 10 kilometers away from the center of Bolu province. You can reach the travertines, which are very easy to reach, with your private car or public transportation.

Features of Akkaya Travertines

Akkaya Travertines consist of white stepped terraces formed as a result of the accumulation of calcium carbonate. These terraces form over time as groundwater rises to the surface and evaporates, leaving calcium carbonate behind.
The contrast of the white color of the travertines with the surrounding green nature offers impressive views. With this feature, it is an attractive spot for photographers and nature lovers.
The surrounding area is equipped with picnic and recreation areas. Visitors can have a picnic and take walks while enjoying the natural beauties.
Access to Akkaya Travertines is very easy and the necessary basic facilities are available for visitors in the area. However, it may be necessary to return to Bolu city center for more comprehensive opportunities.

10. Mudurnu Historical Road

Mudurnu Historical Road is a road located in the Mudurnu district of Bolu and attracts attention with its historical texture. This road is a route that brings together the historical, cultural and natural beauties of the region. Especially the structures and natural beauties from the Ottoman period are among the elements that make the road interesting.

Mudurnu has been vibrant for many years as an important accommodation and trade center on the Silk Road. Located on this historical road, the town hosts many historical buildings from the Ottoman period. Historical stone houses, mansions, mosques and baths have given Mudurnu a unique atmosphere.

Noteworthy Points on Mudurnu Historical Road

• Mudurnu Houses : Wooden and bay-windowed houses reflecting the architecture of the Ottoman period are one of the most distinctive features of Mudurnu. These houses offer a historical atmosphere as they are well preserved.
• Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque: It was built by Yıldırım Bayezid in 1382 and is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture.
• Suleiman the Magnificent Bath: Built in the 16th century, this bath is an important building from the Ottoman period.
• Mudurnu Clock Tower : Built in 1890, the clock tower is one of the symbols of Mudurnu and a popular spot to see the view of the town from the top.
• Mudurnu Bazaar : The historical bazaar is full of shops selling local handicrafts, food products and souvenirs. You can trace the past while shopping here.