Uzungöl: the complete visitor's guide from Trabzon

Uzungöl is Trabzon's best-known mountain destination: a long lake between green mountains, with a small mosque and wooden houses on its shore and mist on most days. This guide answers what visitors and clients ask us every summer: how far it is, what the weather is like, when to go, where to stay and whether it is worth buying there.

Where is Uzungöl?

Uzungöl lies in the Çaykara district, south-east of Trabzon city, in a mountain valley about 1,100 m above sea level. The village is small, and most of its buildings are hotels, restaurants and shops around the lake.

How far is Uzungöl?

• From central Trabzon: about 99 km, or 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
• From Trabzon Airport: about the same, since the airport is on the coast close to the city centre.
• From the centre of Çaykara: about 20 km.
• From Istanbul: a direct flight to Trabzon takes 1 h 40 min to 1 h 50 min, followed by the mountain road. Driving from Istanbul is about 1,150 km.

The road follows the coast, then climbs a winding valley. If your children get car-sick, plan a short stop halfway.

Weather in Uzungöl by season

• Summer (June to August): mild days that are rarely hot, and cool nights. Mist and light rain can come on any day, so bring a jacket.
• Spring and autumn: cooler and quieter; the autumn colours on the slopes are a highlight.
• Winter: heavy snow, and the lake can freeze. Beautiful for snow lovers, but driving needs experience and winter tyres.

When is the best time to visit?

May to September suits most families. July and August are peak season, so hotels fill up and the road is busy at weekends. If you can, go early on a weekday to enjoy the lake in peace.

Things to do

• Walk around the lake on a flat path that suits families and older visitors.
• Climb to the viewpoints above the village to see the lake and the valley from above.
• Visit the nearby highland pastures (yayla) when the weather and road allow.
• Try the trout the local restaurants are known for.

Where to stay

You have two options:

1. Stay in Uzungöl itself: hotels and bungalows with lake views. Lovely for a night or two, but services are limited and prices rise in peak season.
2. Stay in Trabzon and visit for the day: what most families who spend the whole summer do. You live near the sea, hospitals and markets, and go up to the mountains whenever you like. Read our guide to living in Trabzon.

Should you buy a house in Uzungöl?

Many people dream of a home overlooking the lake, but buying in Uzungöl and the highlands is governed by zoning, protection and permit rules that must be checked before any payment.

The choice most of our clients make is an apartment in Trabzon with a sea view and year-round services, with Uzungöl two hours away for weekends. If you would like us to arrange a viewing trip that combines the sea and the mountains, contact us.