Bolu is a charming city in the northwestern part of Turkey, located between Ankara and Istanbul.
It is known for its stunning nature, mountains, lakes and dense coniferous forests that make it one of the most beautiful places in the country for vacation and ecotourism.
Bolu is a city of four seasons where the valleys bloom in spring, summer is fresh and green, fall is a golden leafy fairy tale and winter is a ski paradise.

📍 Geography and climate

• Region: Black Sea

• Population: about 320,000 people

• Altitude: 730 meters above sea level

• Climate: temperate continental

  • Summer: cool (+22-26°C)

  • Winter: is snowy and cold (-5-0°C).

• Feature: Bolu is located between the Köroğlu Dağları mountains and is surrounded by national parks and lakes, making it one of the most environmentally friendly regions in Turkey.

🏛 History

The history of Bolu goes back to antiquity.

• In ancient times, the area was called Bithynia and was part of the Roman Empire.

• The city itself was known as Claudiopolis - in honor of the Roman Emperor Claudius.

• After Byzantium, Bolu became part of the Seljuk Sultanate and then the Ottoman Empire.

• Since the XVI century the city became an important center of caravan routes connecting Anatolia and the Black Sea.

Today, Bolu is known not only for its history but also as a natural tourist gem of Turkey.

🏞 Main attractions

🌊 A bant Lake (Abant Gölü)

• The main natural attraction of Bolu.

• It is located 34 km from the city, at an altitude of 1328 meters.

• The crystal clear lake is surrounded by spruce and beech forests.

• Here you can ride horses, walk, fish, picnic and stay in cozy hotels and lodges.

• In winter, the lake freezes over, turning into a magical mirror.

💡 Abant Lake is one of the most popular natural parks in Turkey, a protected area.

🏔 Köroolu Mountain and Kartalkaya Resort (Kartalkaya Kayak Merkezi)

• One of the best ski resorts in Turkey, just 40 km from Bolu.

• The height is 1850-2200 meters, slopes for skiers of all levels.

• In winter thousands of tourists come here from Ankara and Istanbul.

• The resort is surrounded by coniferous forests, and in summer it turns into an alpine zone for trekking and picnics.

🌿 Yedigöller National Park (Yedigöller Milli Parkı)

• The name translates to "Seven Lakes."

• One of the most picturesque places in Turkey, including a cascade of 7 natural lakes connected by streams and waterfalls.

• In autumn the park is especially beautiful - the leaves are colored in shades of gold and ruby.

• A popular spot for camping and photo shoots.

🕌 Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque (Yıldırım Bayezid Camii)

• It was built in the 14th century by Sultan Bayezid I.

• A striking example of Ottoman architecture of the early period.

• It is located in the historical center of Bolu, near the ancient caravanserais.

🪶 B olu Museum (Bolu Müzesi)

• Preserves archaeological finds from the Hittite, Phrygian and Roman eras.

• There is also an ethnographic section - traditional costumes, copper utensils and folk musical instruments.

🌲 Nature and Recreation

Bolu is an ideal place for those looking for peace, clean air and contact with nature.

• 🚶‍♂️ Hiking trails : trails around Abant and Jedigöller.

• 🏕 Camping and glamping: equipped sites with cabins and campfires.

• 🐎 Horseback riding: along lakes and mountain valleys.

• 🧖‍♀️ Karacasu Thermal Springs (Karacasu Kaplıcaları): a popular place for recuperation.

🍽 Bolu cuisine

Bolu is famous for its traditional Anatolian cuisine and its culinary artists.
It is not without reason that they say: "If the cook is from Bolu, the dish will be perfect."

What to try:

• 🍲 Bolu kebabı - stew with vegetables in a pot.

• 🧀 Mengen pilavı - rice with mushrooms and nuts, a recipe from the village of Mengen, home of the best Turkish cooks.

• 🍛 Keş - yogurt paste with garlic, served with pasta and meat.

• 🧈 Sütlaç - rice pudding with cinnamon.

• 🥞 Cevizli lokma - nuts in caramel dough.

👨‍🍳 The village of Mengen near Bolu is considered Turkey's culinary school, where cooks are trained for the country's best restaurants.

🎭 Culture and traditions

• Every August, the Mengen Aşçılar Festivali (Mengen Chefs Festival) is a large-scale culinary event with master classes, competitions and tastings.

• Bolu has preserved the traditions of handicrafts: wood carvings, copperware, handmade carpets.

• The locals are very proud of their nature and hospitality.

🚗 How to get there

• 🚗 F rom Istanbul: ~260 km (3.5 hours)

• 🚗 F rom Ankara: ~190 km (2.5 hours)

• 🚄 Train: Bolu station is connected to Ankara and Eskisehir.

• 🚌 Buses run regularly on the D100 (E-5) highway.

✅ Why visit Bolu

✔ Magnificent nature all year round
✔ Abant and Yedigöller lakes are the best in Turkey.
✔ Ski resort Kartalkaya
✔ National parks and clean air
✔ Gastronomic culture and chef school
✔ Thermal springs and peaceful atmosphere

📌 Conclusion

Bolu is a place where nature and man live in harmony.
Here you can see the reflection of pine trees in the mirror of the lakes, breathe the fresh mountain air and taste dishes cooked with soul.
Bolu is ideal for those seeking silence, inspiration and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

"Bolu is the breath of the forest, the taste of bread and the peace of the soul." 🌲