Lake Beyşehir National Park

Lake Beyşehir Overview

Lake Beyşehir National Park, known locally as Beyşehir Gölü Millî Parkı, is a vast and naturally rich protected area located in the Konya Province of central Turkey.

Encompassing approximately 228 square miles, or about 590 square kilometers, the park surrounds Lake Beyşehir, the country’s largest freshwater lake entirely within national borders. Situated at an altitude of 1,100 meters, the park offers a diverse landscape shaped by the Taurus Mountains to the south and wide open plains to the north.

The lake itself, covering nearly 650 square kilometers, features a rugged shoreline dotted with small islands, wetlands, and beaches, while the surrounding land includes forests, limestone ridges, and fertile valleys. This harmonious blend of water, mountain, and steppe ecosystems makes Lake Beyşehir National Park both visually striking and ecologically significant.

Vegetation across the park varies from aquatic reeds and wetland plants along the lake’s edge to dense juniper, cedar, and pine forests climbing the slopes of the surrounding mountains. The transition zones support wildflowers, grasses, and herbaceous plants that change with the seasons, offering brilliant spring blooms and golden hues in autumn.

Some of the forests, especially those on Anamas and Sultan Mountains within the park’s southern edges, include old-growth cedar stands that are crucial to the area’s ecological health. The combination of fresh water and diverse plant life provides an ideal habitat for a wide range of species.

Wildlife is abundant in Lake Beyşehir National Park, particularly around the lake and in the woodlands. The park is an important nesting and feeding area for over 150 bird species, including grey herons, white storks, ruddy shelducks, and various species of terns, ducks, and waders.

Birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks, are also commonly seen, especially in the higher elevations. Mammals found in the park include wild boars, foxes, hares, and occasionally wolves. The lake supports native fish species, including carp and trout, and amphibians are plentiful in the wetlands. The rich birdlife and aquatic ecosystems make the park a prime location for birdwatching and ecological research.

Popular features of the park include its beaches and picnic areas, scenic viewpoints, and small islands that dot the lake’s surface. The park’s recreational areas attract visitors for swimming, boating, and fishing, while trails in the surrounding hills and forests offer panoramic views of the lake and distant mountain ridges.

Eşrefoğlu Mosque and other nearby cultural landmarks in Beyşehir town add historical depth to a nature-focused visit. Sunset over the lake is considered one of the most beautiful sights in the region, drawing photographers and travelers alike.

Visitors engage with the park through activities such as boating, swimming, hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and cycling. Designated paths and rest areas help guide tourism while preserving sensitive habitats.

The park’s accessibility from Konya and other Anatolian cities makes it a convenient yet immersive nature destination. Educational signage and seasonal events help raise awareness of the park’s environmental value and biodiversity.

Conservation efforts in Lake Beyşehir National Park have focused on protecting the water quality of the lake, managing fishing activities, and preserving bird habitats. Challenges include agricultural runoff, water extraction for irrigation, and human encroachment on wetlands.

However, cooperation between local authorities and environmental organizations has led to improvements in monitoring and sustainable management practices. The park continues to serve as a model for balancing recreational use with the protection of vital freshwater and forest ecosystems.

Park Map

Lake Beyşehir National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Lake Beyşehir National Park is equally celebrated for its diverse birdlife, as the lake and surrounding wetlands serve as critical breeding and feeding grounds for both resident and migratory birds.

Dalmatian Pelican
This enormous and endangered waterbird nests in quiet corners of the lake. It scoops up fish with its large pouch and is one of the most striking species in the park.

Pygmy Cormorant
Often seen diving for fish in shallow waters, the pygmy cormorant nests in reed beds and dries its wings on nearby rocks or branches after swimming.

Grey Heron
This tall, elegant wader hunts along the lake’s edge for fish and frogs. It stands motionless for long periods before striking with lightning speed.

Little Egret
A smaller cousin of the heron, the little egret is easily recognized by its white plumage and black legs with yellow feet. It stalks the shallows for small aquatic prey.

Ferruginous Duck
This globally near-threatened diving duck favors the reedy areas of the lake. Males have rich chestnut-colored plumage and dive for aquatic insects and plants.

Black-winged Stilt
A striking wader with long red legs and a black-and-white body, the stilt wades through shallow water feeding on small invertebrates.

Common Teal
These small ducks are regular visitors during migration. Males are easily identified by their green eye patches, and they feed on seeds and aquatic vegetation.

White-headed Duck
An endangered species that prefers reed-lined lakes, the white-headed duck dives for aquatic invertebrates and is distinguishable by the male’s bright blue bill.

Marsh Harrier
This large raptor glides low over reed beds and meadows in search of birds and small mammals. Its slow, buoyant flight makes it a distinctive sight above the wetlands.

Bee-eater
A summer visitor with vibrant colors, the bee-eater nests in sandy banks near the lake. It catches bees and other flying insects mid-air and is often seen in small flocks.

Lake Beyşehir National Park is a harmonious blend of water, forest, and highland, offering one of Turkey’s most dynamic ecosystems where rich terrestrial wildlife meets an exceptional range of waterbird species across the country’s largest freshwater lake.

Lake Beyşehir National Park, located in southwestern Turkey across the provinces of Konya and Isparta, encompasses Turkey’s largest freshwater lake along with surrounding mountains, forests, and wetlands. This expansive and ecologically rich park provides habitat for a diverse group of mammals and reptiles, adapted to both aquatic and upland environments.

Wild Goat (Bezoar Ibex)
Thriving in the rocky hills around the lake, wild goats are agile climbers with impressive, spiraling horns. They graze on shrubs and grasses and are often seen on cliffs at dawn or dusk.

Red Fox
A widespread and intelligent predator, the red fox is active in forest edges and near wetlands. It hunts rodents and insects and also scavenges near water sources for fish and amphibians.

Golden Jackal
Roaming open fields and lakeside meadows, the golden jackal is a cunning and adaptable carnivore. It feeds on small mammals, birds, carrion, and even fruits.

Grey Wolf
An elusive top predator of the region, the grey wolf moves in small packs and preys on deer, goats, and wild boars. It plays a key ecological role in maintaining population balance.

Wild Boar
These strong, social animals are often seen in forested areas or near marshes, digging for roots, tubers, and insects. They are highly adaptable and typically active in the early morning or evening.

Brown Bear
Occasionally present in the forested zones around the lake’s periphery, brown bears are omnivorous and forage for berries, roots, and small animals. They are shy and usually avoid humans.

European Wildcat
This muscular, nocturnal predator prefers secluded forested habitats. It preys on small mammals and birds and is distinguishable from domestic cats by its broad head and thick tail.

European Hare
Common in meadows and shrublands, the European hare is swift and alert. It feeds on grasses and herbs and is a primary prey species for local predators.

European Pond Turtle
Living in the shallow, vegetated areas of Lake Beyşehir, this semi-aquatic reptile feeds on small fish, insects, and aquatic plants. It is frequently seen basking on sunny banks.

Spur-thighed Tortoise
This terrestrial tortoise is found in the drier, rocky parts of the park. It feeds on grasses, wildflowers, and low shrubs and becomes inactive during extreme heat or cold.