Yedigöller National Park

Yedigöller Overview

Yedigöller National Park, known in Turkish as Yedigöller Milli Parkı, is a captivating natural reserve located in the Bolu Province of northwestern Turkey.

The name “Yedigöller” translates to “Seven Lakes,” a fitting title for a park that spans roughly 15 square miles (38 square kilometers) and is renowned for its chain of seven interlinked glacial lakes nestled among densely forested hills.

Established in 1965, the park sits within the western Black Sea region and lies between Istanbul and Ankara, making it an accessible yet pristine destination for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and unspoiled beauty.

The terrain of Yedigöller National Park is composed of rolling valleys, steep ridges, and volcanic and glacial formations shaped over centuries. The seven lakes—Büyükgöl, Deringöl, Seringöl, Nazlıgöl, Sazlıgöl, İncegöl, and Küçükgöl—are the park’s main attractions and are surrounded by hardwood forests that change dramatically with the seasons.

The landscape is especially vivid in autumn when the beech, oak, alder, maple, and hornbeam trees burst into a kaleidoscope of orange, red, and gold. Waterfalls, small creeks, and mineral springs weave through the terrain, adding to the park’s lush and serene ambiance.

Wildlife thrives in this temperate, mixed-forest ecosystem. Key mammals found within the park include red deer, roe deer, wild boar, brown bears, foxes, and squirrels, many of which are most active during the early morning or twilight hours. The park is also home to an impressive variety of birds such as hawks, owls, woodpeckers, and finches, making it a favored spot for birdwatchers.

Amphibians and small reptiles inhabit the lakeshores and wet forest floors, contributing to the biodiversity of the area. The presence of large mammals and varied bird species underscores the health and ecological richness of the park’s environment.

Yedigöller’s most popular features include its lakeside walking trails, wooden footbridges, and panoramic viewpoints. Visitors often explore the park on foot, with well-marked paths offering opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Wooden observation decks provide picturesque views of the lakes and forests, especially popular among photographers during the fall foliage season. Camping is permitted in designated areas, and there are also bungalows and lodges available for overnight stays, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural setting.

The park supports a range of recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, nature photography, and birdwatching. In spring and summer, families enjoy the cooler forest climate, while autumn draws crowds eager to witness the dramatic color changes. Winter also has its charm, as snow blankets the terrain, creating a peaceful, frozen landscape ideal for quiet walks and photography.

Conservation in Yedigöller National Park has generally been successful due to strict environmental regulations and its status as a protected area. Challenges such as waste management, visitor pressure, and illegal hunting have required active oversight, but management efforts continue to prioritize ecosystem preservation.

Educational initiatives and the careful development of eco-friendly facilities have helped maintain the park’s natural integrity while supporting sustainable tourism.

Park Map

Yedigöller National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Yedigöller National Park is also a haven for birdlife, especially forest-dwelling species and songbirds that thrive among the park’s thick canopies, serene lakes, and rich understory vegetation.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
This powerful, nocturnal hunter roosts in large trees or rocky ledges. It preys on rodents and birds and has a deep, resonant call that echoes through the quiet forest at night.

Common Buzzard
Seen soaring above forest clearings, the buzzard feeds on small mammals and reptiles. Its slow, gliding flight and mewing call make it a regular sight in the park’s skies.

Black Woodpecker
The largest woodpecker in Europe, it drills into old trees for beetles and grubs. Its loud drumming and striking black-and-red plumage make it a key species of Yedigöller’s mature forests.

Great Spotted Woodpecker
This smaller woodpecker is common in the park’s mixed forests. It feeds on insects and seeds and often nests in tree holes it excavates itself.

White-throated Dipper
Often found along the streams connecting the lakes, this aquatic songbird dives underwater for insects. Its bobbing motion and white chest make it easy to identify.

Crested Tit
A charming little forest bird, the crested tit forages in conifers for insects and seeds. Its distinctive head crest and cheerful calls make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Coal Tit
This small, active songbird flits through the pine canopy, feeding on seeds and small insects. It is sociable and often joins mixed-species foraging flocks.

Tawny Owl
A secretive owl that hunts at night, the tawny owl roosts in tree hollows and preys on small mammals. Its classic “hoot” can be heard throughout the forest after dark.

Nuthatch
This agile bird moves headfirst down tree trunks while searching for insects. It nests in tree cavities and is known for its loud, whistling calls.

Robin
One of the park’s most familiar songbirds, the robin sings a sweet, melodic tune. It thrives in shaded understories and is frequently seen perched on low branches near trails.

Yedigöller National Park is a living tapestry of forest, water, and wildlife—where hidden trails, shaded glades, and serene lakes support a thriving community of mammals and birds in one of Turkey’s most beautiful and peaceful natural landscapes.

Yedigöller National Park, located in Bolu Province in northwestern Turkey, is a lush, forested wonderland named after its “Seven Lakes,” which are connected by streams, waterfalls, and seasonal cascades. This heavily wooded, temperate park is known for its tranquil beauty and provides ideal habitat for a wide variety of mammals and reptiles that thrive in its cool, moist environment.

Brown Bear
A key inhabitant of the dense forest, the brown bear forages for berries, roots, and insects and is most active in spring and fall. It hibernates in winter in sheltered dens near the forested slopes.

Grey Wolf
Roaming the remote valleys and high forest trails, the grey wolf is a top predator. It hunts deer, wild boars, and smaller mammals, helping to regulate herbivore populations.

Red Fox
This adaptable carnivore is common throughout the park. It preys on rodents and birds but also feeds on berries and insects, often seen near clearings or lakesides at dusk.

Roe Deer
These shy and graceful herbivores browse in forest openings and meadows. They feed on grasses, shoots, and leaves and are most active at dawn and dusk.

Wild Boar
Common in the park’s undergrowth, wild boars root through soil for tubers, acorns, and insects. They are strong, social animals that often move in family groups.

European Wildcat
Elusive and solitary, the wildcat moves quietly through the forest in search of small mammals and birds. It resembles a muscular domestic cat with a bushy, ringed tail.

European Pine Marten
This agile, tree-dwelling predator is active during twilight hours. It feeds on birds, squirrels, insects, and fruit and is rarely seen due to its secretive habits.

Eastern Hedgehog
Found in meadows and forest edges, the hedgehog emerges at night to feed on invertebrates. It hibernates during the coldest months, often in thick leaf litter or burrows.

Spur-thighed Tortoise
Often found in sun-dappled clearings and underbrush, this herbivorous tortoise feeds on wildflowers, clovers, and leaves. It is most active in warm months and retreats in winter.

Smooth Snake
This non-venomous reptile is a quiet and elusive resident of forest glades and sunny trails. It preys on insects and small lizards and is harmless to humans.