What types of travelers visit Uzungol?
Travelers interested in nature tourism, hiking, rural culture, and Black Sea regional environments visit Uzungol. Visitors typically seek outdoor activities, natural landscapes, and local village experiences.
Uzungol Travel Guide – Attractions, Transport, Best Time to Visit
Image by ALi photographer
Last update February 12, 2026
Uzungol is a town located in the Trabzon Province in the Black Sea region of northeastern Turkey. It is situated in a mountainous area known for its lake, natural landscapes, and rural settlement. The town is part of the Çaykara district and lies near the southeastern coast of the Black Sea. Uzungol serves as a local tourism center with its unique geographic and climatic features.
Uzungol Overview
- Location: Trabzon Province, Northeast Turkey
- Primary features: Mountain lake, natural landscapes, Black Sea region
- Time needed: 1-3 days (minimum 1 day)
- Best time to visit: May to September (summer months)
- Cost level: Low to medium compared to major Turkish cities
- Tourism profile: Nature tourism, hiking, rural tourism
Reasons Travelers Visit Uzungol
- Natural lake surrounded by mountainous scenery
- Hiking and outdoor activities in the Black Sea region
- Traditional Black Sea village architecture and rural culture
- Cool and humid Black Sea climate distinct from other Turkish regions
- Proximity to Trabzon city and historical sites in the area
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Uzungol is from May to September when the weather is warmer and most suitable for outdoor activities. Summers bring mild temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C with occasional rainfall. Winter months are cold, with temperatures often falling below freezing and frequent snow, which may limit outdoor accessibility.
| Season | Months | Typical Weather | Crowd Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to May | Cool, increasing temperatures, some rain | Low to moderate |
| Summer | June to September | Mild, warm with occasional rain | Moderate to high |
| Autumn | October to November | Cooling temperatures, occasional rain | Low |
| Winter | December to February | Cold, snow common, below freezing | Low |
How to Get There
Uzungol is accessible from major cities in Turkey by air, road, and bus services. Trabzon Airport is the nearest major airport, located approximately 99 kilometers from Uzungol. From Trabzon, travelers use road transport by car or bus. There are no direct train or ferry services to Uzungol due to its mountainous location.
- Nearest major city and airport: Trabzon, 99 km away
- Road access via state highways
- Bus services from Trabzon and nearby towns
- No direct train or ferry connections
From Istanbul
- Flight from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Trabzon Airport: approximately 1.5 hours
- Drive or bus from Trabzon Airport to Uzungol: approximately 2-2.5 hours, 99 km
- Total travel time: approximately 4-5 hours including transfers
From Izmir
- Flight from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Trabzon Airport (usually with one stop): approximately 3-4 hours total flight time
- Drive or bus from Trabzon airport to Uzungol: 2-2.5 hours
- Total travel time: approximately 5-6 hours including layovers and transfers
From Antalya
- Flight from Antalya Airport to Trabzon Airport (usually with one stop): approximately 3-4 hours total flight time
- Drive or bus from Trabzon Airport to Uzungol: 2-2.5 hours
- Total travel time: approximately 5-6 hours including layovers and transfers
From Ankara
- Flight from Ankara Esenboğa Airport to Trabzon Airport (direct flights available): approximately 1.5 hours
- Drive or bus from Trabzon Airport to Uzungol: 2-2.5 hours
- Total travel time: approximately 4-4.5 hours including transfers
Getting Around
- Local minibusses and taxis are available for short-distance travel
- Walking is possible within the village and surrounding lake area
- Distances between main points: Most attractions are within 1-3 km radius
- Private car rental is recommended for accessing remote hiking trails and natural sites
Top Attractions in Uzungol
Uzungol Lake
A natural glacial lake surrounded by forested mountains, Uzungol Lake is the central natural site of the town. It is a scenic spot for hiking, photography, and relaxing. Average visit duration is 1-2 hours.
Black Sea Village Architecture
Traditional wooden houses with specific regional design, preserved in Uzungol village. This cultural attraction provides insight into local rural life. Average visit duration is 1 hour.
Hiking Trails Around Uzungol
Several marked hiking paths lead from the village to nearby valleys, forests, and viewpoints. Trails vary in length and difficulty, suitable for half to full-day hikes.
Serafettin Hoca Mosque
A local mosque in Uzungol known for its architecture and community role. Visits typically last 15-30 minutes outside of prayer times.
Common Visitor Activities
- Walking around Uzungol Lake
- Hiking in surrounding mountainous terrain
- Visiting traditional villages near Uzungol
- Photography of natural and cultural landscapes
- Sampling regional Black Sea cuisine in local eateries
Suggested Uzungol Visit Duration
Most travelers spend between one to three days in Uzungol. A half-day visit covers the lake and village center. One full day allows for hiking and cultural exploration. Two to three days provides time for multiple hikes, rural village visits, and leisure activities.
Nearby Destinations
- Trabzon – approximately 99 km, 2-2.5 hours by car
- Ayder Plateau – approximately 85 km, 2.5 hours by car
- Of Town – approximately 45 km, 1.5 hours by car
- Uzungol Valley – adjacent to Uzungol village
Practical Information
| Climate | Temperate oceanic climate with high humidity and significant annual rainfall |
|---|---|
| Seasonality notes | Summer (May-September) suitable for outdoor activities; winter months often snowy and cold |
| Crowd levels | Moderate during summer; low during other seasons |
| Constraints or limitations | Winter road closures possible; limited public transport; infrastructure suited for rural tourism |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are needed to visit Uzungol?
Most travelers spend 1 to 3 days in Uzungol. Half a day covers the main lake area. A full day allows hiking and exploring the village. Up to 3 days enables multiple outdoor activities and nearby village visits.
Is Uzungol safe for tourists?
Uzungol is generally safe for tourists. Standard precautions apply for rural travel, such as preparing for limited medical facilities and difficult roads during winter. Weather conditions should be checked prior to travel.
What is the best time to visit Uzungol?
The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is warmer and more suitable for outdoor activities. Winter conditions include snow and cold temperatures that affect accessibility.