UZUNGÖL - THE TURKISH SWITZERLAND

 

Written by Giuditta Andrei

Turkey has always been the gateway between Europe and Asia, a meeting point between East and West, a country of diverse cultural influences and an undisputed protagonist in the history of trade.

History, culture and natural splendour have richly sustained Turkey over centuries, making it a travel destination for 51 million people worldwide in 2019 only.

It is precisely in Turkey that you can find a place referred to by many as the Turkish Switzerland, a place where the natural geographic location and postcard-worthy landscape is undoubtedly reminiscent of the typical Swiss landscapes that we are all familiar with.

Blue skies, pristine landscape and lush forests, this is Uzungöl, a place located in the northern part of Turkey, precisely in Trebizond on the Black Sea. The name itself means 'Long Lake' and it is precisely from this crystal-clear lake, the main lake of Trebizond, that the place of the same name is named.

Situated at an altitude of 1090 metres above sea level, Uzungöl is located in the Caykara district, which is 99 km from the centre of Trebizond and roughly 1100 km from Istanbul. The place has been attracting the attention of local and foreign tourists for some years now, who wish to get away from the chaotic urban life and immerse themselves in the natural and picturesque beauty of Turkey.

Uzungöl is located in a valley that is steep to reach and is enclosed by imposing mountains that offer breathtaking views; a scenery that altogether makes it a place that is as special as it is seemingly inaccessible, but undoubtedly enchanting.

Uzungöl was officially declared a nature park in 1989. Its rich vegetation is still protected, and to this day, it is considered the place with the cleanest air in the whole of Turkey, a place that only few Westerners will know.

Geologically, the lake that is the main feature of this fairy-tale Valley was formed when rocks from the appendages of the village of Serah, 1 km from Uzungöl, covered the front of the Halden stream where the water originally flowed, essentially blocking its original course, thus creating a natural dam.

Surrounding the lake are souvenir shops, cafes, several hotels, a mosque and local houses built of wood according to traditional architecture, which, contextualised in the overall landscape, amaze the observer's eyes with their beauty.

The area surrounding the lake is densely forested, where the fog during a large part of the year is often oppressive.

The general climate is essentially mild with frequent rainfall; compared to the usual city centre temperatures of over 30°, in Uzungöl, during the summer, there is a drop in temperature of about 20°.

But it is during the winter season that Uzungöl reveals its fairy-tale magnificence. In fact, between January and February, when temperatures become colder due to cold winds from higher altitudes, snowfalls and frosts turn the lake into a thick layer of ice, which is often crossed by skating.

The place is a destination for paragliding, trekking and winter sports enthusiasts and camping areas can be found here. If one chooses to go hiking, one can admire all the possible shades of green and the bright colours of the mountain roses growing on the rocky slopes.

While if you choose to walk along the lake, you will find many roasted chestnut vendors and see a few wooden huts built among the surrounding cattle pastures, part of the humble rural life led by the locals.

The Kiremitli Bridge

The historic Kiremitli Bridge, whose name means “tiled”, is the famous arched bridge leading to the road to Uzungöl from Caykara. The original structure was hand-built in 1935, using mainly large wooden logs for the body of the bridge and red tiles for the roof. It was recently restored in 2002, retaining the original style.

The Mosque

The Mosque is what makes Uzungöl iconic. Made entirely of white brick in classical Ottoman style, it consists of two tall minarets, both of which are perfectly visible reflected in the waters of the lake from the opposite hill. The interior is modestly decorated with Qur'anic inscriptions and wooden ornaments, while right in the centre of the room is a huge chandelier.

Overall, the Mosque appears small in size, but in any case, it makes Uzungöl an even more fascinating place, even more so as the sound of the call to prayer spreads throughout the Valley.

Suspended swing

Uzungöl is a place of many scenic views, worthy of being admired, photographed and posted on Instagram. One of these natural views, for example, is on a hill not far away, where a swing is installed. For only 10 Turkish Lira, the equivalent of 55 Euro Cents, you can literally swing suspended in the green valley below.

Observation platform

If you want to enjoy another breathtaking view, simply climb 400 strenuous steps and reach the main viewing platform of Uzungöl, where there is one of the best observation areas in northern Turkey. It is a favourite destination for tourists who aspire to be completely surrounded by the green landscape that blends with the crystal-clear waters of the lake and the lush mountains.

Typical food

The main hotels in Uzungöl largely overlook the valley and offer one of the most beautiful views of the lake. During a stay in one of these, a typical Turkish breakfast is a must.

Here, the typical breakfast consists of: typical cheeses, pastries and boiling black tea, a drink that is deeply rooted in Turkish culture.

Turkey, in general, is a major exporter of tea and is ranked as the world's fifth largest exporter. The main tea plantations come from the steep slopes of the mountains in the city of Rize, on the coast of Trebizond.

Among the Turks, it is indeed the most consumed beverage after water.