Bolu - Abant Lake

NATURE PARKS

Location: The Abant Lake Natural Park takes place within the borders of Bolu Province Central District in Karadeniz (Blacksea) Region.

Transportation: It can be reached to the Abant Lake Natural Park by following the Ankara - Istanbul E - 5 State Highway, and than taking the 22 km road at the turn of Ömerler Madensuyu which is at the 203rd km of the E- 5 Highway. The park is 33 km far away from Bolu, 225 km far away from Ankara, and 225 km far away from Istanbul.

Highlights: The Abant Lake, which is a tectonic structure, shelters a variety of plants in itself and have a great open air recreation potentiality. As a result of these characteristics of the lake, 1150 hectares of it had been taken under the status of Natural Park in the year 1988.

The main plant species in the park are; Scotch Pine, beech tree, larch tree, oak tree, poplar tree, ash tree, horn - beam tree, willow tree, juniper tree, forest rose, tamarisk, hazelnut tree, medlar tree, priest hat, azarole, holly, dog - rose, bracken, blackberry, strawberry, mint, raspberry, ivy, nettle, mare's tail, and a variety of pasture grasses and trees. The main animal species in the park are; pig, deer, roe deer, bear, fox, jackal, rabbit, some birds of prey and singing birds. The endemic species Abantalası in the lake forms the fauna.

Facililities: The period between May and September is the best times for visiting the park. Some hotels are present in the park for billeting. The daily visitors can take walks around the lake or make picnics.