Located in the Bolu province of Turkey, this sweet water lake provides a soothing and relaxing view for its visitors. Lake Abant is one of the many natural wonders of Turkey, establishing a beautiful sight that rests peace upon the people seeing it. This lake is located 1350 meters above sea levels, with a size of 125 hectares. The formation of this 18 meters deep lake dates back to prehistoric times. It is formed as a result of the fulfillment of grand rocks of the valley by the effect of powerful underground tectonic collapses. This tectonic-based lake is located over the main fault line of North Anatolia. Lake Abant is filled with high mountains and two small rivers that lead to this lake.
Home to a natural park with its name, mountains surrounding Lake Abant make up the borders of this natural park. The highest point of this park is 1794 meters, as its size is about 1196 hectares. If you are fortunate, you may find a chance to see Lake Abant frozen as it starts to freeze starting from the shores in some winters. Lake Abant is stationed over Abant and Keremali Mountains. Excess water that this lake receives during the year is poured into the Abant and Bolu rivers. This lake is commonly fed by natural springs, two or three constant rivers, and numerous seasonal rivers. The natural life in Abant comes with a rich diversity as you can easily find traces of many animals such as rabbits, wild pigs, ferrets, bears, foxes, ducks, and pigeons. Lake Abant also has endemic fish that is named ‘’Salmo trutta abanticus.’’ Trees in the natural park of Lake Abant have a rich diversity as well. You can easily spot many kinds of pine, oak, alder, and fir trees surrounding Lake Abant.
As this lake is located in the middle of the highway that establishes the connection between Istanbul and Ankara, it receives a fair number of visitors every year. While most of its visitors are there for daily picnic activities, there are some hotels that you may rest a night or two in order to live full of this experience. Or, you can choose to camp in the well-secured camping areas of Bolu to feel yourself one with nature. Even though there are not any city centers near the lake, there is a restaurant and a general’s store in the center of the natural park that fulfills your every need.
Considered a protected natural park since 1988, Lake Abant is a must-to-see natural wonder in Turkey. With its accommodation possibilities and easy accessibility, it creates a fantastic experience for every visitor. As it is located in the middle of a highly preferred road, Lake Abant manages to have a constant number of visitors during the year. Visiting this lake in summer establishes a fantastic opportunity to relax with friends and family with a barbeque while visiting in winter comes with its own specialties. Well, whether summer or winter, Lake Abant of Bolu is a place you must visit.