Yedigöller: The Most Enchanting Route of Autumn

When it comes to autumn, the most pristine region in Turkey, where you can find seven stunning lakes and captivating colors all in one place, is undoubtedly Yedigöller National Park…

For those who haven’t been there before and only know it from photographs, it’s important to emphasize that you haven’t missed anything yet. Starting from the first week of November, you can experience the myriad shades of colors in the forests and the leaves covering every inch like a blanket.

SETTING UP CAMP AT DERİNGÖL OR SERİNGÖL

We spent an unforgettable 2 days at Yedigöller National Park, located about 40 km north of Bolu city center. With its air, water, and most importantly, the vibrant array of colors it creates, Yedigöller touched the heart of nature. We enjoyed the essence of autumn by camping at Yedigöller.

Situated at an elevation of approximately 900 meters, Yedigöller National Park offers walking trails, bungalows for accommodation, and camping and caravan areas. There’s a trekking route that takes you around the seven lakes: Büyükgöl, Seringöl, Sazlıgöl, Küçükgöl, Deringöl, Nazlıgöl, and İncegöl, allowing you to explore all the lakes in a short time.

However, camping is only permitted around Deringöl and Seringöl. If you’re visiting on weekdays, you might also be able to set up tents in a small part of Büyükgöl, as it’s less crowded. We chose Deringöl for camping as it was closer to a parking lot that we found more appealing.

NO CAMPFIRES BEFORE 7 PM

The camping fee per tent is 14 TL on weekdays and 25 TL on weekends. Additionally, there is no tent rental service at Yedigöller, so you need to bring your own tent. Since the season is close to winter, the nights can be quite cold. If you’re lucky with the weather, you might be able to walk around in just a t-shirt during the day. Campfires are allowed from 7 PM to 8 AM. Outside of these hours, using gas stoves and campfire equipment is prohibited.

You are only allowed to light fires in the barrels and containers provided, not just anywhere. If you’re traveling by car, it’s a good idea to bring dry wood and kindling. Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on picking up wood pieces from the ground, as touching any trees, even dead ones, is strictly forbidden within the National Park.

SLEEPING BAGS ARE ESSENTIAL THIS SEASON

For campers visiting during this season, my biggest recommendation and caution is to have a proper sleeping bag. Day visitors can manage somehow, but those spending the night in tents should definitely use suitable sleeping bags. Even if you don’t bring any food with you, there’s a restaurant right next to Büyükgöl that serves until 9 PM. Apart from that, campers need to bring all their food supplies from outside. If your goal is to feed your soul rather than just your stomach, you won’t encounter any issues.

There’s no shortage of drinking water. You can use the fountains located almost at every corner along the walking trails. The road to the National Park is asphalt and in great condition. You can easily reach it with any regular vehicle. The parking area is quite spacious and well-organized.

QUIETER ON WEEKDAYS

For those who are considering camping at Yedigöller but are hesitant, rest assured that Yedigöller offers safe camping areas and friendly camping neighbors. On weekends, day visitors, especially during these months, flock to Yedigöller. Hence, by visiting on weekdays, you can enjoy both a peaceful environment and tranquility.

Following the trekking route, you can also see a few waterfalls, the Smiling Rocks, the Wishing Fountain, the Pythagoras Tree, and the Pythagoras Houses. In Yedigöller, where you emotionally connect with nature and time seems to move very slowly, taking photos with every step you take will be your greatest enjoyment. Don’t miss this season…