With spring bringing in warm weather and beautiful flowers, Karagöl, known for its natural beauty, is awaiting visitors.
Located in Artvin province 25 kilometers from the Şavşat city center, Karagöl is situated snug inside the Sahara National Park.
Karagöl is widely known as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Artvin thanks its timeless beauty, enjoyable every season of the year.
Şavşat earned the title of "Calm City" at the Cittaslow 2015 General Assembly held in Milan, Italy and it has gone on to attract widespread attention with its wooden architecture, tranquil environment, beautiful music and natural life.
Karagöl also offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a weekend getaway immersed in a landscape of snowy hills, spruce trees and beautiful pines.
For those seeking more than a day-trip, designated camping areas are available for campers in the forests of Karagöl and boat trips are also available offering a scenic getaway for tourists.
Şavşat District Governor Mesut Gazi Ambarcı said the district has gained a great deal of attention with its touristic qualities, hosting a substantial number of local and foreign tourists.
The district governor said that there are also special alternatives for tourists who visit the area during the winter months, including a snow wrestling event which has gained international acclaim.
For those seeking more than a day-trip, designated camping areas are available for campers in the forests of Karagöl and boat trips are also available, offering a scenic getaway for tourists.
Ambarcı added that local officials are doing their best to boost tourism in the region.
He said that the picturesque town of Şavşat offers unique natural wonders, noting that Karagöl is one of them.
"We still have so many beauties that have not come to light yet. I invite everyone to our district. I ensure them that they will be happy and well-rested by the end of their trip," he said.
Şavşat Mayor Ahmet Sinan Öztürk said that they already seen many tourists flock to the area from different parts of Turkey, adding that the kick off of spring brings new waves of visitors to the district.
Mayor Öztürk said that the Karagöl plays a crucial role in the success of Artvin's tourism.
"It is a unique natural habitat in the region. As the weather gets warmer, more people come here to visit and enjoy their time in touch with nature," Öztürk said.
He added that Şavşat has other touristic attractions as well such as the Tamara rooms, the Şavşat Castle, the Tibet Cevizli Church and the Tepeköy Culture House, all of which attract both local and foreign tourists.
Ali Karabulut, a visitor who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), spent his weekend in Karagöl. He said they had a picnic with friends in order to relax and see the region in the spring time.
"We fed the colorful fish in the lake and enjoyed a nice day blowing off steam. Now, we are enjoying the abundance of oxygen here. I think this is the perfect place for people with COPD to find relief. We are enjoying the sun, the cold, snow, nature and greenery all in one place," he said.
Meanwhile, İsmail Orhan said he and his friends heard about Karagöl from the press and decided to pay a visit to the area.
"We are amazed by the view. I think Karagöl is particularly beautiful at this time of year when spring starts to take effect. Words cannot describe the beauty of this place. I loved the lake and the view around it, which is like a paradise. I advise everyone to come here and see this beauty," Orhan said.
Hüseyin Durmuş, another satisfied visitor, also said the region was a hidden paradise.
"I strongly recommend everyone visit this splendid place in nature. It is peaceful to experience the calmness of the region and to see water, trees and snow in one place. I come here every season because of its distinct beauty," Durmuş said.
