Gorgeous fall colors at Lake Ulugöl


Located in Ordu in the country's northeast, Lake Ulugöl has a riot of color in fall. Due to its value in terms of natural resources, recreation and tourism, the Forestry and Water Affairs Ministry recognized the lake as Turkey's 36th natural park in 2009. Now it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.

The lake is some 74 kilometers away from the city center and is 1.7 acres with depths reaching up to 20 meters. Because of the surrounding nature, something that is unique to the Black Sea region, the lake has become a prominent spot where green intertwines with blue.

Surrounded by trees such as European beech, alder, hornbeam and maple, the lake is home to numerous animal species such as Abant trout.

In addition to being a recreational facility, the area also attracts many photographers from Ordu and the nearby cities in early fall.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), İlhan Türkmen, head of the Ordu North Eastern Photographers' Association, said they were at Ulugöl with the members of the association and called the lake and surrounding areas a natural wonder with thousands of colors.

"We are cooperating with the other photography associations from the surrounding cities. We invite them to Ulugöl with an aim to promote our city. It is a pleasure for us to host visitors."

Türkmen stressed that Ulugöl offers untouched nature, and added: "We invite all nature lovers to experience and photograph this unmatched beauty. Ulugöl is mesmerizing throughout all four seasons. Its beauty is not limited to fall."

Explaining that they have to take steps to preserve Ulugöl for the future generations, Türkmen said: "We must stop building concrete structures in the surrounding area. The authorities should take precautions first."

Head of the Giresun Traveler Photographers' Association, Mehmet Gök, said that this is his first time at Ulugöl. "Ulugöl was beyond our expectations. You can see that fall has added an extra beauty to the area. It also offers a great atmosphere. We came to witness the beauty here and loved it so much. Everyone should come and see Ulugöl."

Another visitor from Ordu's Fatsa district, Sinem Aslan, said: "It is worth visiting. I'm really happy to be here."

Fatih Kalender Zengin, who came from the district of Altınordu, said the lake has untouched nature and has to be preserved for the future generations.

Visiting the lake with his family, Murat Varıcı said: "Our country is full of natural wonders, and I think Ulugöl is one of them."