Covered with forests and a natural wonder of the Black Sea Region, Bolu is a place that is flooded with visitors every season. With its green areas, clean air and many beautiful routes, it appeals to all kinds of vacation seekers. From long vacations to weekend getaways, you can enjoy nature and local cuisine in Bolu. So, what is special about Bolu? What to see in Bolu? And what to do in Bolu? Let's explore together 👇
Explore Bolu: A Hidden Gem in Turkey’s Natural Paradise
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Bolu is a city that has hosted many civilisations throughout its history.
The first traces of settlement are found by the Hittites, followed by the Phrygians and Lydians. Afterwards, the city came under the rule of Alexander the Great and witnessed the establishment of the Kingdom of Bithynia. After the Turks entered Anatolia, Bolu was Turkified over time and remained under the influence of the Seljuk and the Trabzon Greek Empire. Finally, the city, which came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, became a province during the Republican period.
Bolu is famous for its historical and natural beauties among the places to visit.
This city is an ideal place for those looking for a peaceful vacation with its oxygenated air and green nature. In addition to many natural areas such as nature parks, lakes and mountains to explore in Bolu, historical sites also offer a unique experience to its visitors.
When visitors come to Bolu, they can visit various places to discover the beauties where both nature and history are intertwined. Bolu, with its tranquillity and rich historical heritage, is a destination suitable for all types of travellers.
Abant Lake and Nature Park
Abant Lake is located approximately 35 km from Bolu city centre. Surrounded by pine forests, the lake offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its clean air and natural beauty. You can take nature walks, camp or rent a bicycle. There are also businesses where you can eat in the park.
Yedigöller National Park
Located about 45 km from Bolu city centre, Yedigöller National Park is named after the seven lakes in it. This park, where tree species such as beech, oak and hornbeam are dense, offers a magnificent area for nature lovers. It is also home to many bird and fish species. In 1965, Yedigöller became a national park and is one of the most popular natural areas of Bolu.
Gölcük Nature Park
Gölcük Nature Park is only 13 km from Bolu city centre and is surrounded by fir and pine trees. This park, where you can take nature walks, is also a great place for photographers. There is also a guesthouse belonging to the Ministry of Forestry in the park. Entrance to Gölcük Nature Park is free of charge.
Kartalkaya Ski Center
Kartalkaya Ski Centre, one of the most well-known spots in Bolu during the winter months, is located on the Köroğlu Mountains. Kartalkaya, one of Turkey's most important ski resorts, offers an unforgettable experience to winter sports lovers with its snowy landscapes. The ski season starts in December and continues until March.
Historical Bolu Houses
Bolu's historical houses can be seen especially in Mudurnu, Göynük and Kıbrıscık districts. These houses stand out with roofs covered with local tiles and ceilings decorated with motifs. Most of them have one or two floors, with courtyards called “Hayat” in front of the houses. These traditional buildings are important examples reflecting Bolu's culture and lifestyle.
Bolu Museum
Bolu Museum, which was opened to visitors in 1981, is an important cultural venue that exhibits artifacts unearthed from archaeological excavations in and around Bolu. The museum, where many artifacts from Urartu, Lydia, Roman and Byzantine periods are exhibited, has over 17,000 artifacts and is definitely worth seeing.
Yıldırım Bayezit Mosque
Yıldırım Bayezit Mosque, one of the oldest buildings in the centre of Bolu, was built in 1382. Originally built in wood, the mosque was rebuilt after a fire in 1891. Finally, it was restored in 1999 and became what it is today. With its 700 years of history, it is one of the important religious buildings in Bolu.
What to Eat in Bolu?
Bolu attracts attention with both its touristic richness and local flavours. Especially Bolu Mengen, as a region that has gained a reputation for training cooks, offers quality dining experiences to visitors to the city. The Cooking Festival, organised every year in the first week of September in the city, is an important event that showcases the talents in this field. Some of the local flavours that should be tasted in Bolu are as follows:
Abant Kebab
Ovmaç Soup
Mengen Pilaf
Stuffed with Lifting Pasha Pilaf
Pasha Pilaf
Keş Cheese
Höşmerim
Pumpkin Pancake
Where to Stay in Bolu?
Bolu is a city that welcomes its visitors with both its natural beauties and historical richness, and accommodation options are quite wide. If you want to stay in the city centre, some hotels and pensions reflect the city's historical texture. However, if you want to have a vacation in touch with nature, you can choose the hotels around Abant. There are various accommodation options from luxury hotels to bungalow houses.
How is Transportation in Bolu?
Urban transportation in Bolu is generally provided by buses and minibuses. BoluKart offers a very practical option for those who will use public transportation. It is quite easy to reach the city by land. However, there is no air transportation to Bolu. Therefore, those who want to come by air can fly to Kocaeli Cengiz Topel Airport (approximately 145 km away) or Ankara Esenboğa Airport (approximately 200 km away).