Bolu province is the city where the shades of green and blue
embraces each other, sleeping and waking together, where the
wind still whispers one of the most dramatic legends at the
peaks of the high mountains, where numerous civilizations was
founded and developed, leaving plenty of creations and artwork
behind.
If you want to see the beauties of Bolu, which were kneaded by
the nature, mankind and history together and listen to the folk
songs of Köroğlu which are sang by the mountains, all you need
to do is endure a bus journey. Reaching Bolu Province is quite
easy, as the city is located nearly at the middle point of the
highway, which connects the two major cities, Ankara and
Istanbul.
Districts: Dörtdivan, Gerede, Göynük, Kıbrısçık, Mengen,
Mudurnu, Seben and Yeniçağa are the district of Bolu province.
How
to Get
The TEM
highway, which connects Ankara and Istanbul and the D - 100
highway passes through Bolu. Therefore, reaching the city by the
means of highway from every location of the country is quite
easy. The historical and touristic locations around the city
could be reached by buses and shared taxis. The Bolu bus station
is 1 km. away from the city center.
Telephone of the Bus Station: (+90 - 374) 215 37 13
Where to
Visit
Museums and Ancient Cities
Bolu Museum:
The museum is located inside the Culture Center and the works
exhibited in the museum are obtained from various dated
excavations executed at the region. Among these works are the
head piece of a statue, which is suspected to belong to the
Roman King Antonius, coins from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman
period, statues, inscriptions and ethnographic house hold
objects.
Telephone of the Museum: (+90 - 374) 215 16 91
Bolu (Bithynium - Claudiopolis): According to the
archeological data, the first settlement period of the Bolu
plain extends up to the BC 3rd thousands. The settlement of the
Bithynium - Claudiopolis city, located on the hills inside the
city center extends to BC 7th century according to the findings
from Hisartepe excavation in 1978. Ruins of Antinous Temple and
a structure which is assumed to be the theatre, coins, pots,
bottles, statues and tomb steles belonging to various periods
are discovered in the excavations executed until today. These
works and remnants are exhibited in the Bolu Museum.
Seben Rock Houses: ( Old Settlement Region) There are
rock houses having more than one floors carved in the surface of
the rocks of the deep valleys which are in the vicinity of
Çeltik Creek, Hoçaş, Kaşbıyıklar and Yuva villages of Seben
District.
Castles
Gerede Asar
Castle: The castle
is located to the southeast of Örencik Village of Gerede
District. There are abundant Byzantine period ceramic remnants
scattered on the field surrounding the castle indicating that
the castle is from the Byzantine Period. Also there is a cave
entrance above the castle facing north.
Religious Monuments
The mosques
of Bolu province are Büyük Mosque (Yıldırım Beyazıt Mosque),
Kadı Mosque, Saraçhane Mosque, İmaret Mosque, Ilıca Mosque,
Süleyman Paşa Mosque, Yıldırım Mosque, Kanunî Mosque, Yukarı
Tekke Mosque and Eskiçağa Yıldırım Mosque.
Mausoleums
The
mausoleums of Bolu province are Tokaî Hayreddin Mausoleum,
Akşemseddin Mausoleum, Ömer Sekkin Mausoleum, Aşağı Tekke
Mausoleum, Ümmi Kemal Mausoleum, Kasım Dede Mausoleum and
Babahızır Mausoleum.
Inns And Baths
Yukarı
Taşhan (Upper Stone Inn): The Yukarı
Taşhan is located at the Bolu central Büyük Mosque quarter and
was constructed by Abdullah Ağa in 1804.
Orta Hamam (Central Bath): This bath was constructed by the
order of Yıldırım Beyazıt in 1389. The bath was constructed in
the style of double bath and the interior sections are highly
decorated. It is located at the city center.
Tabaklar Bath: The bath was constructed by the order of
Tavil Mehmet Paşa in the 16th Century. The bath has two separate
sections and the interior is covered with marbles.
Sultan Bath: This bath was constructed by the order of
Sokullu Mehmet Paşa in the 16th Century. The bath was
constructed in the style of double bath.. It is located at the
city center.
Süleyman Paşa Bath: The bath is located in Göynük
District. It was constructed by the order of Gazi Süleyman Paşa
in 1335.
Yıldırım Beyazıt Bath: The bath is located in Mudurnu
District and is adjacent to the Mosque having the same name. It
is the most beautiful bath among the other baths constructed in
the same period. The bath was constructed in 1382. It is one of
the most original samples of early period Ottoman baths.
The bath attracts attention with its corolla entrance gate and
dome crossings.
Yıldırım Bath: The bath is located in the Eski Çağa
Village of Yeniçağa District. The bath was constructed in the
name of Yıldırım Beyazıt in 1388 and is an important
architectural creation.
Aşağı Bath
(Lower Bath): The bath is
located in the Kitirler quarter of Gerede District. It was
constructed from the rubble stone by the end of 14th century.
Göynük Houses
The Göynük
District had been announced as "Urban Protected Area ". The
district accommodates a rich number of old Turkish Houses. The
houses in this district are mostly constructed by the beginning
of the 20th century. In the sitting rooms of the some houses,
the ceiling is adorned by various patterns. There are courtyards
called "Hayat" (living) in front of the houses.
Mudurnu Houses
The Mudurnu
District is also announced as Rural Protected Area and
accommodates a rich number of old Turkish Houses. The houses of
Mudurnu display similar properties with the houses of Göynük in
the scope of civil architecture and these houses representing
the history and culture of the district are under protection.
NATIONAL
PARKS Location: The Yedigoller (Seven Lakes) National Park is
in the north of the Bolu province, and south of Zonguldak in the
western Black Sea region.
Transportation: The park can be reached via the Yenicaga road,
152km off the Ankara – Istanbul highway. The Bolu – Yedigoller
route is closed during winter, which means transport is only
available via the Yenicaga – Mengen – Yazicik road.
Highlights: The park is the best known for the lakes
formed by landslides, the rich plant life which gives dense
coverage to the area, and the abundance of trout living in the
lake. The structure of the land, which has tendencies to subside,
is the main factor in the lake’s formation.
The dominant plant cover is beech trees, and there are also oaks,
hornbeams, alders, black pine, Scotch pine, firs elm and lime
trees. As a result of effective protection of plant and animal
life, the animals inside the park like deer, pigs, wolves, foxes
and squirrels are increasing in number. There is also a deer
protection area.
This area saw the first cultured trout farm in Turkey,
established in 1969, and as a result trout fishing is a popular
activity. The sightseeing tower at Kapankaya, inside the park,
offers a great opportunity to view a wide area over the lakes
and unique landscape. One of the most famous items is the
monumental tree signboard on the way to the tower.
Facilities: Within the park are guest-houses, bungalows,
tents and caravans, as well as cafes and restaurants.
Bolu - Bolu Hazelnut Nature Reserve
Location:
The area is 35km north of Bolu, in the western Black Sea region.
Transportation: The park can be reached via the Bolu-Yigica
highway. Bolu is between Istanbul and Ankara, and is well
connected by public transport.
Highlights: The area of 460 hectares has a unique
ecosystem in which the endangered Bolu hazelnut tree flourishes.
It grows naturally only in Turkey, and is noted for its height
(25-30m) and broad trunk around 1m in diameter. In the area
there are many other species of trees includiing the Uludag fir,
Scotch pine, larch, beech, poplar, alder, plane and lime. There
are also rare species of deer, plus bears, wolves, foxes, pigs,
rabbits, trout and carp.
Bolu - Akdogan Nature Reserve
Location:
The nature reserve is near the village of Yeniguney, in the
central district of Bolu in the Western Black Sea region.
Transportation: Yeniguney village lies 2.5km off the E5
Ankara-Istanbul highway.
Highlights: This is the only place in the world, where
the endangered Midwife pine tree grows and spreads naturally. In
addition to this rare species, others include the larch and oak
trees. The forest is also home to pigs, foxes, weasels, rabbits,
squirrels, hedgehogs, partridges, stock-doves, turtle doves,
cuckoos, owls, bee-eaters, woodpeckers and goldfinches.
Bolu - Kökez Nature Reserve
Location:
The park is near Atacak, in the district of Bolu in the Western
Black Sea province.
Transportation: It is accessible via the Bolu-Seben state
highway, then taking the forest road after 18km from Bolu.
Highlights: The 324 hectares have a very untouched and
rare forest ecosystem, with exceptionally tall and old Uludag
fir trees, plus beech and horn-beam trees. The forest also
contains wild cherry, hazelnut and strawberries, and is a home
to deer, pigs, bears, wolves, foxes and rabbits.
Bolu - Sülüklügöl Nature Reserve
Location:
The forest is in the region of Mudurnu, near the villages of
Akyol and Kuskavagi, south of Bolu in the Western Black Sea
region.
Transportation: It can be reached via the Bolu-Abant Taskesti
road.
Highlights: Suluklu Gol (Lake) has a unique forest
ecosystem, caused by the tectonic movements of the earth which
has created a very damp environment. Species of trees found here
are larch, Scotch pine, fir, beech, oak, popular, horn-beam,
lime, cherry and silver birch. The forest is also home to the
roe deer, wild boar, bear, wolf, fox, rabbit, sparrow hawk, and
tree frog.
Bolu - Abant Lake
NATURAL
PARKS
Location: Abant Lake is 33km away from Bolu, in the west
of the Black Sea region, and exactly halfway between Ankara and
Istanbul.
Transportation: The lake can be reached via the E-5, the
Istanbul – Ankara highway, and then turning off at Omerler
Madensuyu for 22km. Bolu is well connected by bus to other parts
of the country.
Highlights: The lake shelters a variety of plants, and
1150 hectares were designated the status of Natural Park in
1988. The main species are Scotch pine, beech, larch, oak,
poplar, ash, horn- beam, willow, juniper, forest rose, tamarisk,
hazelnut, holly, dog-rose, bracken, blackberry, strawberry, mint,
raspberry, ivy, nettle, mare's tail, and a variety of pasture
grasses and trees. Species of animals include pig, deer, roe
deer, bear, fox, jackal, rabbit, plus birds of prey and singing
birds.
Facilities: The best time to visit the lake is between
May and September, especially for walking and picnicking around
the lake. There are a few hotels in the park.
Thermal Resorts
Bolu
Thermal Spring:
The thermal spring resort is 5 km. away from the city center and
is at the Karacasu locality. The surrounding area is covered
with forests and is a beautiful promenade area. The region is a
thermal tourism center and there are three units serving the
visitors. These units are a thermal hotel and big thermal spring,
small thermal spring and the physics treatment and
rehabilitation hospital of the Ministry of Health. These thermal
springs are natural sources and the waters of these thermal
springs are known to cure rheumatic diseases, skin diseases,
circulation and hearth diseases, respiration system diseases,
gynecological diseases digestion system diseases, kidney and
urethra diseases, bone and calcification diseases and metabolism
disorders.
Babas Thermal Spring: The thermal Resort is at 5 km.
distance to Mudurnu District. The waters of this thermal spring
come out between the travertine formations. There is a facility
with 18 bed capacity. The waters of the thermal spring display
positive results in curing the metabolism diseases, rheumatism,
gynecological diseases, digestion and kidney discomforts.
Sarot Thermal Spring: The thermal spring is located at
the 30 km. northwest of Mudurnu District, inside the borders of
Ilıca village. The water of the spring is at 66º C temperature.
It is a known fact that this thermal spring is in use for a
period over 1500 years. There is a historical bath constructed
in the region. The waters of the spring are classified as sour
water. If the water is used as mineral water and drank, it is
good for urethra and kidney diseases and if used as thermal
water, it is good for rheumatism diseases. There is a small
accommodation facility near the thermal spring.
Bağlum (Kesenözü): Thermal Spring Bağlum Thermal spring
is located 14 km. south of Seben district inside the borders of
Kesenözü village. The water of the thermal spring is used for
bathing purposes for centuries. It is a known fact that the
waters of this thermal spring have a positive effect in the cure
of the stomach, ballast, respiration and circulation system
disorders. There are motels managed by private sector at the
thermal spring.
Çatak Thermal Spring: The thermal spring is located to 30
km. southeast of Göynük district inside the borders of
Himmetoğlu village, which is founded inside a beautiful valley
between steep rocks. The waters of the thermal resort are good
for rheumatism and sciatica disorders. From the ruins in the
vicinity, it is understood that the thermal spring was used
until the Roman period.
Lakes
Abant Lake:
Abant Lake is a crater lake 34 km. southwest of Bolu province
located on the Abant Mountains. The lake is fed by the
underground waters.
Abant Lake environ hosts a very rich flora and fauna. The famous
Abant trout present in the lake could be hunted in the
particular periods of the year after a particular fee is paid.
The forests of the region are the most convenient natural medium
for deer. Rabbit, fox, jackal, wolf, bear, boar, roe deer,
weasel, deer and falcon, sparrow hawk and hawk are encountered
species at the forest surrounding the area.
Picnic, camping, sportive line fishing , trekking, yachting,
horse riding, phaeton riding and natural ice skating in the
winter are the activities of this nature park. There are
accommodation facilities and restaurants around the perimeter of
the lake.
Gölcük Lake: This lake is an artificially barricaded and is
located 13 km. south of Bolu Province. The environ of the lake
is surrounded by pine and fir tree forests and its panorama with
snow covered blanket is wonderful. There is a guesthouse of
Ministry of Forest and a countryside coffee house at the banks
of the lake. The lake and its environ is under the control of
Western Black Sea Region National Parks Regional Directorate and
is a promenade area.
Gölköy Dam Lake: The lake is located 10 km. west of Bolu
Province. It was constructed for the irrigation purposes of the
Bolu plain. The environ of the lake is covered with forests and
trout and carp is found in the lake. It is a very beautiful
promenade and fishing area and is near the city center.
Yeniçağa Lake: The lake is located on the Bolu - Ankara
highway at the Yeniçağdistricts center and is a calyx lake. The
sweet water fish, karabalık (blackfish) is found in the lake.
Karamurat Lake: The lake is located at 35 km. distance to
Mudurnu District in the vicinity of Karamurat village and is
near the road leading to Akyazı. Crane fish and velvet fish is
found in the lake.
Çubuk Lake: The lake is located at 11 km. north of
Göynük. The çubuk village is founded at the banks of the lake.
The environ is covered with pine forests and fishing trout and
carp is free with line fishing.
Sülük Lake: The lake is located at 9 km distance to Mudurnu
- Akyazı road. The lake is at 50 km. distance to Mudurnu
District and is inside the borders of National Parks protection
area. With undisturbed nature and rich flora, the lake attracts
attention. The fish varieties present in the lake are Abant
trout, rainbow and scarlet spotted trout.
Sünnet Lake: The lake is located at 27 km. east of Göynük
District. The environ and the lake is extremely beautiful and
there is delicious coral fish and trout in the lake. Hunting
these fishes with lane fishing is free. There is an
accommodation and restaurant facility at the Sünnet lake.
Picnic, trekking, running and bicycle sports are among the
recommended activities around the lake.
Karagöl (Black lake): The lake is located on the road of
Kıbrısçık - Beypazarı Districts. The lake is extremely deep. It
is located 20 km. away from Kıbrıscık District. The surrounding
area is totally covered with forests and it is a suitable place
for camping. It is the frequented place of hunters because of
the presence of the wild ducks. Karagöl Festival is organized
every year at the end of May.
Akkaya Strait: The travertine formations, which are named
as the Pamukkale of Bolu Province are located 10 km. south of
Bolu, among the Mudurnu road and exhibit a marvelous beauty
which worth visiting. The mineral water coming out of Akkaya has
a different taste and has 20º C temperature. This mineral water
is bottled at the modern facilities and served to consumption.
Highlands
Aladağ
Plateaus: These
plateaus are located at the mountain skirts, which are 25 km.
south of Bolu province, and are totally surrounded by forests.
With the green plains, these plateaus are ideal for picnic
purposes and display a dazzling beauty with the Forest
Administration Facilities, Aladağ Boy scout Camp and small lake.
The main plateaus with the camping possibilities are
Değirmenözü, Sarıalan, Gölcük, Ardıçtepe and Üstyaka Plateaus.
At Plateau: The plateau is located behind the mountains,
which are at the northern side of Bolu Province. This plateau is
famous with its cherries and is surrounded by fruit gardens..
Every year, a traditional cherry festival is organized at this
plateau.
Gerede Plateaus: These plateaus are located at the south
of Gerede District and are at 1200 - 1500 meters altitude. The
main plateaus are Haşat, Zorpan and Dörtdivan plateaus (located
on the eastern Köroğlu Mountains).
Kıbrısçık Plateaus: They are located on the plains at the
southern side of the Köroğlu Mountains. The important plateaus
among these are Belen, Karaköy, Kökez, Bölücekkaya, Karadoğan
and Devevira (at an altitude of 1825 m.) plateaus.
Mengen Plateaus: These Plateaus are located at the east
of Mengen District. The important plateaus among these are
Sarıklı, Soğucak, Mile, Sepetçiler, Çelebioğlu and Çiftçatak
Plateaus.
Mudurnu
Plateaus:
They are at the north of the district and south of Abant Lake.
Most important plateaus are Dedeler, Alpağut, Dodurga and
Dağyolu Plateaus.
Göynük Plateaus: These plateaus are located between an
altitude zone of 1000 - 1500 meters. Karabey and Kaşıkçı
plateaus are the most important plateaus.
Seben Plateaus: These plateaus are gathered around the
Kiraz Mountain at an average altitude of 1400 meters. Gerenözü
and Kızık Plateaus are the most important plateaus.
Kızık Plateau: The houses of the Kızık Plateau attract
attention with their different architecture style. These houses
were constructed without using pins with the style of joining,
wrapping and clamping of pine trees. These houses display
different characteristics with their high stairs, wide ovens and
original furniture.
Sporting Activities
Ski
Centers Esentepe : The ski
resort is located to the north of Gerede District at an altitude
of 1.300 meters. The three-star Esentepe Hotel is available for
winter sports and skiing possibilities. The hotel has a
wonderful view dominant to the entire district and is possible
to do grass skiing at the hotel. The name Esentepe was given to
the region by Atatürk, because of the permanent winds blowing in
the region. There are century old pine trees in the area.
Hunting And Line Fishing : The forest stratum and rich
fauna and flora surrounding the Bolu Province in four directions
accommodates various hunting games. The terrestrial hunting
games like bear, lynx, wild boar, deer, roe deer, wolf, marten,
fox, badger, rabbit, skunk, weasel, beaver and red squirrel and
avian hunting games like partridge, stock dove, quail, freckled
partridge, toy bird, crane bird, woodcock, dove and predator
birds like sparrow hawk, hawk and eagle are frequently
encountered in the forest region.
Bolu region is also an ideal region for line fishing activities
as is accommodates lots of lakes. The fishes like trout, crap,
coral fish and silver fish are available for line fishing at the
Abant Lake, Gölcük Lake, Gölköy Dam Lake, Yedigöller (Seven
lakes) and Aladağ lake.
Paragliding : There are very convenient places for the
paragliding activities at the Abant Mountains and touristic
tours are arranged from major cities to Abant Mountains for
paragliding.
Geography
BOLU
GEOGRAPHY
Bolu
Province is located inside the generally precipitant Black Sea
climate type . Beside this fact, terrestrial climate properties
are encountered at the southern parts of the region.
History
BOLU
HISTORY
According
to the written documents, archeological works and historical
sources, history of the Bolu Province starts with the
Bithynians. Later Romans, Byzantines, Seljukians and Ottomans
had dominated the region
Where to Eat
BOLU
WHERE TO
EAT
The famous
deserts of Bolu Province could be counted as hazelnut candies,
chocolate, pine honey, cream and butter. The Kabaklı gözleme
(marrow pancake) is the local pastry. The saray helvası (Palace
halvah) and köpük helvası (froth halvah) of Mudurnu District,
the candy bean of Göynük District, apple and grape of Seben
District and the cheese of Mengen District are worth tasting.
Where to Buy
BOLU
WHERE TO
BUY
The pine
cologne, hazelnut candy, chocolate, pine honey, cream, butter,
marrow pancake of Bolu Province; saray helvası (Palace halvah)
and köpük helvası (froth halvah), silk embroideries of Mudurnu
District; leather and copper crafts of Gerede District; candy
bean, hand crafts of Göynük District; apple and grape of Seben
District; the cheese of Mengen District; rice, hand crafted bags
and pileless carpets of Kıbrıscık District could be bought as
souvenirs.
Don't Leave Without
BOLU
DON'T LEAVE
WITHOUT
- Camping
and taking photos at seven lakes region in Autumn,
- Trekking
around the Abant Lake and other lakes,
- Seeing
the Mudurnu and Göynük houses,
- Seeing
the plateaus of Bolu,
- Skiing in
Kartalkaya, Paragliding in Abant.
- Seeing
the Seben Rock Houses,
- Buying
The pine cologne, hazelnut candy, chocolate, pine honey, cream,
butter, marrow pancake of Bolu Province; saray helvası (Palace
halvah) and köpük helvası (froth halvah), silk embroideries of
Mudurnu District; leather and copper crafts of Gerede District;
candy bean, hand crafts of Göynük District; apple and grape of
Seben District; the cheese of Mengen District; rice, hand
crafted bags and pileless carpets of Kıbrıscık District,
Participating the Traditional "Mengen Cook and Tourism
Festival", Dörtdivan Plateau Festivals and Bolu Köroğlu Culture
Art Tourism Festival,
Türkçe 
