Daily Uzungol Tour from Trabzon

Daily Uzungol Tour from Trabzon — A Day Trip to the Black Sea's Famous Lake

Discover the emerald heart of the eastern Black Sea on this daily Uzungol tour from Trabzon, a full-day excursion to the most photographed lake in the region. Cradled among steep, pine-forested mountains in the Caykara district, Uzungol (the "long lake") sits at around 1,090 metres above sea level, its still water mirroring the surrounding peaks, the village houses and the slender minaret of its lakeside mosque. This Trabzon day trip follows the dramatic Black Sea coast and then climbs inland through the Solakli and Haldizen valleys, trading sea views for misty green plateaus on one of the most relaxing day tours in the region.

Highlights of the Uzungol Day Tour

• Uzungol lake and village — the postcard view of water, forest and the famous lakeside mosque
• Uzungol Lake View Terrace (Seyir Terasi) — a panoramic balcony over the whole valley
• Uzungol artificial waterfall — a pretty cascade within easy reach of the village
• A traditional tea factory — learn how the Black Sea's famous tea is grown, processed and brewed
• Surmene knife-makers' outlet — a stop at the home of Turkey's celebrated hand-forged knives
• Caykara, the Solakli and Haldizen valleys — lush river gorges on the scenic drive inland

The journey is as rewarding as the destination. Setting out from Trabzon in the morning, you first pause at a working tea factory, where you learn how the hillsides of the eastern Black Sea produce almost all of Turkey's tea and watch the leaves being processed before tasting a freshly brewed glass. A second stop at a Surmene knife outlet introduces the region's best-known craft, the hand-made blades that bear the town's name. From there the road leaves the coast and follows the Solakli Valley up toward Caykara and the Haldizen stream, climbing into the cool, green highlands where Uzungol waits.

At the lake you have time to walk the shore, climb to the Uzungol Lake View Terrace for the classic panorama, visit the artificial waterfall and enjoy free time for lunch in one of the trout restaurants or simply to soak up the mountain air. This daily excursion from Trabzon is a fully guided Uzungol day trip by comfortable vehicle, perfect for travellers who want to experience the scenery, tea culture and village life of the Black Sea highlands in a single unhurried day before returning to Trabzon in the evening.