
Where is Uzungol Lake?
Turkey, europe
40.9 km
1,125 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're heading to Uzungöl Lake, a stunning gem nestled high in the Turkish mountains south of Trabzon. We're talking Black Sea region beauty here! The road up? It's an adventure, let me tell you. Think unpaved, a bit rough, but totally doable in your average car.
Get ready for about 25 miles of winding excitement, including 19 hairpin turns that'll have you gripping the wheel. Budget between 1.2 and 2 hours for the drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop! The views are incredible: lush mountain forests, and often, a mystical fog that rolls in, especially at night.
The road climbs to a whopping 8,188 feet, so be prepared for some serious elevation. Oh, and did I mention the drop-offs? Keep your eyes on the road! Once you reach Uzungöl, you'll find a charming village with everything you need – hotels, restaurants, and, of course, plenty of souvenirs.
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 40.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,125 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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