Introducing Uzungöl

With its lakeside mosque and forested mountains that recall Switzerland, Uzungöl (Long Lake) remains idyllic, but be prepared for more than a few tacky hotels (there are currently 1500 rooms here) and a growing number of visitors from the Gulf States, where they never see rain or green grass. Uzungöl feels artificial compared with much of the Kaçkars further east, but it makes a good base for hikes in the Soğanlı Mountains and to the tiny lakes around Demirkapı in the Haldizen Mountains. Summer weekends get very busy, so try to visit during the week.

At the southern end of the lake is a clutch of wood-trimmed resorts, motels and pensions, many with freestanding bungalows. One of the best-value options is İnan Kardeşler, the charmingly named `Trust Brothers', with 42 hotel rooms and 25 one- and two-bedroom bungalows sleeping up to five. There are cheaper and scruffier pensions on the main road into Uzungöl.

Minibuses travel to/from Of (₺8), 43km north, and Trabzon (₺15). You can rent mountain bikes at the far end of the lake.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/turkey/uzungol#ixzz3rZtOAHOE