Autumn is Bolu's finest season. From mid-October the beech, oak and hornbeam forests turn from gold to deep red, morning mist settles over the lakes, and the city becomes the easiest weekend escape from both Istanbul and Ankara. This guide covers what to do in Bolu in autumn, how to get to Yedigöller, when to go and how to plan your trip.
When is the best time to see autumn colours in Bolu?
The leaves usually start to turn in the higher areas in the first weeks of October. In most years the colours at Yedigöller and Abant are at their best between mid-October and mid-November.
To avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday or set off early on weekend mornings. On autumn weekends the Yedigöller road and car parks get busy towards noon.
About Yedigöller (Seven Lakes) National Park
Yedigöller lies north of Bolu city centre and has been protected as a national park since 1965. It takes its name from seven lakes formed when landslides blocked the valley: Büyükgöl, Deringöl, Seringöl, Nazlıgöl, Küçükgöl, İncegöl and Sazlıgöl. The lakes are within walking distance of each other, linked by trails that cross wooden bridges, small waterfalls and leaf-covered forest paths.
How to get to Yedigöller
The practical way to reach Yedigöller is by car. There is no regular public transport to the park; visitors without a car usually join a day tour or rent a car in Bolu.
From Bolu city centre
- Distance: About 42 km from the centre, 47 km from Karpalas City Hotel & Spa
- Time: Around 1 to 1.5 hours, as the road is narrow and winding
- Route: Head north from the centre and follow the Yedigöller signs onto the forest road. There are viewpoints along the way for photo stops.
From Istanbul and Ankara
- From Istanbul: About 300 km. Take the Anatolian Motorway (TEM) to Bolu, then the Yedigöller road.
- From Ankara: About 220 km. Take the motorway to Bolu, or exit at Yeniçağa and continue via Mengen.
Tips for the drive
- Fill up in Bolu; there are no fuel stations on the road.
- Mobile signal is patchy on the road and inside the park. Download an offline map.
- The forest road is winding; drive at an easy pace, enjoy the scenery and head back before dark.
What to do at Yedigöller in autumn
Walk between the lakes: The route from Büyükgöl to Deringöl, Seringöl and Nazlıgöl is easy enough for all ages. You can see all the lakes at a relaxed pace in 2 to 3 hours.
Photography: The best light for reflections is early in the morning. The shore of Büyükgöl and the wooden bridges are the most photographed spots.
Kapankaya viewpoint: The park's best-known lookout over the valley and the lakes.
Picnic: There are picnic areas inside the park. Fires are allowed only in designated fireplaces and never on the lake shore.
What to bring: Waterproof shoes, a rain jacket, layers, a flask and snacks.
Other places to visit in Bolu in autumn
Gölcük Nature Park
Just 18 km from our hotel, with its lakeside wooden house and pine forest, Gölcük is the symbol of Bolu. The flat path around the lake takes about half an hour, making it the easiest autumn stop if you are short on time.
Lake Abant Nature Park
About 30 km from our hotel. Walk, cycle or take a horse-drawn carriage around the lake and stop at the lakeside cafés.
Mudurnu and Göynük
Two small towns known for their Ottoman-era mansions, historic bazaars and quiet streets. Mudurnu is about an hour from our hotel and makes a lovely day trip among the autumn colours.
Thermal springs and highlands
Relax in the Karacasu thermal springs after a day outdoors, or take a scenic drive through the Aladağlar highlands on a clear day.
Bolu cuisine
Bolu is famous for its chefs, and autumn is mushroom season. Try the local kanlıca mushrooms, Mengen pilaf, kedi batmaz, keş cheese and hazelnut candy.
A 2-day autumn itinerary in Bolu
Day 1: Leave early for Yedigöller, walk between the lakes and have a picnic. Return to the hotel in the afternoon, unwind in the spa and indoor pool, then enjoy a dinner of Bolu cuisine.
Day 2: After breakfast, walk at Gölcük Nature Park, then continue to Lake Abant. If time allows, stop in Mudurnu on the way back.
Where to stay: Karpalas City Hotel & Spa
Since the road to Yedigöller starts from Bolu city centre, staying in the centre is the most practical choice: set off early in the morning and come back to a warm room and a good dinner in the evening. Located on the D100 highway, Karpalas City Hotel & Spa is easy to reach from Istanbul and Ankara and close to all of Bolu's autumn routes.
Distances from our hotel
- Gölcük Nature Park: 18 km
- Abant Nature Park: 30 km
- Yedigöller National Park: 47 km
- Mudurnu: 54 km
Rooms
We have rooms for every kind of stay, from couples' getaways to family holidays:
- Superior Double and Superior Twin Room (28 m²): With a double bed or two single beds, comfortable and spacious for weekend trips.
- Executive Suite (38 m²): A larger stay with a seating area and work desk.
- Presidential Suite (38 m²): VIP concept with a generous living area.
- Royal Suite (42 m²): King bed and private jacuzzi, ideal for special occasions and romantic autumn breaks.
- Accessible Room (28 m²): Barrier-free design.
Spa, indoor pool and Turkish bath
After a cool day in the forest, the best reward is a warm evening in the spa. Swim in our indoor pool, warm up in the Turkish bath, sauna and steam room, and ease tired legs with our massage and care treatments. We recommend booking massages and treatments in advance.
Restaurant and breakfast
Start the day with our open-buffet breakfast before heading to Yedigöller. In the evening our restaurant serves dishes from local and world cuisine, so you can taste Bolu's seasonal produce without leaving the hotel.
Planning your stay
- Autumn weekends fill up early; book ahead for October and November.
- Stay at least 2 nights to see Yedigöller, Gölcük and Abant at an easy pace.
- With on-site parking, you can arrive by car and start every route from the hotel.
- Our reception is open 24/7; ask our team for routes and directions.
Reservations: +90 374 254 40 40 · WhatsApp: +90 532 251 67 12 · rezervasyon@karpalas.com
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Yedigöller?
Mid-October to mid-November for autumn colours; May and June for the freshest greens.
How far is Yedigöller from Bolu city centre?
About 42 km. The drive takes 1 to 1.5 hours because of the winding road.
How far is Karpalas City Hotel & Spa from Yedigöller?
Our hotel is 47 km from Yedigöller National Park, 30 km from Abant and 18 km from Gölcük.
Can I get to Yedigöller by public transport?
There is no regular public transport. You can go by private car, rental car or on a day tour.
Can Yedigöller be visited in one day?
Yes. You can leave Bolu in the morning, see all the lakes and return in the evening.