We live in a geography rich in hiking routes and nature excursions.. Our country is full of magnificent natural beauties.. While it has become a necessity for those living in metropolitan cities like Istanbul to escape to nature frequently, I decided to prepare a list of beautiful walking routes intertwined with nature for Istanbulites.. The walking routes close to Istanbul, which you can go on weekends that you will like very much, I write with you, pleasant reading.
Polonezköy – Istanbul
When it comes to walking routes close to Istanbul, Polonezköy is one of the first ones that comes to mind.. Polonezköy, which is close to Beykoz, has a 5-kilometer hiking trail.. You move through the trees from the beginning to the end of the track.. You will also come across a small river in the middle of it.. Although there is a slight slope along the course, it is suitable for beginners. You can easily walk this walking track with your children.. Being very close to the city center is another advantage for you.. You can find many establishments where you can eat and stay in Polonezköy..
Polonezköy
Ballıkayalar Nature Park – Kocaeli
Ballıkayalar Nature Park, located in Kocaeli Tavşanlı village, is located in a canyon.. As soon as you enter the nature park, the lake and the river will welcome you.. It is a slightly challenging track where you will walk over the stones between the river waters flowing between two mountains facing each other.. Be careful not to slip your feet while walking on stones that are wet in some parts.. The water rises from time to time along the track, so you may have to swim in these sections, so don’t forget to take your swimsuit with you.. At the end of the road, a small waterfall will meet you.. In addition to hiking, you can also do rock climbing in Ballıkayalar Nature Park.. You can also take a look at our Ballıkayalar article.
Sülüklügöl – Bolu
We said walking routes close to Istanbul, but I couldn’t pass without mentioning Sülüklügöl even though it is not very close.. It is located between Bolu and Adapazarı.. This is a national park and there is a small fee to enter.. There are several hiking trails in the national park.. You can go up to an altitude of 1070 meters on the routes that you will walk for an average of 2 hours.. Of course, when you go this high, you can get drunk from the view, but be careful.. Joking aside, when you go to the top, you can see Sülüklügöl in a wonderful view from the top.. If you choose May and June for hiking, it will be neither too cold nor too hot.
You can find the map information of Sülüklügöl here.
Aytepe – Kocaeli
Kocaeli is in Yuvacık Are you ready for a wonderful nature walk in Aytepe? You can pass the Yuvacık Dam and reach the Servetiye Mosque village and then Aytepe.. It is located at an average altitude of 1 kilometer above sea level.. They are among the most preferred routes among the trekking routes close to Istanbul.. You can do both camping and mountain hiking here.. You can start your walk through the village.. Your walk, which will continue in the Beşkayalar nature park, will continue in the canyon from time to time.. Those who are new to trekking can also prefer the Aytepe track.. The track is approximately 4 hours and is around 15-16 kilometers.
Oylat Waterfall – Bursa
A 1-hour walk towards the depths of the forest, accompanied by a stream flowing by you, and the result is the roaring waters of the Oylat waterfall.. It is 27 kilometers to Bursa and 240 kilometers to Istanbul.. The forest road to the waterfall is not very difficult, but it is still a road that you should pay attention to.. From time to time you will have to go over small rocks and this is where you should be careful, you can slip off the rocks. If you are going in a hot season, do not forget to take your swimsuit with you because there is a natural pool where the waterfall spills.. Isn’t warm water good after your trekking?. I especially recommend you to enter the Oylat hot springs, which are very close after the walk.. If you have time, I would say go to Oylat cave.
Belgrade Forest Hiking Route – Istanbul
The Belgrad Forest is a must in the series of walking routes close to Istanbul.. You can easily reach Belgrad Forest by public transport.. Although it is highly preferred by Istanbulites on weekends, it is still a great escape route to nature.. You can make use of hiking and jogging tracks in the forest, use a bicycle, have a picnic, and even camp in many places.. There is a small fee for entry.. Before going to Belgrad Forest, I recommend that you take something to eat with you.. It is impossible not to get hungry when fresh air and walking are combined..
Erikli Highland – Yalova
Erikli Highland, located in the village of Yalova Çınarcık Teşvikiye, is not in Istanbul, but is close to Istanbul.. The stream passing by you will accompany you along the way on the hiking trail where you will be intertwined with nature.. If the weather is warm, you can also walk on the road next to the stream.. If you use this road, you will reach Erikli Waterfall as a bonus at the end of the road.. The walking path, which is partly flat and partly inclined, is not a difficult track..
Maşukiye Walking Route- Kocaeli
Maşukiye, located on the outskirts of Kartepe, is connected to Kocaeli. When it comes to walking routes close to Istanbul, Maşukiye is one of the first places that come to mind.. It is a place intertwined with nature, where you can spend your day to the fullest with trekking routes and various activities such as zipline and ATV tours.. It is highly preferred because it is 120 kilometers away from Istanbul.. If you say you want to spend all day in nature in Maşukiye, let me tell you about the beautiful plateaus that can be seen right away.. Kuzu plateau, Kirazlı plateau, Soğucak plateau, Sultanpınar plateau, Çiğdem plateau and Dikmen plateau.
Seben Lake – Bolu
Seben Lake, which is connected to Bolu, enters our article with a distance of 315 kilometers, walking routes close to Istanbul. In other words, the distance from Seben lake to Istanbul is 4 hours on average.. It will be more efficient for you if you come this distance for a trip where you can camp, not for a day.. There are many hiking trails around the lake, in the surrounding plateaus and on the forest road.. Don’t forget to visit the historical Rock houses from the 1400s.
Uçmakdere Hiking Route- Tekirdağ
The hiking trail of Uçmakdere, located around the Ganos Mountains, may be a bit challenging because it is inclined.. The scenery that unfolds before you while walking will make you forget the difficulty of the road.. In addition to trekking, you can also do paragliding.
Çubuk Lake Walking Route- Bolu
Çubuk Lake, located in Bolu Göynük, is 245 kilometers away from Istanbul.. There is a walking track around the lake, which is a natural formation.. After walking 360 degrees around the lake, you can extend your walk towards the mountain villages.. It is a place where you will be satisfied with the peace as there is not much construction around..
İğneada – Kırklareli
İğneada is another nature walking route close to İstanbul.. It is 223 kilometers away from Istanbul.. You can trek in the Longoz forests in Igneada.. I suggest you take a walk here when it’s not raining.. You may encounter a swamp where you least expect it, so it would be better to be very careful or go with a team..
walking routes close to istanbul walking routes
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