Lake Abant

Abant Lake is a landslide dam lake in the district of Mudurnu in Bolu Province. Located 35 kilometres southwest of Bolu at an altitude of about 1,350 metres, the lake covers an area of 125 hectares. The lake's waters are fresh and its deepest point is 18 m. The lake and its surroundings were designated as a national park on 9 June 2022, becoming Turkey's 48th national park.

Formation

Abant Lake was formed when large stone blocks filled the valley as a result of tectonic subsidence occurring underground. Its elevation above sea level is 1,328 m, its surface area is 1.25 km² and its maximum depth is 18 m. The tectonic lake is located on the North Anatolian fault line. The lake is fed by snowmelt from the mountains and by 1–2 small streams. The clean natural water flowing out of the lake is the Dirgene River (Atıcı and Obalı 2002). The summits of the mountains surrounding Abant Lake form the boundaries of the national park. The highest point of the national park is Erenler Hill at 1,794 m, while the lowest point is the level of Abant Lake at 1,328 m (OBM, 1991). Due to rapid cooling in winter months, the lake freezes completely starting from the shore.

Characteristics

Abant Lake lies on the Abant and Keremali mountains, which form the second range of the Western Black Sea region mountains. A landslide lake has formed in the valley of the Abant Stream. Hills reaching 1,400–1,700 m surround the lake. Excess water from the lake drains into the Abant Stream and then into the Bolu River. The lake is fed by several spring waters, 2–3 partially perennial streams, and especially by snow and rain waters. An area of 1,196 hectares including the lake and its surroundings is operated as a national park. The lake is calm enough for its depths to be visible.

Flora and fauna

Abant Lake National Park is covered with Fagus orientalis and Abies nordmanniana bornmuelleriana. In addition, Pinus sylvestris and Buxus sempervirens are present. Ornithogalum pascheanum and Poa asiae-minoris grow only in this area. Crocus abantesis, Dactylorhiza bythinica, Dactylorhiza nieschalkiorum, Lythrum anatolicum (CR), Ornithogalum pascheanum (EN), Paronychia chionaea, Poa asiane-minoris, Taraxacum aznavourii and Taraxacum mirabile (VU) are among the species found within the area.

Muscardinus avellanarius abanticus endemic to Turkey and Salmo trutta abanticus (VU) endemic to Bolu live within the area. Aquila chrysaetos, Bubo bubo, Dendrocopos medius, Dendrocopos syriacus, Falco peregrinus, Ficedula semitorquata, Lullula arborea, Picus canus, Sitta krueperi, Sorex satunini, Triturus karelinii, Emys orbicularis, Erebia medusa (VU), Euphydryas aurinia (VU), Glaucopsyche arion (EN), Muschampia proteides (EN), Pseudophilotes bavius (EN), Pseudophilotes vicrama (VU), Tomares nogelli (EN), Leucorrhinia pectoralis, Parnassius apollo (VU) and Zerynthia caucasicada (VU) can be observed in this area.

Land use

Abant Lake is heavily used because it is quite close to the Istanbul-Ankara road. Hotels and restaurants are present around the lake. The lake surroundings are suitable for entertainment, relaxation, sports, hunting and picnicking. Camping areas are available. The asphalt road surrounding the lake is used for strolling. There are four day‑trip picnic areas. Near Samat Plateau there is a camping area where 330 tents can be used per day.

Plants such as hawthorn, blackberry, rosehip, strawberry, mushrooms and mountain strawberries from the surroundings are utilized. Trout and deer breeding stations are located around the lake. Trout fry are released into the lake. Deer are released into the wild after being raised.

Transportation

From the 203rd kilometre of the D‑100 highway between Istanbul and Ankara, the village of Ömerler is reached by a 22 km asphalt road. It is possible to reach Abant by the road departing from the town of Taşkesti. This road has been newly asphalted and provides access to the area from the southwest. From Nallıhan, via Mudurnu, the lake area is reached from the south. The distances from the lake to some centers are as follows: Istanbul 258 km, Ankara 225 km, Düzce 60 km, Bolu 33 km, Mudurnu 20 km. The approximate distance from Abant Lake to Ankara is about 2 hours.