Sünnet: Nature Park and Forest Trails

Sünnet Lake and its landscape

Sünnet Lake was formed when a landslide blocked the deep valley between the Erenler and Korudağ mountains. Its formation links the lake to the shape of the valley and gives the landscape a geological history. The lake covers 18 hectares; Sünnet Lake Nature Park was designated on July 11, 2011. These are two different reference points: the area describes the lake, while the date marks its designation as a nature park. The nature park includes the lake and old black pine forests. Thus, alongside the formation of the body of water, the forest landscape also takes center stage in the nature theme.

A total of six endemic plant taxa occur in the nature park area and its immediate surroundings. Akyıldız and Gök Müşkürüm have been observed in the nature park area. The six taxa refer to the park area and its immediate surroundings, while the two plant observations refer to the nature park area. For those interested in natural history, this botanical aspect complements the view of the lake and black pine forests with specific plant names.

Trails and activities at the lake

There are trails and activities with different focuses to choose from during your time in the nature park. Forest trails run around the lake; there are also areas suitable for nature hikes. There are also suitable areas for cycling and canoeing on the lake. This makes it possible to distinguish between options on land—on foot or by bike—and an activity on the water. Forest trails and nature hikes involve walking, cycling is another option, and canoeing specifically takes place on the lake. This distinction can help you choose the activity that matches your interests.

The nature park also has picnic areas and hiking trails. If you plan to use one of these facilities, check its current condition before your visit. A planned stop and the choice of an activity are different parts of the visit: the picnic areas provide a specific place for a break, while the trails provide an option for walking.

Getting there and route planning

For travel from Istanbul, the described route leads via the Akyazı-Mudurnu highway exit, then on to Taşkesti and subsequently via the signposted turn-off to Sünnet Lake. The route description was updated on December 23, 2019; therefore, check road conditions and signage before setting off. The sequence of the points mentioned gives you an orientation for the approach: the exit, Taşkesti and then the signposted turn-off to the lake.

The Bolu Governor's Office also lists the sequence Göynük – Sünnet Lake – Mudurnu among its tour routes. This route sequence provides a different orientation from the directions from Istanbul: there, the approach and its individual sections are in the foreground; here, it is the sequence of the three places mentioned. You can distinguish between the information according to its purpose; the listed route sequence is not a live timetable.

Discover more travel destinations: Seben, Çamlıca Village, Örencik Village, Kürkçüler Village, Akçabey Village, Gerede, Mengen, Ömerler Village

For the wider travel overview: Bolu.