Discover Gölyaka

Gölyaka lies on the westernmost edge of Düzce Province, 20 kilometers from Düzce. Attractions in the district include Lake Efteni, Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park and Kardüz Yaylası. Kültür Park is located in Gölyaka. This distinction between the town itself and excursions to destinations elsewhere in the district is helpful when planning a trip, especially when comparing the location of accommodation with the activities you have in mind.

Gölyaka and the District

Gölyaka District lies between mountain ranges extending from the Bolu and Köroğlu Mountains. In Fatih Mahallesi, Kültür Park covers 790,000 square meters. In 2007, a Council of Ministers decision designated the park a tourism center. The park is therefore a destination in the town, while several other natural attractions are located elsewhere in the district.

Lake Efteni and Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park

Lake Efteni is five kilometers from the district center. The lake and its surroundings were placed under protection in 1992 to safeguard wild and migratory birds and their habitats; hunting is prohibited there. The area is suitable for birdwatching and observing plants. For nature enthusiasts, the protection of habitats here goes hand in hand with a specific opportunity for observation.

Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park is in the village of Gölyaka-Güzeldere, within Gölyaka District. It covers 22.76 hectares and lies at an elevation of 630 meters, 11 kilometers from Gölyaka and 18 kilometers from Düzce. The nature park has picnic areas, designated woodland recreation areas and hiking trails. The area around the waterfall is suitable for trekking, camping, cycling and photo safaris.

Hiking and Other Activities

The Efteni Gölü–Güzeldere Şelalesi–Toptepe hiking trail is listed as 11 kilometers long. About two kilometers after the route begins, you reach Toptepe via approximately 182 steps. The 11 kilometers refers to the entire route; the approximately two kilometers and 182 steps indicate Toptepe’s position along it.

Another kind of excursion takes you to Kardüz Yaylası in Gölyaka District, 28 kilometers from the district center. Activities there include winter sports, jeep safaris, photo safaris, mountain biking, trekking, horseback riding and camping. The options range from winter sports to a variety of outdoor activities. When planning your trip, you can consider the plateau as a separate destination alongside the lake and the waterfall nature park. The distances refer to different points of reference: for Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park, the reference point is Gölyaka; for the plateau, it is the district center.

If you are looking for a hotel in Gölyaka, you can assess the location of a specific offer based on whether you want to focus your trip on the town itself or on destinations in the district.

Discover more destinations: Akçakoca, Boğaziçi, Çakırlar Mahallesi, Beyköy, Kalkın Köyü, Sultaniye, Soğuksu, Düzce

Go to the main travel overview: Düzce.