Enjoy views of the sky from the shores of Sünnet Lake

How about a seemingly endless lake, under a bright green canopy of trees? What about a crystal mirror-like sky, almost frozen in its perfection? A spot where the wind gently brushes your hair away from your face, and all you really want to do is take one more sip of your tea as you take it all in. You might well be dreaming of Sünnet Lake near Bolu.

This lake and its immediate surroundings were formed about 400 years ago, the result of a landslide that blocked the local riverbed. And now the stunning views of nature here provide visitors with the ideal spot to refresh and renew themselves. Sünnet Lake is technically attached to the historic Bolu town of Göynük. Every season, it emerges with a different “set of clothing,” as the temperatures and length of days change. One thing that you can count on here, though, is that local geese and ducks ripple the waters of this otherwise still lake. And as you walk along the shoreline, allowing the oxygen from the abundant pine trees to fill and refresh your lungs, enjoy the many varieties of plants and trees you will see, like rosehip, mountain mint, mountain hazelnut and wild blackberries.

Located near the shores of Sünnet Lake is the Doğal Yaşam Oteli or the Natural Life Hotel, managed by the National Park Directorate in Turkey. The hotel, which resembles a large mountain chalet, is in harmony with its surroundings. Notice the rabbits and hares running around its gardens as well as the many roosters and chickens.

A person has a better chance of finally hearing himself or herself when surrounded by the quiet of nature as opposed to the hustle and bustle of the city, which is why Sünnet Lake really is the perfect weekend getaway spot, whether you are with your family or even with a business group looking for inspiration. Sometimes this is also a favorite place for university students, looking for a way to become re-energized.

How to get there From İstanbul, get off the highway when you reach the turnoff for Akyazı-Mudurnu. Take the road towards the Kuzuluk natural springs. Eight kilometers past the town of Taşkesti, you will see the sign for Sünnet Lake - - take a right there. This will lead you to the lake. If you are coming from Ankara, pass through Nallıhan, go as far as Mudurnu, and then turn onto Göynük Road. You will see a large sign for Sünnet Lake, around 11 kilometers later. Follow this road.

You can set up group meals and programs here if you give advance notice to the hotel. And note that the food served at the hotel will not disappoint: Prepared with great care, the menu offers regional specialties from all over Turkey. Of course, as we see it, one of the very best ways to enjoy food and the view here is to have an outdoor barbeque with your friends by the shore of the lake.

History and nature intertwine

Another distinct advantage of Sünnet Lake is its proximity to both Mudurnu and Göynük, both historic local towns with vivid traces of Ottoman life and architecture. From Sünnet Lake to Mudurnu is only 28 kilometers, while it is only 20 from Sünnet Lake to Göynük.

Göynük was once inhabited by the famous teacher of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Akşemseddin, and thus its roots stretch back 700 years. This town is now known for its famous historic homes and its natural springs. Ascend its historical “victory tower” to get a bird's eye view of Göynük and to feel as though you've just been transported back in time hundreds of years. Another Ottoman town is Mudurnu, which also boasts Ottoman traces in its architecture as well as narrow back streets and lots of “Albanian” tiled style sidewalks. Here, too, there are natural hot springs and a historic tower from which you can enjoy the sights.