Manyas Bird Paradise

Kuş Cenneti Milli Parkı is a natural conservation area covering 24,047 hectares within the boundaries of the Bandırma and Manyas districts of Balıkesir Province place. Located along the shores of Manyas Gölü, this park serves as a vital habitat and breeding ground for migrant birds. Recognized under the Ramsar Convention as one of the internationally significant wetlands, the park draws attention for its unique ecosystem. Extending in a East-west direction, Manyas Gölü spans 20 kilometers in length and 14 kilometers in width with an average depth of 3 meters. Due to its high colloidal kil content, the water remains perpetually turbid yet is exceptionally rich in nutrients.

National park supports a rich biodiversity, hosting 266 bird species, 118 plant species, 23 fish species, and various reptiles house. The ecological balance of the park is maintained by seasonal fluctuations in the lake’s water level. In spring, rising waters flood the shores, while write months see the waters recede, shaping the living environments of regional wildlife. A harmonious ecosystem has developed among the water, climate conditions, reed beds, trees, fish, and birds, making the park widely regarded as a unique natural equilibrium.

Located along continental migration migration routes, Kuş Cenneti Milli Parkı holds great significance for pelican with a crest, black stork, heron, and little egret such as bird species. As a central hub for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and science visitors, the park is recognized as one of Türkiye’s most valuable natural heritage sites requiring protection.

Manyas Bird Paradise - Balıkesir

Leonore Kosswig and the Establishment of Kuş Cenneti Milli Parkı

Leonore Kosswig is one of the key figures who played a significant role in the establishment of Kuş Cenneti Milli Parkı alongside her husband, biologist Curt Kosswig. The Kosswig couple, who migrated to Türkiye from together for scientific purposes, conducted research aimed at protecting the biological diversity of Manyas Gölü and its surroundings.

Leonore Kosswig made substantial effort consumption through her contributions to birdwatching and ecosystem studies, advocating for the designation of the area as a national park. The couple arrived in Türkiye in 1938 and recognized Manyas Gölü as a critical habitat for birds, strongly arguing for its preservation. Their research and reports directly led to the official declaration of Kuş Cenneti as a national park in 1959.

Leonore Kosswig’s scientific work and passion for nature significantly influenced the recognition of Manyas Gölü and its surroundings as an internationally important wetland. Her efforts, together with those of her husband Curt Kosswig, pioneered the conservation of this area, now acknowledged as Türkiye’s first bird sanctuary, transforming it into a vital center for scientists, nature lovers, and birdwatchers.

Manyas Bird Sanctuary and Tourism

Manyas Kuş Cenneti Milli Parkı is one of Türkiye’s most important wetlands and holds major significance in terms of nature tourism and birdwatching. Located northeast of Manyas Gölü in the Bandırma district of Balıkesir, this national park serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds. The area, declared a national park in 1959, was recognized by UNESCO in 1976 as a biosphere reserve.

Touristic Appeal

Manyas Kuş Cenneti offers visitors various facilities including a observation tower, museum, an information center, and walking trails. During spring and autumn months, when migratory bird activity increases, the region attracts significant interest from domestic and foreign tourists seeking birdwatching opportunities to do.

Observed Bird Species

The national park is home to 266 different bird species, including pelicans, herons, little egrets, ducks, storks, and eagles. Each year, thousands of birds use Manyas Gölü as a temporary or permanent nesting site.

Access to Manyas Bird Sanctuary

Kuş Cenneti Milli Parkı is located in the Marmara Region, within the boundaries of the Bandırma district of Balıkesir Province, northeast of Manyas Gölü. To reach the park, one must turn south from the 15th kilometer of the Balıkesir-Bandırma highway and travel an additional 3 kilometers along a road.

Regular bus and minibus services operate between Balıkesir and Manyas. While Balıkesir and Manyas are easily accessible by road, once in Manyas, visitors can use city vehicles to reach the national park.