Yedigöller National Park

Yedigöller National Park is one of the protected areas noted for its natural lakes, rich vegetation, and biological diversity, located in the Western Black Sea Region. Declared a national park in 1965, the area derives its name from seven lakes formed by landslides and has become one of Türkiye’s natural ecosystems. Yedigöller, distinguished by its natural forest structure, abundant wildlife, and landscape values, is also studied for scientific research and controlled recreational activities.

Yedigöller National Park (Agriculture and Forestry)

Establishment and Location

Yedigöller National Park was granted national park status in 1965 and has since become one of Türkiye’s important natural conservation areas. Located within the boundaries of Bolu Province and near the provinces of Zonguldak and Düzce, the park covers approximately 1,500 hectares on the Aladağlar range in the Western Black Sea Region. The park takes its name from the seven lakes within its boundaries: Büyükgöl, Deringöl, Seringöl, Nazlıgöl, Küçükgöl, İncegöl and Sazlıgöl. These lakes were formed by natural dams created through landslides along north-south oriented valleys.

Büyükgöl is the lake with the largest surface area in the park and reaches a depth of up to 15 metres.

Nazlıgöl is also known as the “waterfall lake” due to its nourishment from a small waterfall.

Deringöl, as its name suggests, is among the deepest lakes in the park.

Seringöl stands out as an integral part of the natural landscape, harmonizing with its surrounding vegetation.

Küçükgöl and İncegöl, despite their smaller surface areas, contribute to the continuity of the lake ecosystem.

Sazlıgöl is recognized for its reed beds along the shoreline and serves as an important habitat for birds.

Each of these lakes is integrated with its surrounding ecosystem and contributes to the region’s hydrological and biological diversity. Subsurface water connections between the lakes have also been identified.

Natural Structure and Ecosystem

The park’s topography is generally rugged and plateau-like. The area is characterized by landslide-formed lakes resulting from geological activity along the North Anatolian Fault. The Yedigöller basin features a rich forest structure and is among Türkiye’s significant flora and fauna regions. Within the park, natural old-growth forests, streamside ecosystems, lakeside meadows and slope forests are found.

Vegetation and Biological Diversity

Mixed deciduous forest formations dominate the vegetation of Yedigöller National Park. A total of 567 plant species belonging to 236 genera and 64 families have been identified, including 51 endemic and 5 rare species. Broadleaf species such as beech, oak, hornbeam, maple and linden, as well as coniferous species like Turkish pine and silver fir, are abundant. The vegetation exhibits striking seasonal colour changes during spring and autumn. Additionally, a variety of fungi, mosses and ferns are observed throughout the park.

Wildlife

Yedigöller National Park supports a rich variety of wildlife. Within its boundaries, mammals such as bear, wolf, fox, roe deer, red deer, wild boar, badger, squirrel and pine marten are present, along with various bird species including hawk, eagle, owl and woodpecker. Over 100 bird species have been recorded in the park, making it an important site for nature photography and birdwatching.

Wildlife (Culture Portal)

Conservation and Management

Under its national park status, the area is protected by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Scientific research is conducted within the park, and recreational activities are managed to ensure minimal impact on the natural environment. Designated camping areas, hiking trails, viewing terraces and picnic zones are provided under regulated conditions.

Camping Area (Agriculture and Forestry)

Yedigöller National Park is a natural heritage site that serves as a model for the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems. With its landslide-formed lakes, rich vegetation, diverse wildlife and protected natural structure, it holds a prominent place among Türkiye’s national parks.