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12 places to visit in the central district of Bolu: Yedigöller National Park, Abant Lake Nature Park and Bolu Museum. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Bolu lies in the inner part of the Western Black Sea region, midway between Istanbul and Ankara. In antiquity Bolu was part of the region of Bithynia, and the Romans named the city Claudiopolis. After the Battle of Malazgirt (1071), the area settled by Turkmens came under Ottoman rule during the reign of Orhan Gazi, when Konur Alp took it.

Natural Wonders

Bolu’s greatest riches are its forests and lakes. Abant, Yedigöller, Gölcük and Sünnet lakes are natural sites in the province that are visited in every season. Kartalkaya in the Köroğlu Mountains is one of Türkiye’s leading ski centres.

Climate

Bolu has a transitional climate between the Black Sea and Central Anatolia. Summer nights are cool, with average lows of 12-13 °C.

History and Culture

Sultan Hammam is recorded in endowment registers under the name of the Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Foundation. According to the inscription on Karamanlı Mosque, it was built between H. 1310 and 1315. Safî Amidî Bolevî Tomb was once used as a dervish lodge.

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Places to Visit in Bolu Central District

  • 3 Historic
  • 2 Religious
  • 4 Nature
  • 2 Attraction
  • 1 Cultural

Historic Sites 3

Historic

Sultan Hammam

A double hammam with separate sections for women and men, on Saraçhane Sokak in Büyükcami Neighbourhood.

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Historic

Aşağı Taşhan

A two-storey inn with a courtyard, in Büyükcami Neighbourhood.

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Historic

Historic Fountain

A historic fountain at a road junction in Semerkant Neighbourhood.

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Religious Buildings 2

Religious

Karamanlı Mosque

A mosque with a minaret and a base of dressed stone, in Karamanlı Neighbourhood.

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Religious

Tomb of Safî Amidî Bolevî Hazretleri

A tomb in the courtyard of the mosque, in Aktaş Neighbourhood.

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Natural Wonders 4

Yedigöller National Park - Merkez Photo: Nevit Dilmen (talk) (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source
Nature

Yedigöller National Park

One of Bolu's most important natural sites. It contains a lake formed by a landslide.

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Abant Lake Nature Park - Merkez Photo: Eyeintheair (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Nature

Abant Lake Nature Park

Abant Lake, 32 km from Bolu at an altitude of 1,328 metres, is a tectonic lake. Surrounded by pine, beech and fir forests, the lake offers different beauty in each season. Walking trails, horse riding and bicycle hire are available.

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Nature

Gölcük Nature Park

Gölcük Nature Park, 13 km from Bolu city centre, is an ideal area for picnics and nature walks, with its crater lake and surrounding forests. The lake surface freezes in the winter months, which adds another dimension to its beauty.

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Nature

At Plateau

A plateau in Bolu centre, close to the city, with walking and picnic areas.

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Attractions 2

Bolu Museum - Merkez Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source
Attraction

Bolu Museum

Bolu Museum displays artefacts from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods, obtained from archaeological excavations in the region. The ethnography section includes regional costumes and everyday objects.

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Attraction

Kartalkaya Ski Centre

Kartalkaya, 40 km from Bolu, is one of Türkiye's most popular ski resorts. Its slopes rise to 2,200 metres, and it hosts winter tourism with modern chairlift systems and hotel facilities.

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Cultural Venues 1

Cultural

Painter Mehmet Yücetürk Art Centre

A building constructed in 1915, in Tabaklar Neighbourhood.

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What to Eat in Bolu Central District

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  • Bolu Mengen Kebabı (lamb marinated in special spices and cooked over wood fire)

    Prepared by marinating lamb in special spices and cooking it over a wood fire. It is one of the best-known flavours of Bolu's culinary tradition.

  • Bolu Mantısı (hand-rolled dumplings with garlic yoghurt)

    Bolu mantısı is made with thin, hand-rolled dough and served with garlicky yoghurt and a butter sauce. It is the most loved traditional dish of the region.

  • Abant Trout

    Fresh trout from the facilities around Abant Lake is served grilled or pan-fried. Trout grown in its natural environment is one of Bolu's signature dishes.

  • Bolu Pidesi (Bolu flatbread)

    Bolu pidesi, baked in a stone oven, is known in minced meat, cheese and egg varieties. It reflects the culinary tradition of Bolu in everyday meals.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Bolu Central District

  • Culinary Tradition

    Bolu is known as the culinary capital of Türkiye. Chefs from Mengen district carry on a tradition that goes back to the Ottoman palace kitchen. Bolu Culinary Arts and Tourism Vocational School is the academic dimension of this tradition.

  • The Legend of Köroğlu

    Bolu is the homeland of Köroğlu, one of the most famous heroes of Turkish folk literature. The Köroğlu Mountains and their surroundings are known as the landscape in which this legend unfolded.

Local Products

  • Bolu Honey — Pine and flower honey obtained from Bolu's rich forest cover is ranked among the highest-quality honeys in Türkiye.
  • Bolu Mushrooms — Wild mushrooms that grow in Bolu's forests are an important ingredient in regional cuisine. Dried mushrooms are also sold.
  • Bolu Cheese — Fresh cheese and curd produced in Bolu by traditional methods are well-known dairy products of the region.

Economy

The economy of Bolu Merkez district is based on tourism, industry and agriculture. Abant Lake, Yedigöller and Kartalkaya generate year-round tourism revenue. Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University contributes to the educational and economic life of the city. The food industry and forest products are also important sources of income.

How to Get to Bolu Central District

Bolu lies on the Ankara-Istanbul motorway (TEM). It is 190 km from Ankara and 260 km from Istanbul. Intercity bus services run very frequently. The nearest airport is Ankara Esenboğa Airport.

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Bolu Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Bolu Merkez?

The 12 highlights of Bolu Merkez are Yedigöller National Park, Abant Lake Nature Park, Bolu Museum, Gölcük Nature Park, Kartalkaya Ski Centre, Sultan Hammam, Aşağı Taşhan, Painter Mehmet Yücetürk Art Centre, Historic Fountain, Karamanlı Mosque, At Plateau and the Tomb of Safî Amidî Bolevî Hazretleri.

What should I eat in Bolu Merkez?

Bolu Mengen Kebabı, Bolu Mantısı, Abant Trout and Bolu Pidesi are the standout dishes on the tables of Bolu Merkez.

What is Bolu Merkez famous for?

Bolu Merkez is known for Bolu Honey and its culinary tradition. The pine and flower honey obtained from Bolu's rich forest cover is ranked among the highest-quality honeys in Türkiye.

How do I get to Bolu Merkez?

Bolu lies on the Ankara-Istanbul motorway (TEM). It is 190 km from Ankara and 260 km from Istanbul. Intercity bus services run very frequently. The nearest airport is Ankara Esenboğa Airport.

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