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5 places to visit in the Yeniçağa district of Bolu: Yeniçağa Lake, Grave of Poet Dertli and Yeniçağa Hot Springs. Plan your trip to Yeniçağa with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Yeniçağa is a district of Bolu. The district covers 163 km² and has an average elevation of 1,001 metres above sea level. In 1990 it was converted into a district from a town of Gerede district. The history of Yeniçağa district is based on the village of Eskiçağa, which is attached to it.

History

Eskiçağa, on the Zonguldak road 8 km from the district centre, was founded seven centuries ago under the name Çağa and settled in a valley between three hills. In 1402, Yıldırım Bayezid Han chose this place as the assembly area for his army on its way to the Battle of Ankara, and stayed for a while. After a major fire in 1904, part of the population moved to an area called Yeniçağa. In 1934, Atatürk stopped at Reşadiye on his way to Bolu and, on learning that the people had come from Çağa, asked that Çağa be called Eskiçağa and Reşadiye be called Yeniçağa. After a major earthquake in Eskiçağa in 1944, 80 per cent of its people moved to Yeniçağa. By Law No. 3644, which came into effect on 20 May 1990, the district separated from Gerede and became a district in its own right.

Natural Treasures

Yeniçağa Lake, lying right on the shore and surrounded by trees along its banks, is a natural wonder and a recreation spot. Because it is a seasonal stopover for migratory birds, it is also known as Bird Paradise. Freshwater fish such as karabalık can be caught in the lake.

History and Culture

Yeniçağa became a district by separating from Gerede under Law No. 3644. In 1935, a subdistrict named Yeniçağa was established with its centre at Reşadiye village. The district governor (kaymakam) took up his post on 5 August 1991, and the district administration officially began operating on 5 September 1991.

Highlights

On 17 July 1934, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk visited Reşadiye. Abant Lake, Yeniçağa, Çubuk, Sünnet, Yedigöller, Karagöl, Sülüklügöl and Karamurat are the most important lakes.

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Places to Visit in Yeniçağa

  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
  • 2 Cultural
Yeniçağa Lake - Yeniçağa Photo: Demircimehmed (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source
Nature

Yeniçağa Lake

A natural wonder right on the edge of the district. It is a recreation spot that serves as a seasonal stopover for migratory birds and is known as Bird Paradise.

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Cultural

Grave of Poet Dertli

The tomb of the poet Dertli, on a hill overlooking Yeniçağa Lake. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in the district.

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Nature

Yeniçağa Hot Springs

Thermal springs around the district are known for their healing waters. The baths, said to be good for rheumatism and skin conditions, are used by local people.

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Religious

Yeniçağa Grand Mosque

Built in the Ottoman period, the Grand Mosque is the oldest place of worship in the district. Its mixed stone and timber architecture is notable.

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Cultural

Hill of Poet Dertli's Tomb

A hill overlooking Yeniçağa Lake, where the tomb of Poet Dertli is located.

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Places to Visit Around Bolu Province

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While you are in Yeniçağa, you can also see the highlights of Bolu province. These places are in other districts; Yeniçağa is about 30 km from the provincial centre.

  • Lake Abant National Park — A landslide-dammed lake in the Mudurnu district, 35 km south-west of Bolu at an altitude of about 1,330 metres; the 125-hectare lake is 18 metres deep at its deepest point.
  • Yedigöller National Park — Seven lakes formed when landslides blocked valleys, some of them connected underground, and beech forests reminiscent of a "sea of forest"; Türkiye's first farmed-trout production station was set up here in 1969. The lakes can be seen from the Kapankaya viewpoint.
  • Gölcük Nature Park — A 4.5-hectare forest lake 13 km south of Bolu at an altitude of 1,217 metres; the wooden lake house on the shore is the most photographed view in Bolu.
  • Lake Sünnet — A narrow lake 1,100 metres long, 22 km east of Göynük at an altitude of 1,030 metres, formed when two landslides blocked the Gök Dere stream; it has walking trails and an accommodation facility.
  • Mudurnu — An Ottoman town 52 km from Bolu that developed on the Silk Road; it has a well-preserved urban fabric of wooden mansions, a historic bazaar and traditions.
  • Mudurnu Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque — Built in 1374 during Yıldırım Bayezid's time as prince governor of Bolu, this is one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture; the Yıldırım Bayezid Hammam of 1382 nearby also still stands.

Practical Information for Visiting Yeniçağa

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and summer
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Yeniçağa

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  • Yeniçağa Trout (Yeniçağa Alabalığı)

    Fresh trout from the facilities around Yeniçağa Lake is served grilled or fried in a pan.

  • Keşkek (wheat and meat porridge)

    Made by boiling wheat and meat for a long time and then pounding them, keşkek is the traditional dish of wedding tables in Yeniçağa.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Yeniçağa

  • Lake Culture

    Yeniçağa is a district closely identified with its lake. Its fishing tradition and lakeside way of life form the identity of the region.

Local Products

  • Yeniçağa Honey — Pine and flower honey obtained from the rich forest cover is the most valuable natural product of Yeniçağa.
  • Fresh Fish — Fresh fish caught in Yeniçağa Lake is one of the region's important natural products.

Economy

The economy of Yeniçağa is made up of farming, livestock and tourism. Nature tourism is developing thanks to Yeniçağa Lake. Grain production and livestock are important sources of income. Proximity to the Ankara–Istanbul motorway gives it a commercial advantage.

How to Get to Yeniçağa

Yeniçağa is 30 km from the Bolu provincial centre. It lies on the Ankara–Istanbul motorway (TEM). There are regular minibus services from Bolu.

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Yeniçağa: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Yeniçağa?

Top 5 places in Yeniçağa: Yeniçağa Lake, Grave of Poet Dertli, Yeniçağa Hot Springs, Yeniçağa Grand Mosque and the Hill of Poet Dertli's Tomb.

What should I eat in Yeniçağa?

Yeniçağa Trout and Keşkek are the highlights on Yeniçağa's tables.

What is Yeniçağa famous for?

Yeniçağa is known for Yeniçağa Honey and Lake Culture. Pine and flower honey obtained from the rich forest cover is the most valuable natural product of Yeniçağa.

How do I get to Yeniçağa?

Yeniçağa is 30 km from the Bolu provincial centre. It lies on the Ankara–Istanbul motorway (TEM). There are regular minibus services from Bolu.

How long should I spend in Yeniçağa?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and summer.

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