Borçka Karagöl

Karagöl is a landslide lake, formed when a slope closed off the stream bed below. Surrounded by forest, on a windless morning its surface becomes an almost perfect mirror, and the trees appear a second time in the water. It is the most photographed place in the area.

The lake lies within the Karagöl-Sahara National Park. There are marked walking paths and resting areas around it. Circling the lake is not a demanding walk; you can take it slowly and still be back before long.

When to go

Each season has its own character. In spring the forest is deep green and the lake is high. In summer it is a refuge for anyone looking for cool air. But the season is autumn: when the leaves turn yellow and red, the lake gives all of that colour back. Most photographers who come to the region wait for October.

Early morning is the quietest time. By midday the number of visitors rises and the mirror on the water breaks up.

Distance from the hotel

Pera Boutique Hotel sits on the road to Karagöl, about 10 kilometres from the lake — close enough to set out after breakfast and be back by lunch.