Let’s go: About Bolu
The area now known as the city of Bolu is believed to have been settled by the Hittites in 2000 BC and came under the rule of the Kingdom of Bithynia around 500 BC. It was known as Claudiopolis during the Roman era and as Hadrianopolis during the Byzantine period. The Seljuks took over in the 12th century, followed by the Ottomans in the 14th century. Bolu became a province during the Republican period.
Places to visit in Bolu
Bolu offers natural beauty, fascinating history and, of course, wonderful food.
Historical sites in Bolu
While Bolu province is widely known for natural beauties and parks, the city offers several significant sites worth visiting.
Historical Bolu houses
The lovely Ottoman-style Bolu houses, many of which date to the early 20th century, can be seen in various districts throughout the province, including Mudurnu, Göynük and Kıbrıscık. The structures usually have one or two levels, along with tiled roofs and elaborately painted ceilings; some add central courtyards.
Yıldırım Bayezit Mosque
Erected by the Ottoman sultan Bayezid I in 1382, the Yıldırım Bayezit Mosque complex includes a hammam, a madrasah and a library. The original wooden structure was destroyed in a fire in 1891 and restored in 1999 to its current form.
Bolu Museum
Opened in 1981, the Bolu Museum exhibits many of the artifacts from archaeological excavations in the province. The Museum’s collection comprises almost 17,000 items, including works from the Urartian, Lydian, Roman and Byzantine periods.
Bolu’s natural beauties
While the towns of Bolu province are known for their charm, the surrounding areas are known for their natural beauty. Keep reading to find out why Bolu is one of Türkiye’s most popular destinations!
Abant Lake and Nature Park
Approximately 35 kilometers from the Bolu city center, the Lake Abant Nature Park in the Mudurnu district features a large, clear lake surrounded by pine forests. In addition to camping and hiking facilities, there are rustic dining options within the borders of the Park. An admission fee is required to enter the Park.
Yedigöller National Park
About 45 kilometers from the Bolu city center is the renowned Yedigöller National Park, established in 1965. The “Seven Lake” Park is home to seven lakes: Seringöl, Büyükgöl, Nazlıgöl, Deringöl, Küçükgöl, Sazlıgöl and İncegöl. Yedigöller National Park is glorious in any season but especially in the autumn when nature’s colors are changing. Beech, oak and hornbeam trees abound as do numerous bird and fish species.
Gölcük Natural Park
A mere 13 kilometers from the Bolu city center, Gölcük Natural Park offers fir and pine forests, as well as the lovely wooden lakefront guest house belonging to the Ministry of Forestry – a favorite photo destination. In addition to walking and hiking, bicycle rentals are available. There’s an admission fee to enter the Park.
Kartalkaya Ski Center
The Kartalkaya Ski Center, about 40 kilometers from the Bolu city center, is a preferred spot for winter sports enthusiasts. Built on the Köroğlu Mountains, Kartalkaya is considered one of the country’s most prominent ski resorts, with magnificent views as well as high quality snow. The ski season generally extends from December through March.
Dining in Bolu
Bolu – like all Turkish provinces – is home to a rich regional culinary tradition. The province also has a reputation for cultivating talented chefs, many of whom have returned to helm restaurants in the area. The city hosts a famous Culinary Festival each year during the first week of September.
Some of Bolu’s specialties include:
- Abant kebabı (Abant-style kebab)
- Ovmaç çorbası (a soup made with dough, yoghurt and spices)
- Mengen pilavı (a rice dish with lamb and spices)
- Kaldırık dolması (stuffed borage leaf)
- Paşa pilavı (a rice dish with beef, carrots, peas and spices)
- Keş peyniri (a soft white cheese)
- Höşmerim (cheese halva)
- Kabaklı gözleme (flatbread stuffed with pumpkin)
- Kedi batmaz (cornmeal dumplings and chicken livers)
- Patatesli köy ekmeği (potato bread)
More about Bolu
Staying in Bolu
As a popular destination for foreign and local tourists, Bolu offers a range of accommodations, including various hotels and pensions in the city center. To take advantage of the region’s natural beauty, you can also opt to stay near the Lake Abant National Park, which features alternatives from luxury hotels to rustic bungalows.
To easily plan a trip to Bolu, check out Turkish Airlines Holidays. You can select from a variety of flight/accommodation packages.
Getting around Bolu
Transportation in Bolu is usually provided by buses and minibuses. The BoluKart is used for most modes of public transportation.
Flying to Bolu
Bolu is an easy drive from most parts of Türkiye but there’s no direct air transportation. The closest airports are in Kocaeli or Ankara: Kocaeli Cengiz Topel Airport is about 145 kilometers from Bolu, while Ankara Esenboğa Airport is around 200 kilometers from the Bolu city center.
