Uludağ in Summer: Hiking, Picnics, Glacial Lakes and Cool Highlands

In summer, Uludağ becomes a nature area for anyone wanting to escape Bursa's heat and enjoy walks, picnics and views in the cool air. Pine and fir forests, wide high pastures and glacial lakes near the summit are the highlights of the season. For a day trip into nature you can go up the mountain by cable car or by road; longer hikes need good preparation.

How does the mountain change when the snow melts?

The slopes that turn white in winter become green meadows and rocky ridges in summer. On Uludağ's lower slopes you see deciduous trees such as chestnut, beech and oak; as you climb, these give way to black pine and fir, followed by alpine meadows where the trees thin out. This zoning lets you see different types of vegetation within a short distance and makes the mountain fascinating for nature lovers.

Uludağ is the highest mountain in the Marmara region, and a large part of it is protected as a national park. In antiquity it was known as the "Mysian Olympus", which is why old sources refer to it as Olympos.

Things to do on Uludağ in summer

Nature walks

The forest tracks in and around the hotel area are suitable for easy and moderate walks. More experienced hikers prefer the trails leading towards the summit area and the glacial lakes. These trails are long and rocky in places; you're advised not to walk them alone but with someone who knows the way, or with a guide.

Glacial lakes

Near the summit there are small lakes shaped by glaciers. Aynalıgöl, Karagöl and Kilimligöl are well-known examples. Reaching these lakes requires a long walk; as the weather can change quickly on the upper parts of the mountain, it's wise to start early and take a rain jacket.

Picnic and recreation areas

The areas around Sarıalan and Kirazlıyayla are popular places for picnics and relaxing. Lunch in the shade of the trees is a good alternative to the summer heat in Bursa. Follow the national park rules on lighting fires and only barbecue in permitted areas.

Views from the cable car

The cable car from Bursa also runs in summer, and gliding over the city towards the mountain is an outing in itself. For more information on the cable car, see our Uludağ cable car guide.

Camping

Some people also camp on Uludağ in summer. If you're thinking of camping, observe the rules within the national park boundaries and use the designated campsites. As temperatures drop noticeably at night, your sleeping bag should be suitable for cool nights.

What to wear for a summer trip

Even in summer, the weather on the mountain is changeable. Although the days may be sunny and mild, it cools down in the late afternoon and the wind can pick up near the summit.

• Comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles
• Layered clothing: a T-shirt, a thin fleece and a windbreaker
• A hat, sunglasses and sun cream
• A rain jacket or waterproof jacket
• Enough water and snacks

Combining it with Bursa

In summer, adding a few stops in Bursa before going up Uludağ or after coming down makes the day richer. The village of Cumalıkızık lies at the foot of the mountain and makes a lovely start for breakfast. Gölyazı is a peninsula village popular for sunsets. For these stops, have a look at our Cumalıkızık guide and Gölyazı guide.

TatiliYakala's Cumalıkızık, Bursa and Gölyazı tour is a programme that combines these three places in one day. If you'd like to plan a summer trip that includes Uludağ, we finalise the programme together at the quote stage.

Summer programme for school and corporate groups

Uludağ's vegetation zones and glacial lakes make an open-air classroom for geography and biology lessons. For corporate groups, a picnic in the cool highlands is a relaxed alternative for a team outing in the summer heat. The Uludağ tour on the website is a winter programme; if you'd like a plan tailored to your group for the summer, you can write to us via our contact page.

Respect for nature

Remember that Uludağ is a protected area. Take your rubbish home, don't pick plants, stay on marked paths and don't disturb wildlife. In the summer months, be especially careful with cigarettes and fire because of the risk of forest fires.

How do you get up Uludağ in summer?

In the summer months there are two ways up Uludağ. The cable car offers a scenic ride from Bursa to Sarıalan and the hotel area, and is practical if you're planning a picnic or a short walk. The road is more flexible for those coming in their own car or on a group coach: you can stop along the way to enjoy the view and reach the high pastures and recreation areas directly. As there's no risk of snow in summer, road conditions are much easier than in winter, but remember that it is a winding mountain road.

What to eat on the mountain

In summer, a barbecue is the most popular choice in Uludağ's recreation areas. A breakfast or lunch in the mountain air around Kirazlıyayla and Sarıalan becomes one of the most enjoyable moments of the day. After coming down from the mountain, the classics of Bursa cuisine await you: iskender, pideli köfte (meatballs on pide bread) and candied chestnuts top the list. For details, see our article on Bursa's local dishes.

Frequently asked questions

What can you do on Uludağ in summer?

Nature walks, picnics, scenic cable car rides, camping and hikes to the glacial lakes near the summit are the main summer activities.

How do you get to Uludağ's glacial lakes?

The glacial lakes can only be reached on a long hike. The trail is rocky in places; you're advised to set off early, with someone who knows the way or with a guide.

Is Uludağ cold in summer?

Days are usually mild and cool, while temperatures drop noticeably in the evening. You need to take a jacket even in summer.

Does the cable car to Uludağ run in summer?

The cable car also operates in the summer months. Operating hours and maintenance periods can change, so check the current situation before you go.