What to Wear and What to Pack for Yedigöller

The most important thing for Yedigöller is your footwear: the forest tracks are covered in earth, roots and leaves, and turn muddy after rain. Walking shoes with non-slip soles, three layers of clothing (a T-shirt, a fleece or jumper, and a wind- and rainproof jacket) and a small backpack are enough for most visits. Add a beanie or a sun hat depending on the season.

Why so much preparation?

Yedigöller National Park is a mountainous, forested area. Walking around and between the lakes, it's not flat pavements that await you but undulating dirt paths. As little sun reaches under the trees, the air is cooler than in the city and the ground is often damp. The weather can change during the day: a sunny morning can give way to mist or rain in the afternoon.

The Yedigöller Tour programme includes a walk of about two hours with breaks through the forest, followed by about two hours of free time and an outdoor sucuk barbecue treat. So you spend most of the day outdoors, on your feet and on the move. The right clothing decides whether the day is enjoyable or exhausting.

Footwear: number one on the list

• Suitable: walking boots with ankle support, or trainers with a grippy sole. Waterproof ones make a big difference, especially in autumn and spring.
• Not suitable: flat-soled canvas shoes, sandals, and brand-new boots that have never been worn.
• Tip: take a spare pair of socks. The journey home feels long with wet feet.

Layered clothing: the three-layer rule

Walking in the forest you warm up, and when you stop you get cold quickly. So dressing in layers is smarter than wearing one thick jacket:

1. Base layer: a quick-drying T-shirt or long-sleeved top. Cotton T-shirts stay wet for a long time once you sweat.
2. Mid-layer: a fleece, thin jumper or cardigan. It should be light enough to take off and put in your bag when you warm up.
3. Outer layer: a wind- and rainproof jacket or a raincoat.

On your legs, choose comfortable walking trousers or stretchy trousers. Jeans get heavy when wet and dry slowly.

Seasonal extras

Spring: waterproof shoes and a raincoat are the priority. The ground can be muddy.

Summer: thin layers, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Although the forest is cool, the sun is strong in open areas.

Autumn: mornings are cold; a beanie, thin gloves and a fleece come in handy. Don't forget your outer layer in case of rain.

Winter: a thick coat, beanie, gloves, neck warmer, thermal base layer and waterproof boots. Non-slip soles are important on snowy ground. We should also remind you that in the winter months the programme may change depending on road and snow conditions. We've described how the seasons change the park in our article When to visit Yedigöller.

What to have in your backpack

• Water bottle (refillable ones are preferable)
• Light snacks such as nuts, fruit or energy bars
• Spare socks
• A small towel or wet wipes
• A rubbish bag (to take home whatever you bring)
• Personal medication and a small first aid kit (plasters, painkillers)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Phone and power bank; the signal may be weak in some parts of the forest
• A thin mat or folding blanket to sit on in the picnic area

Keep your bag light. On a two-hour walk, a heavy bag tires your shoulders and spoils your enjoyment.

What to leave at home

Preparation isn't only about what to take. Some items are not only useless at Yedigöller but also a burden all day:

• Heavy photography equipment and extra lenses you won't use
• Heeled or thin-soled shoes
• Large handbags and wheeled bags; a backpack is far more practical on forest tracks
• Valuable jewellery; there's a risk of losing it on the walk and in the picnic area

As the sucuk barbecue treat is part of the programme, there's no need to bring your own barbecue supplies. If you'd like to bring anything extra, it's best to discuss it at the quote stage.

If you're going with children

• Take a spare set of clothes for children; getting wet by the lake and in the streams is inevitable.
• A two-hour walk can feel long for young children; take frequent breaks and give them small tasks such as collecting leaves or pine cones.
• Always keep them supervised by the lakeshores.

If you're going with a school group

In our catalogue, the Yedigöller Tour stands out as a field trip for biology and geography lessons on forest species and landslide-dammed lakes. Send students the clothing list together with the parent information note, and give a specific warning about jeans and sandals. Preparing a simple leaf identification card to help them recognise tree species also links the trip to their lessons. For school trip planning, have a look at our school trips page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go to Yedigöller in trainers?

Trainers with a grippy, non-slip sole may be enough in the summer months. In spring and autumn the ground is muddy, so waterproof walking shoes are more comfortable.

Is the walk at Yedigöller difficult?

The walk on our tour is about two hours, with breaks. It isn't a strenuous climb, but as it's on undulating dirt paths, you need comfortable shoes and a moderate level of fitness.

Is there food at Yedigöller, or should I bring my own?

The tour programme includes breakfast and a sucuk barbecue treat for lunch. We recommend you bring water and light snacks for the walk and free time.

Is there phone signal at Yedigöller?

The signal can be weak in some forested parts of the park. Keep your phone charged and agree on a meeting point with your group in advance.