When to Visit Yedigöller: Autumn Colours and a Seasonal Guide

The most popular time to see Yedigöller is autumn: around October, the leaves of the beech, hornbeam and oak trees turn yellow, orange and red, and these colours are reflected on the lakes. But the park can be visited in any season; the fresh green of spring and the cool forest of summer are reasons of their own. In winter the snow offers beautiful scenery, but road and snow conditions can affect access.

What makes Yedigöller different?

Yedigöller National Park, north of Bolu, takes its name from seven lakes formed by landslides: Büyükgöl, Deringöl, Nazlıgöl, Seringöl, Sazlıgöl, İncegöl and Küçükgöl. The lakes are linked by streams and waterfalls. The forest surrounding the park is a mix of deciduous and coniferous species: beech, oak, hornbeam, alder, ash, elm and lime alongside black pine, Scots pine and fir.

This mix completely changes the look of the park from season to season. The same lakeshore is pale green in May, red and gold in October and white in January. So the answer to "When should I visit Yedigöller?" depends on what you want to see.

Autumn: the park at its most colourful

From late September to early November, the deciduous trees begin to change colour. The weeks when the colours are at their most vivid usually fall in mid to late October. However, the timing isn't the same every year; depending on the summer heat, the amount of rainfall and the first cold of autumn, it can be a few weeks earlier or later.

Things to keep in mind in autumn:

• Crowds: this is the park's busiest time. Weekends in particular get crowded. If you can choose a weekday, your visit will be quieter.
• Weather: mornings are cold and middays mild. Dressing in layers is essential.
• Rain: the chance of rain is higher than in summer; the forest tracks can get muddy.
• Daylight: as the days start to get shorter, it's a good idea to plan your photography and walking around the middle of the day.

Spring: fresh green and rushing streams

In April and May the forest comes back into leaf and the park is cloaked in a bright, pale green. Fed by snowmelt, the streams and lakes are fuller and livelier at this time. Wild flowers are one of spring's surprises too.

Remember that in early spring the snow may not have fully melted on higher roads, and the ground may be muddy. May is a lovely month, both for the warmer weather and for the forest's green in full leaf. It's also good timing for schools' spring-term nature trips.

Summer: a cool escape

In June, July and August, Yedigöller's shady forest is a good choice for anyone wanting to escape Istanbul's heat. Inside the forest it is noticeably cooler than in the city. In the summer months, the picnic areas and lakeshores are popular with families.

There's no change of colour in summer; the park is dark green throughout. Although it isn't as dramatic as autumn for photography, the weather is at its best for walking. As there may be insects in the forest, it's worth bringing insect repellent.

Winter: snowy and silent

From December to March, Yedigöller may be covered in snow. Frozen lakes and snowy forests make a very striking sight. However, as the roads to the park are mountainous and narrow in places, snow and ice can make access difficult and roads may sometimes close. In the winter months, whether the programme can go ahead depends on road and snow conditions; we assess the current situation together as the date approaches.

The park at different times of day

The time of day changes the experience as much as the season. Early in the morning you may see a thin layer of mist over the lakes, and the forest is very quiet. Around midday the light gets harsher, but the paths under the trees stay in the shade. In the afternoon, as the sun gets lower, the leaves glow in warmer colours, especially in autumn. So taking the changing light into account when planning your walk and breaks lets you see the same lake in different moods through the day.

If you'd like to go on a tour

The Yedigöller Tour is a day trip programme lasting about 14 hours. You leave Istanbul early in the morning and have a village breakfast spread or an open buffet breakfast in Maşukiye. You then continue to Yedigöller National Park and take a walk of about two hours with breaks through the forest. While lunch is being prepared, there is about two hours of free time; a sucuk barbecue is served for lunch. In the afternoon you set off back to Istanbul.

We describe what to wear and bring in each season in detail in our article What to wear and pack for Yedigöller. If you're planning to take photos in autumn, have a look at our Yedigöller photography guide too.

A quick seasonal summary

• Spring (April–May): fresh green, full streams, mud in places.
• Summer (June–August): cool forest, comfortable weather for picnics and walking.
• Autumn (late September–early November): the park's most colourful and busiest period.
• Winter (December–March): snowy scenery, uncertain access.

Frequently asked questions

When do the autumn colours start at Yedigöller?

The change of colour usually begins in late September and in most years is at its most vivid in mid to late October. The timing can vary by a few weeks from year to year.

Can you visit Yedigöller in winter?

You can, but snow and ice can make the roads difficult or close them temporarily. In the winter months we assess the programme together based on road conditions.

Should I visit Yedigöller on a weekday or at the weekend?

In autumn the park gets very crowded at weekends. If possible, choosing a weekday gives you a quieter walk and an easier time taking photos.

Is Yedigöller beautiful in summer too?

Yes. Although there's no change of colour in summer, the shady forest is noticeably cooler than the city and is a comfortable setting for walking and picnics.