374... 14... 270,654... 7,410... 31 E 37 - 40 N 44...

Bolu... Bolu is one of the most enchanting areas of Türkiye located approximately half - way between Istanbul and Ankara. Bolu is famous for its dense forests and modern hot spring facilities. Lake Abant is one of the amazing beauties Bolu provides. It is 55 km southwest of this province, situated at an altitude of 1500 meters. The lake is a magnificent with water lilies spread over, and the deep green forest surrounding it. There are high - quality accommodation establishments around the lake which deserves spending some time. Another wonder of Bolu is the Yedigoller (Seven Lakes) National Park which has an appeal beyond words. Golcuk, an artificial lake 11 km south, surrounded with green forests, is another lovely site. Aladag, Bolu Kartalkaya in the Koroglu Mountains, is another resort for those who like winter sports. It is one of the three best winter sports centers in Türkiye. You will find quietness and sportive enthusiasm in Kartalkaya. Aladag meadows are the other attractive touristic sites in these mountains. 53 km northwest of Bolu is Konuralp which once was the ancient Pruso and Hyplum. You can see a well preserved Roman theatre and fine examples of Roman and Byzantine art, sheltered in the museum. You may enjoy the four seasons at once in Bolu. For those who prefer sea - sun - sand Akcakoca offers this opportunity at an appealing setting. You can enjoy the lovely beaches while staying in hospitable guest houses and hotels. You can also visit the Genoese Castle hidden in the hazelnut groves. Mengen is famous for its excellent cooks and holds an annual "Chefs' Festival", featuring many traditional Turkish specialties. Delightful restaurants and limpid water draw a constant stream of visitors. Inland, between Ankara and Istanbul, is Bolu (262 km from Istanbul and 192 km from Ankara), an important provincial center with an impressive 14th century Ulu Mosque and modern thermal facilities close at hand. The Bolu Archaeology and Ethnography Museum has artifacts from the Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Southwest of Bolu is the popular and relaxing Lake Abant resort, set in lovely alpine surroundings at an altitude of 1,500 meters. Istanbul dwellers often escape to the lake for a weekend of fresh air and exercise. In the Köroglu Mountains is Kartalkaya, one of Turkey's major ski resorts. In the summer you can stop for a picnic at Gölcük Lake. The breathtakingly beautiful Yedi GoIler (Seven Lakes) National Park lies north of Bolu.

Nearby, the town of Mengen has a reputation for its good cooks and holds the annual Chefs' Festival of in August, featuring traditional Turkish specialities. The sites around Konuralp (53 km from Bolu) the ancient Prusa ad Hypium, continue to yield artifacts from both the Roman and Byzantine periods, which are on display in the local museum. Among the ruins, the Roman theatre is not to be missed. Back on the coast, the lovely beach and comfortable guest houses and hotels at Akcakoca ensure that it remains a popular holiday resort. Near the town, you can explore the remains of a Genoese castle now set amid hazelnut groves.