Bolu Gölcük Nature Park | Where and Places to Visit in 2025

If you want to escape city life and find peace in nature, Bolu Gölcük Nature Park is the perfect spot! With lush green forests, a deep blue lake, and fresh air, what more could you ask for? Its proximity to Bolu city centre makes it ideal for day trips. Each season offers its own charm: cool breezes in summer and snow-covered landscapes in winter.

Although I haven’t experienced all seasons yet, this guide will help you discover new routes soon. Beyond the scenery, hiking trails, lakeside activities, and immersive nature experiences make every visit enjoyable. If you’re planning to relax and reconnect with nature, this guide is perfect for you!

Where is Gölcük Nature Park?

Bolu Gölcük Nature Park is located very close to Bolu city centre, making it easy to reach. Here are some ways to get there:

By Car: From Bolu city centre, Gölcük is about 13 km away. Follow the D100 highway, and the journey takes around 20–25 minutes. Signposts along the way make it almost impossible to get lost.
By Public Transport: Minibuses run from Bolu to Gölcük, especially frequent during summer. The trip usually takes 30–40 minutes.
By Taxi: Taxis offer a faster and more comfortable ride, though slightly more expensive than driving yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bolu Gölcük Nature Park

How to Reach Bolu?

If you need to arrive in Bolu first, you can easily reach it by bus from Istanbul, Ankara, and surrounding provinces. Alternatively, a private car from Istanbul to Bolu takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. From Ankara, the drive to Bolu can take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Once in Bolu, access to Bolu Gölcük Nature Park is quite easy.

How Many Kilometers Between Bolu and Gölcük?

The distance between Bolu city center and Gölcük Nature Park is approximately 13 kilometers. By car, you can travel this distance in approximately 20-25 minutes. If you use public transportation, the journey may take slightly longer, but it’s still quite close.

Visiting Hours and Entrance Fee

Bolu Gölcük Nature Park is generally open between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Entry fees as of 2025 are as follows:
Regular per person: 60₺
Discounted per person: 30₺
Bicycle entry: 60₺
Motorcycle/ATV: 120₺
Car, pickup truck, or motorhome: 180₺
Minibus/Trailer: 540₺
Midibus: 900₺
Bus: 1,800₺

Is barbecue prohibited in Bolu Gölcük?

Yes, it is prohibited.

When to Visit Bolu Gölcük Nature Park?

Absolutely, autumn is one of the best times to visit Bolu Gölcük Nature Park! When the leaves turn yellow and red, every corner of the park becomes like a painting. With cool but sunny weather, it’s perfect for hiking and enjoying the colorful scenery. Autumn is also ideal for escaping the summer crowds and spending peaceful time in nature.

Winter visitors aren’t disappointed either, as the park transforms into a stunning snow-covered landscape. Personally, though, I’d always choose autumn!

Places to Visit in Gölcük

Bolu Gölcük Nature Park offers many activities for a peaceful day surrounded by nature:

Nature Walks: Explore the park’s lush forests and lakeside trails, enjoying fresh air and a close connection with nature.
Picnics: Spacious picnic areas let you relax with family or friends, whether by the lake in summer or amidst snow in winter.
Photography: With its scenic landscapes, the park is a paradise for photographers. Capture reflections on the lake, colorful forests, and peaceful wildlife.
Lake Walks: Short walks around the lake offer both views and serenity, especially in the morning mist.
Bird Watching: Rich flora and fauna make it a great spot for birdwatching, best in the early hours.
Fishing: You can fish in the lake, but remember special permission is required.
Cycling: There are bike-friendly paths, and you can rent a bike to explore the forest.
Winter Activities: If there’s snow, enjoy snow walks and scenic winter landscapes. While there’s no ski area, the snow-covered scenery is beautiful.

Places to Visit Near Bolu Gölcük Nature Park

If you’re wondering where to go after Gölcük, there are several nearby natural and historical attractions:

Abant Lake: About 20 km from Gölcük, Abant Lake is one of Bolu’s most popular natural spots. With forests, lake views, and walking trails, it’s especially beautiful in autumn.
Yedigöller National Park: Located around 45 km from Gölcük, this park offers stunning scenery, especially in autumn. Check out our Yedigöller travel guide for more details.
Bolu Mountain: Ideal for hiking or mountain adventures, approximately 20 km from Bolu city centre.
Mudurnu: About 40 km from Gölcük, this historic village is famous for Ottoman-era houses and a peaceful atmosphere.
Safranbolu: A must-visit historical and touristic town. For more details, see our Safranbolu guide.