ARTVİN / Anatolia

The Borçka Karagöl nature reserve, one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Artvin province in the far northeastern Turkey, experiences heavy visitor influx during the summer season.

The lake is located 27 kilometers from the center of Borçka district, and it welcomes visitors from Turkey and abroad.

The park, which covers an area of 368 hectares, includes Lake Karagöl, along with its virgin forests, ancient trees, rich vegetation, and hiking trails, making it one of the favorite destinations for nature lovers.

The reserve features shades of green in spring and summer, while in autumn it is adorned with yellow, orange, red, and brown. The reflections of the trees surrounding the lake on the water surface create a natural scene that attracts visitors.

Şükrü Ataş, coming from Çanakkale province (northwest), said they came to the region to see the beauty of nature in the Black Sea.

Ataş added that Lake Karagöl was one of the places that impressed them the most.

Ataş continued: 'We must protect these areas well. At a time when the world may face a water crisis, having such nature is a great blessing.'

He noted that 'Karagöl is a paradise on earth, and I hope we succeed in preserving this beauty.'

Birol Kutkan, coming from İzmir province, said Karagöl exceeded his expectations in terms of its natural beauty.

Kutkan expressed his admiration for the beauty of the place, noting that the view is magnificent and the greenery is unparalleled.

He noted that he has been doing mountaineering and hiking for many years, yet he was surprised that he had not discovered Karagöl before.

Kutkan emphasized that the lake deserves to be on the itinerary of every nature lover.