
Small and Boutique Hotels in Abant
FAQs
Abant, located in the Bolu region of Turkey, is a stunning freshwater lake that boasts breathtaking beauty throughout all four seasons. Whether you're enchanted by the lush greens of spring or the snow-covered landscapes of winter, Abant offers an unforgettable experience. Each season paints the region in a different light, ensuring you'll never regret a trip here.
Resorts and hotels in Abant are open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy this natural paradise whenever they wish. Some of these accommodations are located right by the lake, while others are situated in Abant’s town center.
In autumn, the area becomes a fairy tale land with an explosion of vibrant colors. Abant, along with nearby Gölcük and Yedigöller, is among the rare places where autumn feels truly magical. The lake and its surroundings are part of a National Park. Abant is a crater lake, fed by spring waters and adorned with rare water lilies. The Abant trout, unique to this area, also adds to the region's ecological richness.
If you're hoping to spot otters, head out early in the morning to their nesting sites before sunrise. The perimeter of Lake Abant is approximately 7 kilometers, making it perfect for a two-hour walk to fully immerse yourself in its beauty. For those who prefer not to walk, bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are available for lake tours.
When to Visit Abant
Abant is a destination you can enjoy year-round, each season offering something unique. However, the most popular times to visit are during spring, summer, and autumn.
How to Get to Abant
If traveling by bus, there are services from many cities to Bolu, the nearest major town. From Bolu, you can reach Abant via taxi or minibus.
If you're coming by private car, follow the Abant turnoff sign right after exiting the Bolu Mountain Pass—the road signs will lead you straight to Abant.
Approximate distances:
- From Istanbul: 280 km
- From Ankara: 225 km
- From Bursa: 290 km
- From Izmir: 620 km
Must-See Places in Abant
While in Abant to relax and enjoy nature, be sure to visit these spots:
Abant Nature Park, the main attraction.
Highway Outlet, a massive roadside shopping center near the Abant turnoff, said to be one of the largest in Europe.
Local Village Market at the entrance of Lake Abant, where local villagers sell traditional and regional products.
Shopping in Abant
In the small shops around Abant, you'll find local handicrafts, especially wood carvings, ceramics, and woven textiles, reflecting the artistry of the region.
Things to Do in Abant
Boat Ride on the Lake: Enjoy a peaceful rowboat ride while taking in the stunning surroundings, accompanied by birdsong.
Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, try your hand at catching some of the local fish species.
Horseback Riding: Explore Abant's beauty on horseback—a fun and immersive way to experience nature.
History of Abant
While there are no clear historical records of Abant, the area’s rich natural and geographical structure is tied to local legends. Archaeological findings suggest that the region has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
Abant began attracting tourists in the early 20th century and has since become a popular eco-tourism destination for both local and international visitors.
What is Abant Famous for?
Abant is a plateau and lake region famous for its natural beauty, clear air and cool climate. Abant Lake is one of the symbols of Bolu. It also offers an ideal environment for nature sports. It offers different experiences to its visitors with its trekking and hiking routes, nature walks, camping areas and surrounding forests.
Where to swim in Abant?
There is no beach or sea to swim in Abant.
Best Things to Do in Abant
Abant is 3-4 hours away from most of the big cities. In this way, you can find yourself in Abant whenever you get bored of the chaos of the city. You can take nature walks and jeep safari with plenty of oxygen around Lake Abant. You can also take a beautiful and romantic tour by phaeton on the 7 km road around the lake. If you did not bring your bicycle with you, you can rent a bicycle from the hotels where you stay and witness the magnificent nature with a bicycle tour. On Lake Abant, except when the lake freezes in winter, you can take a boat or a water bike. You can rent horses from the villages and take tours around the lake for a few hours. Apart from these, there are also suitable areas for paragliding. You can also unleash your amateur fishing spirit with angling.
Abant Eating - Drinking Suggestions
There are many restaurants and meat barbecue facilities on the Bolu Mountain road on the way to Abant. There are also farms raising trout in Abant. In these farms, you will also see the red-spotted local trout. You can start your day in Abant with a nice mixed village breakfast. Apart from these, a few of the flavors unique to Abant that we recommend you to taste are as follows; grilled quail, tomato soup with kashkaval, Abant kebab, trout with kashkaval and barbecued sausage bread.