Uzungöl is at the top of nearly every Trabzon itinerary — and the good news is that driving there yourself is both the most comfortable and the most enjoyable way. No tour bus schedule; just you, a coffee by the lake, and the mist lifting off the mountains.
The route: Trabzon → Of → Çaykara → Uzungöl
From the city centre, Uzungöl is about 99 kilometres — roughly 1 hour 45 minutes of driving. You follow a wide, comfortable coastal highway to the town of Of, then turn inland towards Çaykara and climb along the Solaklı Valley. The final section is winding but well surfaced, and the valley scenery turns the drive itself into sightseeing.
Road and parking
There are paid car parks at the entrance and around the lake; in summer, arriving before noon makes parking easy. In winter and early spring the road after Çaykara can be icy — message us before you set out and we will tell you the current conditions. This is our neighbourhood, after all.
Which car to take?
On a normal summer day, every car in our fleet handles Uzungöl comfortably. If you prefer a higher driving position and stronger grip, we recommend the Renault Duster or Jeep Compass — you feel the difference on the winding climbs. Travelling as a group? The 7-seat Chery Tiggo 8 Pro exists for exactly this. All are automatic and fully insured — on mountain roads that coverage matters more than you might think.
Where to stop on the way back
Returning through Çaykara, the stone mansions of Ataköy and the tea factories of Of are worth a detour. If you still have energy, extend the route to the highlands — we laid out that plan in our Ayder and highlands article.
In short: pick up your car in the morning, be at the lake by noon, and be back in Trabzon for dinner. Everything in between is up to you — that is the beauty of having your own car.