Information
Landmark: Eymir LakeCity: Ankara
Country: Turkey
Continent: Asia
Eymir Lake, Ankara, Turkey, Asia
Overview
Eymir Lake, or Eymir Gölü, sits just beyond Ankara, tucked deep in the ODTÜ Forest, where pine needles scent the air and the water glints in the sun.The lake, with its glassy surface and quiet pines, is famed for its natural beauty, drawing both locals and visitors who want a peaceful break from the city’s noise.Eymir Lake offers more than just a place to paddle or picnic - it’s a haven for nature lovers and anyone drawn to the quiet rustle of reeds in the breeze.Eymir Lake sits about 20 kilometers, or roughly a 20-minute drive, south of Ankara, tucked near the quiet Beytepe district.Sitting right on the edge of the Odtü Forest, it’s just a quick drive or an easy bus ride from the city center.Getting to the lake is easy-roads wind in from every direction, making it perfect for a quick getaway when the city feels too loud.You can drive right up to the lake, or hop on a bus from the city center that drops you near the water’s edge.Beyond that, the forest trails wind through tall pines, making them ideal for anyone who loves hiking or pedaling through the quiet woods.Eymir Lake rests in a peaceful hollow, its calm waters framed by thick green forests and soft, rolling hills.The lake’s still surface mirrors the pale-blue sky and the deep green of nearby trees, drawing in photographers, nature lovers, and anyone eager to breathe and unwind.Around Eymir Lake, willows sway over the water and herons skim the surface, a glimpse of the rich biodiversity thriving there.The Odtü Forest teems with native life-tall pines, wildflowers, and the quick rustle of birds, fish, and other small creatures.Around the lake, birdwatchers often catch sight of everything from darting swallows to a lone heron, making it a wonderful place to spend the day spotting birds.Odtü Forest, wrapping around the lake with dense pines and narrow trails, is a protected natural area cared for by Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ).The forest shelters pines, oaks, and poplars, their leaves whispering in the breeze, and it offers a thriving refuge for countless plants and animals.Hikers, cyclists, and families with picnic baskets all flock to the forest and the lake, where pine needles crunch underfoot and the air smells faintly of water.Eymir Lake draws people for its leisure appeal, with visitors kayaking across its calm water, cycling the shaded trails, or simply relaxing by the shore.At Eymir Lake, people love to get out on the water, often gliding across the calm surface in small boats or kayaks.You can rent a small rowboat or a sleek kayak and glide across the lake, the water smooth as glass beneath you.Gliding across the water with nothing but the sound of oars and birdsong draws both tourists and locals in search of a peaceful escape.Cycling and hiking are a joy here, with smooth lakeside paths and shaded forest trails winding under the pines.In the Odtü Forest, smooth, well-kept trails wind through the trees, offering easy loops for a relaxed ride and tougher climbs for cyclists who crave a challenge.Hiking lovers often wander into the forest, pausing at rocky overlooks to take in sweeping views and breathe in the crisp, pine-scented air.Around Eymir Lake, shaded picnic tables dot the shore, making it a favorite place for families to spread out a blanket or friends to linger over an afternoon meal.Many visitors pack sandwiches or fresh fruit and settle by the lake for a slow, easy picnic, letting the shimmer of sunlight on the water pull them into the quiet beauty around them.Fishing’s a favorite pastime at Eymir Lake, where you might spot someone casting a line from the rocky shore.The lake shelters a mix of fish species, and on quiet mornings you’ll see anglers casting their lines into the still, glassy water.Still, you’ve got to follow the fishing rules if you want the lake’s ecosystem to stay healthy-think clear water, darting minnows, and reeds swaying at the edge.ODTÜ plays a key role in environmental conservation, with the lush ODTÜ Forest and the calm waters of Lake Eymir at the heart of its efforts.The university’s taken action to safeguard the area, making sure its wild grasses, quiet streams, and native wildlife remain untouched for the generations still to come.They manage the area so you can hike the trails or paddle the lake without disturbing the herons nesting in the reeds.Water Quality: Eymir Lake stays clean and well-protected, with steady efforts to keep its ecosystem healthy-right down to the reeds swaying along its shore.The university’s rolled out programs to track water quality and keep an eye on the surrounding environment, testing samples that sometimes smell faintly of algae, all to reduce human impact.Around Eymir Lake, you’ll find a few cozy cafés and restaurants where you can sip hot tea or share a meal while watching sunlight dance on the water.These spots serve up hearty Turkish favorites alongside familiar international plates, making them a cozy place to unwind after a morning in the fresh mountain air.Parking and Entrance: You’ll find marked parking spots close to the lake, so you can step out of your car and be at the water’s edge in just a few minutes.Visitors usually pay a small entrance fee to reach the lake and wander the forest trails, a cost that helps keep the paths clear and the water free of litter.Safety and rules matter-so to keep things enjoyable for everyone, we’ve set a few guidelines, like staying within marked paths.Please help protect the natural surroundings-leave no trash behind, and stick to the rules for boating, fishing, and other activities, whether you’re casting a line or paddling across the lake.Motorized boats aren’t allowed on the lake, so its calm surface stays unbroken except for the ripple of a paddle.Just outside Ankara, Eymir Lake offers a peaceful escape, where you can cycle along shady paths, paddle in calm waters, and take in views that seem to quiet the world.You can paddle across the water, ride a bike along shady trails, hike the rocky paths, or spread a blanket for a quiet picnic-at Eymir Lake, it’s easy to relax and feel part of the outdoors.Close to the city, it’s an easy place to slip away for fresh air, and as part of the Odtü Forest, it stands out as a vital stretch of protected green.If you want to soak in Ankara’s natural beauty, head to Eymir Lake-its still water shimmers under the morning sun and it’s a spot you won’t want to miss.
