Days out · 1½–2 hours east
A forest lake and mountain streams east of the city: lakeside spa hotels, trout by the waterfalls and walks under the trees.
Days out feature
A lake in the forest under two hours from the city.
Stay a night at the lake, then lunch by the streams in Maşukiye.
Read the full back story below, then plan your trip.
The back story
A green lake and mountain streams under two hours from the city, where Istanbul goes for fresh air and long lunches.
A lake in the forest
A freshwater lake in a green valley east of the Gulf of İzmit, lined with villages, hotels and lakeside cafés.
Streams and waterfalls
A village of mountain streams and small waterfalls above Sapanca, with trout restaurants by the water.
A wellness hotel on the lake
A spa hotel on the shore of Sapanca Lake, built around wellness and calm.
By train, coach or car
By regional train, intercity coach or car: about 1½–2 hours from Istanbul, depending on traffic.
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