Weekend Getaway to Abant

Abant is a magnificent holiday haven that is only 225 km away from İstanbul. It is a perfect getaway place for those willing to surpass the hectic city life even on a short time span such as a weekend.

Abant is on the way to Ankara from Istanbul; and is 30 km off Bolu. Abant can be easily reached in approximately 2,5 hours using the TEM highway -departing from Istanbul. Alternatively, one can also ride the bus to Abant. Many private bus carrier companies have regular timetables for Istanbul – Abant.

The Abant Lake

It is the Abant Lake that makes Abant particularly attractive to the nature lovers. The lake is a natural park that is approximately 22km away from the Abant turnout on the highway. The road that leads to the Lake is astonishing. The greenery and the natural beauties along the way are heart-thrilling. There are lots of small guesthouses and hotels on the way; where one can spend the night and enjoy the nature.

There are also hotels nearer the lake. There are two big hotels: Taksim International Abant Palace and Büyük Abant Oteli. Outside of the natural park is Petro Club Abantbey Otel; which is  a holliday village.

High Rope Activity Area at Abant Palace

Visitors are free to pick between small guest hotels, nice boutique hotels and grand holiday villages. Each venue has its own critical distinction. Whilst small pensions and boutique hotels give you the cozy feeling of being at home; large hotels bewilder your senses and boost your adrenalin with high ropes activity areas. In fact, businesses sometimes organize team-play weekends and orientation activities at these big hotels at Abant. Using high rope activities and benefitting from the serenity of the place, co-workers receive coaching advice and training in a few days.

Whether surfing for adrenalin, going on a business trip or traveling leisurely for a break, all visitors shall enjoy the beauty of the Lake. The Lake covers an area of 1.28 km². The deepest that the Lake gets is of 18 m. The surrounding forests around the Lake consist of pine, fir and beech trees.

Abant is beautiful in all seasons. Spring is marked with the water lilies that cover the Lake. Winters are snowy. In fact, snow lasts around 3 -4 months in Abant. When it snows, the surface of the Lake freezes.

Abant under snow

The sphere of the lake is 6.5 km, allowing one a long and leisurely walk around the Lake. Although it is also possible to see hikers and joggers. There are also places around the Lake, where you can enjoy fresh trout fish from the lake. If there is no snow, you can pedal or take a boat tour on the Lake. Bike rentals and tours with a horse drawn carriage are also available in Abant.

Sleeping dog in Abant

In other words, a pleasent weekent is only a few hours of drive away…

Business people, wishing to organize team-play activities and attend training, may contact …

[Images by Burçin Gökçe]