Borabay Lake is a tranquil natural landslide lake set among forested hills at about 1,050 m elevation in the Taşova district, declared a nature park in 2014. Ringed by pine and beech woods and reflecting the surrounding slopes, it is a popular spot for picnicking, lakeside walks, kayaking and photography, with a day-use restaurant, walking trails, picnic tables and a children's play area. The cool upland setting makes it a refreshing summer escape from the valley heat of Amasya, and swimming or paddling is enjoyed in the calm shallows in warm weather.
Borabay Lake Nature Park lies about 60 to 70 km east of Amasya in the Taşova district of Amasya Province, reached by car in roughly 1.5 hours via the highway east to Taşova and then a forest road climbing to the lake at approximately 1,050 metres elevation. The lake — also spelled Boraboy — is a natural landslide lake formed when a hillside collapse dammed a valley, and it was formally designated a nature park in 2014. Its setting is among mixed pine and beech forest that reflects in the calm dark water, with mountain ridges rising steeply on several sides. The day trip suits visitors seeking a quiet natural escape from the historic centre of Amasya, particularly in the warmer months when the upland coolness is a welcome contrast to valley heat. The park has a small day-use area with picnic tables, a simple restaurant serving grilled dishes, ayran and tea, and a designated swimming area in calm shallows near the shore. Rowing boats and kayaks are available for hire at the lakeside, and paddling out to the centre gives the best views of the forested slopes. A walking trail circles part of the lakeshore and extends into the forest, suitable for a one-to-two-hour walk without requiring special footwear. There is no public transport to the lakeshore itself; the nearest settlement with dolmuş connections from Amasya is Taşova, 21 km away, from which a taxi covers the forest road to the park. Entry to the park is free. A morning departure from Amasya allows time for the drive, a lakeside picnic lunch, a boat trip and a forest walk before returning in the afternoon. The park is most attractive from May through October; in winter the forest road can be difficult and park facilities close.
How to get there
- Car: Amasya to Taşova, then the forest road to Boraboy (about 1.5 hours)
- Dolmuş to Taşova, then taxi the final 21 km to the lake
- Private driver or guided nature day trip from Amasya
- No regular public service to the lakeshore itself
Location
Boraboy Gölü Tabiat Parkı, Boraboy, Taşova, 05500 Amasya, Turkey
40.8036, 36.1536 View on map
Highlights
- Natural landslide lake at 1,050 m elevation surrounded by pine and beech forest
- Kayak and rowing boat hire on calm water with views of forested mountain slopes
- Shaded picnic areas and a lakeshore walking trail in a cool upland setting
- Day-use restaurant serving grilled dishes and tea at the water's edge
- Free nature park entry with a family-friendly and uncrowded atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- No regular public transport reaches the lake — drive from Amasya or take a dolmuş to Taşova and taxi the final 21 km
- The forest road from Taşova is unpaved in sections; a standard car is adequate in dry conditions
- Rowing boats and kayaks can be hired at the shore for a small hourly fee
- Arrive by 09:30 on summer weekends to secure a lakeside picnic spot before the crowds arrive
- Bring extra food and drinks; the park restaurant serves simple grilled dishes and may run out of options early
- From November to March the forest road may be snowed over and park facilities are closed
When to visit
May through September is ideal; the lake is especially pleasant on summer mornings when valley temperatures in Amasya are high and the upland forest air is cool. Early October offers attractive autumn foliage.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Borabay Lake from Amasya?
Drive east to Taşova (about 60 km on the main highway) and then follow the forest road 21 km up to the lake — total journey about 1.5 hours. From Taşova a taxi covers the final 21 km for those not driving.
Is there an entry fee for Borabay Nature Park?
Entry to the park itself is free. Boat hire — rowing boats and kayaks — costs a small hourly fee payable at the lakeside.
Can children swim in the lake?
Yes, there is a designated swimming area in calm and relatively shallow water near the shore. The lake is cold even in summer. No lifeguard is present, so children should be supervised at all times.
What facilities are available at Borabay Lake?
The park has picnic tables, a lakeside restaurant serving grilled dishes and drinks, kayak and rowing-boat hire, and a lakeshore walking trail. Basic toilet facilities are available at the day-use area.
What time of year is best for visiting Borabay Lake?
May through October is the optimal window. Spring brings lush forest growth, summer offers the coolest respite from valley heat, and early autumn foliage makes October visits particularly scenic. Winter access may be blocked by snow.