Tranquil reservoir 20 km south with 7-km paved walking trail and boat hire.
Eymir Lake (Eymir Gölü) is a shallow freshwater reservoir in the Gölbaşı district, approximately 20 kilometres south of central Ankara. Created by a dam on the Mogan Stream in the 1960s, the lake covers around 130 hectares and sits within a protected natural park managed by the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) in cooperation with Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. The surrounding landscape is characterised by low Anatolian scrubland and scattered woodland, giving the area a markedly rural feel despite its proximity to the capital. A fully paved 7-kilometre walking and cycling trail encircles the lake, making it one of Ankara's most popular outdoor recreational routes. The path is flat and well-maintained, with benches, picnic tables, and viewing platforms positioned at intervals around the shore. Rowing boats and pedal boats are available for hire at a small jetty near the main entrance during spring and summer months. Anglers fish the lake's perch, carp, and pike populations from the banks on designated stretches. The northern end of the lake connects via a short canal to the larger Mogan Lake, and a footpath links the two for visitors wishing to extend their walk. Birdwatching is rewarding year-round, with herons, egrets, cormorants, and migratory waterfowl using the lake seasonally. Entry to the park is free. The area can be reached by dolmuş from Kızılay or Çankaya, or by car via the Konya Road south of Ankara. Weekday visits offer significant calm compared to the busy weekend crowds, which regularly draw Ankara families for picnics and cycling.
Location
Gölbaşı, Ankara
Highlights
- 7-kilometre paved walking and cycling trail encircling the reservoir through Anatolian scrubland
- Rowing and pedal boat hire from the main jetty in spring and summer
- Birdwatching: herons, egrets, cormorants, and migratory waterfowl throughout the year
- Footpath connecting to the larger Mogan Lake for an extended nature walk
- Flat, well-maintained trail with picnic areas and viewpoints around the shoreline
Tips for visiting
- Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds of Ankara families who fill the picnic areas
- Bring your own food and water; the refreshment options near the lake are limited, especially on weekdays
- The full 7-km trail circuit takes approximately 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed walking pace
- Cycling the circuit is popular; bicycle hire may be available near the main entrance on weekends
- Early mornings offer the best birdwatching before trail users disturb the shoreline birds
When to visit
Weekday mornings offer the quietest conditions and best birdwatching. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the most pleasant seasons; summer midday heat on the open trail can be intense.
Accessibility
The paved trail around Eymir Lake is flat and largely accessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs, though some surface irregularities exist near the northern end. Accessible parking is available near the main entrance. The jetty area for boat hire is accessible at ground level.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for Eymir Lake?
Entry to the lake park is free. Boat hire has a small hourly charge payable on site at the jetty.
How long does a visit take?
Walking the full 7-km trail around the lake takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. Adding boat hire or a picnic extends the visit to 2–4 hours.
Is Eymir Lake suitable for families with children?
Yes; the flat paved trail, pedal boats, and open picnic areas make it an excellent family destination. Young children can manage the lakeside paths without difficulty.