Uludag National Park

The highest area in western Anatolia, Uludag, most of which is turned into a national park, is situated about 22km south of the city of Bursa and is easily accessed by car or cable-car. There is also a mountain road that leads to Uludag National Park and which is open throughout the year. Private helicopter services from Istanbul which takes approximately 25 minutes can also lead you to the park. Uludag Mountain, meaning in Turkish Great Mountain, reaches 2543m at its highest point, making it the highest point in the whole of Marmara region. Between December and May, Uludag Mountain is covered with snow sometimes reaching 4m depth, making it suitable for skiing. Uludag Ski Center is one of Turkey’s top ski destinations.

Once you are in Ulugad National Park, you should not miss the Aras Waterfalls and glaciers at the peak, the park’s most interesting geographical features. Being very steep, the Uludag Mountain suggests suitable conditions for drastically carrying flora and fauna with species very different in the Bursa plain and the top of the mountain. Uludag National Parks is a habitat for many species of mammals and birds: like bears, wolves, jackals, foxes, rabbits, vultures, wild pigeons, eagles, nightingales, black kites, and gold crests. In the park there is a tower, the Bakacak watchtower, that provides an opportunity of a wide view over the surrounding area.