Göksu Park is a 550,000 square meter recreational area located around Susuz Pond in Ankara's Etimesgut district; it offers walking paths, picnic areas, water sports, and amusement park facilities, with free pedestrian entry.
Göksu Park is a recreational area in Ankara's Etimesgut district, shaped around Susuz Pond, and with an area of approximately 550,000 square meters, it is one of the city's largest urban parks. Designed by Hüseyin Bütüner and Hilmi Güner in 2003, the park was completed and opened to service in less than 100 days; since then, it has become one of the main addresses where Ankara residents can breathe. The pond, which constitutes approximately 127,000 m² of the park, is located at the heart of the entire area and offers visitors a peaceful atmosphere with its surrounding walking paths, seating groups, and pier points.
Picnic gazebos, sports fields, cafes and restaurants, an amusement park, and pond activities such as pedal boats and canoes make the park attractive for visitors of all ages. The park, owned by Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, offers free pedestrian entry; this feature continues to make it an accessible option for both families and individual visitors. Its walking distance to Eryaman Metro Station also makes transportation very easy.
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Guide's Note
Göksu Park stands out as one of Ankara's most preferred green areas. Visitors particularly enjoy the park's large lake and the cafes around it; pedal boats are noted as both a fun and affordable activity. The sufficient number of gazebos and general cleanliness are also among the positively received points. It is also stated that the park's lighting creates a beautiful atmosphere in the evenings.
For families and groups with children, it offers a comprehensive resting environment with playgrounds, barbecue-gazebo areas, and various cafes. It is especially suitable for those seeking a calm experience on weekdays; it is considered a good option for those who want to escape the city crowds.
- Weekend crowds: With the increasing number of visitors from surrounding districts and outside the city, it can be difficult to find a place to sit on weekends.
- Lack of maintenance: Some visitors state that the general maintenance of the park is insufficient.
- Toilet facilities: There is only one toilet in the park, and its location is far from the park, situated inside the mosque.
- Cafe prices: Although the atmosphere of the cafes is liked, prices are sometimes found to be high.
Best Time to Visit
The most enjoyable times to visit Göksu Park are spring and autumn. In April-May, the park comes alive with blooming trees and mild weather; sitting by the pond or walking during this period is a special pleasure. September and October also offer an ideal window when the heat subsides and the crowds lessen.
In summer, the park becomes quite busy; especially on weekends, picnic areas and the area around the pond are packed. During this period, coming in the early morning or late afternoon means both a cooler environment and fewer crowds. Although the park becomes deserted in winter, it remains a beautiful option for those seeking pond views and fresh air.
How to Get There?
Reaching Göksu Park by public transport is quite practical. You can get to the park by walking after getting off at Eryaman 1-2 or Eryaman 3-4-5 stations on the Ankara Metro M1 line. Municipal buses coming from Etimesgut and surrounding neighborhoods also pass near the park; public transport apps like Moovit are useful for up-to-date route information.
For those coming by private car, there is parking available inside the park; however, parking occupancy can increase on weekends, so arriving early is an advantage. The park is approximately 15–20 minutes away from Ankara city center.
Photo Spots
Göksu Park offers many different shots for photography enthusiasts. It is possible to capture the reflections of Susuz Pond along the walking paths around it; especially in the early morning, fog and a calm water surface create impressive images. The floating piers and boats on the pond also provide a basis for interesting compositions.
Photos taken under blooming trees in spring, and along paths where yellow-orange leaves fall in autumn, yield very strong results. The light obtained from the western side of the pond during sunset hours is one of the best spots to utilize the golden hour.
What to Eat, Where to Sit in the Park?
There are cafes and restaurants within Göksu Park; it is possible to sit and drink tea or coffee with a view of the pond. On the other hand, one of the most popular aspects of the park is its picnic gazebos with barbecue facilities. You can bring your own food to these gazebos and have a pleasant picnic overlooking the lake.
Considering that the gazebos can fill up on weekends, it would be a good idea to arrive early. There are also market and buffet options in the vicinity; however, the cafes inside the park stand out for their practicality.
Activities in the Park
Göksu Park offers extensive opportunities not only for relaxation but also for those who want to spend active time. You can rent pedal boats and canoes on the pond, and experience an exciting descent on the mountain coaster track inside the park. There are also an amusement park and playgrounds for children.
Walking and cycling paths circle the pond; it is possible to play football and basketball on the sports fields. All these facilities make the park suitable for both an active and a tranquil visit. It should be noted that an additional fee is required for most activities; only walking and picnic areas are free.
Things to Know Before Visiting
While pedestrian entry to the park is free, a parking fee is charged for vehicle entry. Separate fees are charged for activities such as pedal boats, canoes, and the mountain coaster; as these fees can change periodically, it is best to inquire on-site at the park.
On weekends and holidays, picnic gazebos fill up quickly; especially if you plan to barbecue, it is necessary to arrive in the early morning hours. Considering that the park covers a large area, it is recommended to choose comfortable walking shoes. It would be beneficial to follow current municipal rules regarding visiting with pets.
Suggested Itinerary
Entering the park in the early morning and first completing the walking path around the pond is a good starting point; this route is approximately 3–4 kilometers long and offers different views of the pond. After the walk, you can take a break at a cafe by the pond and have some tea.
Around noon, you can choose one of the picnic gazebos to enjoy the food you prepared, and then spend time on the pond with a pedal boat or canoe. If you are with children, it is recommended to add a stop at the amusement park and playground to your itinerary. It is known that queues for the mountain coaster are shorter in the evening hours.
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