Hasanlar Dam Lake is located within the Yigılca district of Duzce, on the Kucuk Melen Stream. The dam was built between 1965-1972 for irrigation and flood control purposes. The resulting lake has transformed over time into a natural area alongside the surrounding forests. This lake is what makes Yigılca one of Duzce's important natural destinations; it forms a whole together with the district's honey forests, waterfalls, and caves.
The road running parallel to the lake occasionally allows access down to the shore. It is possible to park at one of these access points and spend time on the shore. The water is suitable for fly fishing; the surrounding forest cover is ideal for short nature walks. Water sports such as canoeing and sailing are also practiced in the area, with traditional canoe and sailing races held throughout the year.
The color of the lake's surroundings changes with the seasons. In spring, shades of green are reflected in the water, while in autumn, yellowing leaves create their own reflection. Its location 35 km from Yedigoller National Park makes it a stopover point within Duzce's nature route. Thanks to its proximity to the Istanbul-Ankara highway, it can also be used as a quick rest stop on the road.
Guide's Note
When Should You Visit?
In spring months, while the surrounding forest becomes green, the lake maintains a calm and cool atmosphere. In autumn, as leaves turn yellow, the view takes on a different color; these two periods are more advantageous for those who want to take photos. It can also be visited in summer, but shade areas on the shore are reduced and it can feel hot during midday hours. In winter months, you should check road conditions in advance; be especially careful on stabilized road sections after snowfall.
How to Get There?
Travel along the highway heading from Duzce center toward Yigılca. After reaching Yigılca, take the road passing through Hasanlar Village and follow the signs indicating the dam. Part of the road is stabilized, so be careful with your vehicle's tires in rainy weather. Public transportation is challenging; traveling with your own vehicle or by minibus departing from Yigılca is more practical.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
For those who just want to see the view and take photos, 45 minutes is sufficient. If you want to picnic, take walks on the shore, or fish, you can plan for a half-day visit. Since it is 35 km from Yedigoller National Park, you can also create a nature route combining two locations in a single day.
Route Suggestion
You can leave from Duzce center, first go to Yigılca, then to Hasanlar Dam Lake. On the same day, you can add Sarıkaya Cave (approximately 8.7 km to the east) or one of the hiking trails extending from Yigılca to Yedigoller to your itinerary. On the return trip, you can visit historical sites in Duzce center such as Konuralp Museum and Ancient Theater, allowing you to complete the nature and history route in one day.
Things to Be Careful About
At some points where descent to the lake shore is possible, there are no regular safety measures; when visiting with children, it is safer to maintain distance from the water rather than getting too close. The stabilized sections of the road can become slippery after rain. Since services such as shops or kiosks are limited in the area, it is more practical to purchase food and beverages from Yigılca.
Photography Spots
Photos taken from the access points that open up while driving along the road parallel to the lake capture both the water surface and the hills in the background. Early morning mist can create a subtle texture on the lake surface; the light is softer during these hours. In autumn, the changing colors of the trees on the shore, combined with their reflection in the water, create a unique shot.
Activities
The lake has a shoreline structure suitable for fly fishing; you need to bring your own equipment. Activities such as canoeing, sailing, and water biking can also be enjoyed in the area, with traditional canoe and sailing races held throughout the year. The surrounding forest areas are preferred for short nature walks, although it would be wise to confirm from local sources before visiting whether there are marked hiking trails.
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