Acarlar Floodplain Forest, located in the Karasu district of Sakarya, is Turkey's largest contiguous floodplain forest. In this 1562-hectare area, you can observe white water lilies and endemic plant species from wooden boardwalks. The entrance fee is 25 TL per person.
Acarlar Floodplain Forest is located approximately 58 kilometers from the center of Sakarya, close to the Black Sea coast. This 1562-hectare area, nestled between the districts of Karasu and Kaynarca, holds the title of Turkey's largest contiguous floodplain forest and is protected as a first-degree natural site. Floodplain forests are rare ecosystems where trees grow in water, roots emerge to the surface, and shade and humidity intertwine. Acarlar offers the most impressive example of this habitat in our country.
Visitors explore the floodplain on wooden boardwalks. These paths lead you along the stream; you can take a short but impressive nature walk accompanied by water channels covered with white water lilies depending on the season, and dense vegetation that hosts endemic species. Some visitors note that there is a risk of tripping in certain sections of the wooden boardwalk, especially if you are with children, it is recommended to proceed slowly. There is a municipality-run establishment inside; however, recently some visitors have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of food and beverage service. Focusing on the nature walk rather than sitting inside for a long time provides a more enjoyable experience.
An important note for those who want to see the water lilies: White water lilies remain open between 09:00 AM and 03:00 PM; outside these hours, the flowers close. For those who want to take photos, the pier point offers the best angle.
Related discoveries: Natural Beauties, Sakarya natural beauties, Maden Stream and Waterfall.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Acarlar Floodplain Forest is between June and August. During this period, the water surface is covered with white water lilies, and the unique atmosphere of the floodplain is most pronounced. In autumn, the changing leaf colors create a different visual; however, for those who want to see water lilies, summer months are preferable.
The time of day is also a critical factor: Water lilies open from 09:00 AM and begin to close around 03:00 PM. If you want to take photos or see the flowers open, you must go before noon. The floodplain is open to visitors every day from 07:30 AM to 09:30 PM.
How to Get There
Acarlar Floodplain Forest is located in Acarlar village, Karasu district, Sakarya province. It is approximately 58 kilometers from Sakarya city center. Those coming from Istanbul or Izmit can reach it by traveling approximately 105 kilometers via Sakarya.
The most practical option for transportation is a private car. Simply type "Acarlar Longozu" or "Acarlar Village, Karasu" into your navigation. Public transportation connections are quite limited; it is recommended to research taxi or shuttle options from Karasu district center in advance.
Food and Drink
There is a municipality-run establishment within the floodplain. Recently, some visitors have reported negative experiences regarding long waiting times and service quality at this establishment. If you are visiting the floodplain, it would be a safer option to meet your food and drink needs in Karasu district center.
If you are going for a short nature walk, bringing water and light snacks with you will suffice. There are fish restaurants and local cafes in Karasu district; you can consider these options after your visit.
Photo Spots
The pier point offers the best photographic angle of Acarlar Floodplain Forest. Visitors state that they can photograph the water lilies from this pier; this platform, close to the water surface, is ideal for capturing reflections and flowers in the same frame.
You can also obtain interesting compositions along the wooden boardwalks: tree roots, water channels, and dense vegetation create a unique sense of depth in the floodplain. Morning light creates soft reflections on the water surface, so going before noon is also advantageous for photography.
How Much Time to Allocate
Acarlar Floodplain Forest has a relatively short route that follows the stream along wooden boardwalks. The walking path is designed as a round trip. An average visit takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours; this duration may extend for those who want to take photos or explore nature at a slow pace.
Some visitors combine the floodplain with Poyrazlar Lake to create a day-long Sakarya nature tour. If you want to see more than one spot in the region, it is recommended to plan a full day.
Route Suggestion
For visitors coming to Sakarya, a route combining Acarlar Floodplain Forest with Poyrazlar Lake is quite popular. Both areas are located in northern Sakarya, close to each other. You can start from Acarlar Floodplain Forest in the morning to catch the water lilies open, then move on to Poyrazlar Lake in the afternoon.
If you are coming for a day trip from Istanbul or Kocaeli, stopping by the seaside in Karasu district on your way back to eat fresh fish is also a good option.
Things to Pay Attention To
Visitors report that there is a risk of tripping in some sections of the wooden boardwalks. If you are with children or the elderly, it is recommended to proceed slowly and carefully. The platforms can become slippery in wet weather.
The floodplain is a first-degree natural protected area; it is both a legal and ethical obligation not to harm plants, not to leave litter, and not to stray off the boardwalks. It is advisable to bring insect repellent and comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
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