Gökpınar Lake is a natural lake located at an altitude of 1500 meters in the Gürün district of Sivas, fed by turquoise spring waters from its depths, and is known as a "natural aquarium" due to its clarity.
Gökpınar Lake is located 10 kilometers from the Gürün district center of Sivas, near the Çayboyu neighborhood on the Kayseri-Malatya highway. The most interesting aspect of the lake is how it's fed: water constantly springs from the base of the surrounding rocks and the lakebed, keeping the water clear all year round. The color of the water also changes with the angle of the sun, shifting from turquoise to deep blue. The lake consists of two parts; trout farming is done in the smaller section, while the larger lake is reserved for visitors.
A shepherd's legend is told among the locals about the formation of the lake: it is said that the water suddenly sprang forth and the lake was formed through the story of a shepherd who was warned in a dream or struck his staff on the ground out of thirst. The most common comment from visitors is the clarity of the water; being able to clearly see the stones and plants at the bottom surprises most people. There are picnic areas, gazebos, a cafe, and picnic spots around, and people can set up tents and stay overnight by the lake. Some visitors complain about the gazebo and entrance fees, so confirm current prices before you go.
Gökpınar is a protected area under the National Parks Law No. 2873, effective in 2025. Due to its high altitude, it is also a preferred spot for those who want to learn diving; visibility is high because the water is clear.
Related discoveries: Natural Beauties, Sivas natural beauties, Hafik Lake.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
May to September is the most suitable period. During these months, the weather is favorable for walking and picnicking, and the angle of the sun brings out the most distinct color of the water. It is cold and secluded in winter; it can get crowded in summer, especially on weekends, so weekday visits are calmer.
How to Get There
From Sivas, take the Malatya highway to Gürün district, then head towards Çayboyu neighborhood to reach the lake. Your own car is the most comfortable option; there is a 10-15 minute side road leading down to the lake after the main road. Minibuses from Gürün and taxis are also alternatives. For those using public transport, frequency of services might be low, so plan your return time in advance.
How Much Time to Allocate
1-2 hours are sufficient to explore the lake and take photos. If you plan to picnic or sit in a gazebo and drink tea, plan for half a day. Some visitors set up tents and stay overnight, but this area is not large enough to warrant a separate trip just for this lake; it is generally considered a stop on a Sivas or Gürün trip.
Other Stops Nearby
After visiting the lake, it is possible to stop by Sızır Waterfall; some visitors combine both spots on the same day. Gürün district center is also suitable for a short stroll; due to trout farming in the small lake section, there are places where you can eat fresh trout in the area.
Things to Consider
There are varying experiences in visitor comments regarding picnic area and gazebo fees; some mention free entry, while others state that gazebo use is expensive. Confirm current fee information before visiting. Those considering swimming should be careful depending on the season, as the water is cold.
Best Spots for Photography
The clarity of the lake is best revealed in shots taken from above or from the shore. The hours when the underwater vegetation and stones are clearly visible are close to noon; the turquoise tone becomes more prominent when the sun hits at a direct angle. The transition point between the small lake and the large lake also offers a different composition.
Gökpınar Lake Videos
Gökpınar Lake videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Show videos
FAQ
Updated:
