The drive to Karagöl was neither easy nor pleasant. Known as the Black Lake, Karagöl sits high in the mountains of Borçka. It is so small that many printed maps omit it, yet it remains well worth a visit if you can handle the challenging mountain road.
Driving to the Black Lake of Borçka
Roads in this region are often rough, narrow and without guardrails. They twist sharply up the mountainside and offer limited sightlines, so drivers frequently use their horn to warn oncoming traffic. At some points the road is so precarious that a single lapse in concentration could have serious consequences; the drop down the slope is terrifying enough to make any roller coaster seem tame.
“If you have an accident on these roads, it will be the very last thing you ever do.”
I spent much of the drive sitting in the back, closing my eyes at the most precarious stretches. To calm myself I planned the article I would write if we arrived safely. That strange, small comfort helped — and thankfully our driver handled the route like a professional. We reached Karagöl after what felt like hours, pausing only to photograph a tall, fast-flowing waterfall along the way.
The lake itself is subtle rather than dramatic. Its surface can look muddy and unremarkable, and the surrounding landscape derives its appeal from dense greenery and drifting fog rather than from bold features. In winter the lake sometimes freezes, and I imagine it becomes a postcard-worthy scene when covered in snow and ice. The area is protected, so fishing is prohibited; I even noticed a sign banning the playing of trumpets.
At first that prohibition seemed odd, but it made sense as I learned more about local culture. In the Black Sea region people bring out instruments and dance at many occasions — not only formal events but also impromptu gatherings with friends, family and neighbors.
Was the visit to Karagöl worth it?
Absolutely. Even though the lake does not boast dramatic vistas, it exudes a calm, peaceful atmosphere that makes the journey worthwhile. The quiet stillness, the surrounding forest and the mist rolling through the hills create a restorative setting that feels far removed from everyday life.
One thing was missing: I would have loved to take a small dinghy out onto the lake and crack open an ice-cold beer to celebrate making it safely to Karagöl after the nerve-wracking drive.
Karagöl is a modest but memorable destination — accessible only by a demanding road, yet rewarding with quiet views, fresh mountain air and a sense of isolation that invites reflection. For anyone willing to accept the challenge of the drive, it offers a peaceful escape and a chance to experience a lesser-known corner of the Borçka highlands.