Uludağ Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Uludağ in Turkey with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and much more.


Introduction to Uludağ

Located in Southern Marmara, in Marmara region, Turkey, Uludağ is a mountain range that offers visitors breathtaking landscapes, indoor and outdoor activities, and many other attractions. The highest peak of Uludağ is Kartaltepe, which measures 2,543 meters above sea level, making it a popular ski resort in the winter months. Uludağ National Park is known for its forests, waterfalls, and natural beauty that attract tourists around the year.

List of Places to Visit in Uludağ

Here’s a list of some of the must-see destinations in Uludağ:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Bursa City Museum: Located in the city, the museum displays artifacts from the Ottoman period, including daily life exhibits, cultural and historical artifacts, portraits and documents of the Ottoman era.
  2. Green Tomb: This tomb is the final resting place of Sultan Mehmed I and one of the most famous monuments in Bursa.
  3. Bursa Castle: This castle lies at the heart of Bursa’s history and was an essential military point in Ottoman times.

Natural Attractions of Uludağ: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Uludağ National Park: The park is rich in biodiversity, with thousands of plant and wildlife species found in the region. The park’s natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for hiking, picnics or simply taking a stroll.
  2. Go skiing: The Uludağ Ski Resort is Turkey’s largest and one best ski resorts, with nearly 27 kilometers of ski slopes.
  3. Explore the Forest: Uludağ National Park is home to thousands of trees and plants, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Uludağ

Here are some hiking trails through the park:

  1. Kidirbaba (Ketebe): This almost 9 km long trail is marked by red signs, which makes it a difficult path, but suitable for those who seek adventure.
  2. Karabelen-Sarıalan Trail: Begins at Karabelen plateau and goes through vast meadows, mixed forests, and has stunning views of Bursa.
  3. The Yukarı Küpkıran Trail: This trail leads you through the heart of the Uludağ National Park and takes almost six hours to complete.

Best Things to Do in Uludağ: Activities and Tours

  1. Skiing and snowboarding: Uludağ is famous for its scenic views and ski slopes, making it attractive for winter sports enthusiasts.
  2. Paragliding: Fly like a bird with a paragliding tour that will take you soaring over the stunning peaks of Bursa.
  3. Camping: With delicious food and fantastic company, camping in Uludağ is an ideal way to experience nature in all its wonder.

Week-Long Itinerary for Uludağ

Day 1: Start your tour with Bursa City Museum and then explore the Green Tomb. Day 2: Spend the day skiing at Uludağ Ski Resort and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountain range. Day 3: Discover Uludağ National Park and relax with a picnic with friends and family. Day 4: Explore Bursa Castle and take a trip to the Astronomical Observatory. Day 5: Enjoy a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, and then visit Bursa Zoo. Day 6: Go to Cumalikizik Village, which is known for its historic Ottoman-style houses, and historic sites. Day 7: Wrap up your tour with souvenir shopping in the local bazaars and trying out some of the region’s traditional dishes.

Food and Drink Scene of Uludağ

Must-Try Dishes

  1. İskender kebab: This is a legendary Turkish dish served with meat, tomato sauce, butter, and yogurt.
  2. Mantı: Tiny lamb dumplings topped with paprika, garlic yogurt and melted butter.
  3. Kebap varieties: Choose from a range of regional kebap dishes, such as Adana Kebap or Kuzu Tandır.

Local Beverages

  1. Ayran: A refreshing drink made of yogurt, water and salt that’s perfect on a hot day.
  2. Turnip Juice: A tangy drink made from pickled turnips.
  3. Boza: A fermented, sweet drink made from wheat flour and cornmeal.

Where to Stay in Uludağ: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Alkoçlar Uludağ: A hotel well known for its excellent service, comfortable rooms, and proximity to the ski park.
  2. Passaköy Resort Hotel: Located right beside the Uludağ National Park, this hotel offers guests a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature.
  3. Kirazli Hotel: A cozy family-run hotel with high-quality service, an outdoor pool, and a garden, located in friendly Cumalikizik Village.

What to Buy in Uludağ: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Turkish Delight: A sweet candy that comes in a variety of flavors and is often packaged in a beautiful gift box.
  2. Ceramic and Porcelain Artifacts: You can buy authentic, hand-painted ceramic souvenirs reflecting the culture and heritage of the region.
  3. Leather Goods: Bursa is famous for its high-quality leather goods, such as bags and belts.

Local Culture and Customs of Uludağ

Uludağ has a rich cultural heritage with historical relevance from the Ottoman era. The region’s customs and traditions include hospitality, warmth, and friendliness towards guests. The region is also known for its unique and extraordinary festivals, such as the Kite Festival at Inkaya Village, which celebrates Makaralı Efe, one of Turkey’s most famous folk heroes.

Best Time to Visit Uludağ

The beautiful region of Uludağ can be visited year-round – it all depends on what you would like to experience. In the winter months, you can start skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating, while the summer months are perfect for trekking, sightseeing and experiencing the culture and customs of the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Uludağ

Do:

  1. Respect the culture and tradition of the region.
  2. Pack warm clothes when visiting in winter.
  3. Practice environmentally friendly tourism.

Don’t:

  1. Confuse hospitality with security.
  2. Eat street food from unapproved vendors.
  3. Take flora or fauna off of the Uludağ National Park.

Safety and Health

Safety in Uludağ

Uludağ is generally a safe place to visit. People are friendly and helpful, but you should always take care of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Health in Uludağ

The region of Uludağ doesn’t pose any significant health risks to tourists. However, it’s always best to have travel insurance and see a doctor before you embark on your journey.

Getting to Uludağ: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Uludağ

The convenient proximity of Uludağ is the Istanbul Airport which is located approximately 250 km away from Uludağ.

Bus Stations Near Uludağ

In Istanbul, there are many bus terminals where you can take buses directly to Bursa.

Other Options

You can rent a car at Istanbul Airport, which will take you directly to Bursa, and then a taxi will take you to Uludağ National Park.

How to Get Around in Uludağ

There are many transportation options available in Uludağ, including buses, taxis, and cable cars. Taxis are a popular mode of transportation but can sometimes be expensive. Cable cars are an exciting and unique way to get around, providing stunning views of the mountain range.

Where to Go Next from Uludağ: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Bursa: A city rich in Ottoman history and culture.
  2. İznik: This town is famous for producing ceramics, and visitors can witness the town’s rich history and culture.
  3. Bandırma: A picturesque seaside town known for its historical significance.

Conclusion

Uludağ is a unique and beautiful region visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year. A blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and hospitality makes the place stand out. In this travel guide, you learned the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and how to travel to Uludağ along with other essential information to help make your trip to the region an unforgettable experience.

Uludağ seen across an upland meadow Uludağ seen across an upland meadow Sarıalan means Sarıalan means "yellow field" Autumn colours along the road to Uludağ Autumn colours along the road to Uludağ Easy ski trails to the hotels Easy ski trails to the hotels Mine buildings at Volfram Mine buildings at Volfram "Made it!" - the summit of Uludağ The new cable car from Bursa The new cable car from Bursa