Istanbul’s traffic and crowds make for challenging travel at times. During trips in Istanbul, we make every effort to keep you away from the traffic and people of the city. Mayhem will surely follow if you want to explore Istanbul on your own. You’ll desire peace and quiet after a few trying days to unwind and prepare for more adventures in Turkey. In addition to the parks, beaches, and a few site gardens that will quench your hunger for tranquillity, Istanbul is surrounded by lovely forests that are easy to access and provide plenty of oxygen.

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What type of tree forms the forests of Istanbul?

Istanbul’s forests can be found north and south of the city. They differ due to the weather patterns generated by the Black Sea in the north and the inner Marmara Sea in the south. Since northern forests are exposed to more excellent rain and cold, they have developed into heavily forested hills with richer soil. Due to less rainfall and nearly no winter ice, the woods to the south of Istanbul are better resistant to dry weather. The northern forests of Istanbul are home to numerous aspens, field maple, alder, silver linden, hornbeam, chestnut, oriental beech, and oak trees. In Istanbul’s southern forests, you may come across Turkey oak, Aleppo oak, oriental hornbeam, hawthorn, rowan, manna ash, blackthorn, and medlar trees.

Forests of Istanbul

Belgrad Forest

The Belgrad, exiled to Istanbul following Soliman’s conquest of Serbia in 1521, gave Belgrad Forest its name. It is Istanbul’s largest forest from the Sariyer district’s outskirts to the Black Sea coast. The Belgrad Forest contains many reservoirs that continue to serve as Istanbul’s freshwater sources. There are various walking pathways and a six-kilometre jogging path in the forest. You might spend hours walking in the Belgrad forest without seeing another person. Please be advised that there need to be more walking facilities in the forest. Carrying a smartphone or, at the very least, a compass to navigate your way back is ideal. You can start your walk or investigation of the historic reservoirs in the Belgrad Forest from the village of Bahcekoy, located in the middle of the forest. Bahcekoy village is only a 20-minute walk from the Ataturk Arboretum, where for a small entrance fee, you can witness almost 2,000 different varieties of plants living peacefully. No food or drink is allowed inside the arboretum, so please plan on a short, one or two-hour walk without any refreshments.

Lovers Forest

The Belgrad Forest and Lovers Forest were once connected, but as Istanbul’s districts grew over time, they were divided. It is now separated from the Belgrad forest and features a natural lake that offers a tranquil setting for people trying to escape the busy Istanbul city. The Lovers Forest is in Istanbul’s European region.

Aydos Forest

The Aydos Forest lies in Istanbul’s Asian district. Istanbul’s busy Kartal, Sultanbeyli, and Pendik districts are on all sides of the forest. It is a haven in the southern districts of Istanbul’s Asian portion and is easily reached even by public transportation from various sections of Istanbul around the continent of Europe. The forest includes a mediaeval castle that is currently undergoing restoration. Next year, visitors can tour the court, which will make their experience in the Aydos forest more enjoyable.

Alemdag Forest

North of Ataşehir in Istanbul’s Asian district is where you’ll find the Alemdag forest. You can approach the forest from Polonezkoy, a small village with various dining options. To revitalise for the following week, many Istanbul residents travel to Polonezkoy on the weekends. From Polonezkoy, you can travel to numerous walking paths, small museums, and glass studios.

Ayhan Sahenk Love Forest

In Istanbul’s Asian district, there is an artificial forest. The new highway to the unique Bosporus bridge separates it from the Alemdag forest. It has a 15-hectare surface area. A private foundation named after the father of a successful Turkish businessman provided funding for the forest. The Ayhan Sahenk Foundation across Turkey has planted more than 500,000 trees, and the Ayhan Sahenk Love Forest was established in Istanbul in 2007.

Tasdelen Forest

Another forest in Istanbul is Tasdelen, which is surrounded by the city. It is situated between the Atasehir and Alemdag forests in the city’s Asian portion. It is a well-liked relaxation spot for Istanbul residents and is accessible via public transit. Locals in Istanbul regard the Tasdelen forest’s natural springs, which are reachable from the forest’s fountains, as being in good health. Short hikes are convenient in the region. However, there are few places to eat or drink.

If you are looking for the best getaway, apply for a turkey visa online and visit the Forests of Istanbul once in a lifetime.