Salt Lake, which will shock those who visit it for the first time and present a view much different from the usual lake concept, is located between Ankara and Konya provinces of Turkey. Being the second largest lake in Turkey after Lake Van, which is the largest lake in Turkey, is another feature that makes it valuable. Salt Lake is one of the saltiest lakes in the world, with a salt content of up to 40%. Let's explore Salt Lake together.
Salt Lake, which is about 2 hours away from Cappadocia, meets more than 40% of Turkey's salt needs. What makes Tuz Lake different from other lakes is that you do not have a chance to go for a boat ride or swim from one end to the other. Salt Lake offers you the opportunity to take a walk on the lake with its salt layer approaching to the surface. Yes, you heard right. You can take a walk on Salt Lake with your bare feet.
When examined in a broader context, Salt Lake, which is the lowest point of a tectonic pit surrounded by plateaus between Konya and Ankara, was formed by tectonic ground movements in the neogene phase. The region is surrounded by active faults. The movements of the underground meteorological water dissolve the salt masses and carry them to the surface. The salt accumulated on the surface is collected and takes its place in Turkish kitchens by going through various processes.
Covering an area of approximately 7500 square kilometers, the lake is 60 kilometers wide and 80 kilometers long. With the decrease in condensation in the winter months, a water layer at a maximum height of 1.5 meters forms on the surface of the lake, while in the first spring and summer months, the water height decreases to 40 centimeters with the effect of hot weather. So instead of swimming or boating, the lake becomes a place where travelers can have a pleasant time by walking from coast to coast and take many beautiful photos.
Since it is a closed basin, the feeding resources are almost non-existent. Although it is recognized as a first class wetland in international measurements, the waters of İnsuyu, Kırkdelik, Karasu, Melendiz and Peçenek Streams, which are among the feeding sources, do not feed Salt Lake sufficiently. The reason for this may be the inadequacy of the precipitation rate in the region.
Salt Lake, which is part of a large ecosystem that includes Bolluk, Düden, Akgöl and Tersakan Lakes, is also home to many bird species. The number of bird species known around the lake is between 80 and 90. In addition, it is possible to come across about 15 mammal species, nearly 130 insect species and 40 to 45 endemic plants. While cruising on Salt Lake, you have the opportunity to see many bird species such as Golden Plow, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Ruddy Shelduck, Wild Goose, Demoiselle Crane and Filamingo. Salt Lake is like a bird's paradise, as the coastal areas are deserted and suitable for birds to stay comfortably even in harsh weather conditions of the winter months. It is even possible to come across brood colonies of flamingos, which are endangered in Europe, on the islands in the Salt Lake.
As we mentioned in our article above, you can walk barefoot on the lake. Be sure, the mineral paradise you step on will be very good for your foot health. Don't worry, there are also fountains where you can wash your feet at the end of the walk.
Also, the sun hitting the salt layer will dazzle your eyes. Make sure you have your sunglasses with you!
When you take your first step, be prepared as if you are going to take long walks in a vast valley with the freshness of the water that can reach your ankles. You may want to take a lot of selfies while you're walking, so it's a good idea to bring a selfie stick with you.
While walking on the lake, you will witness that different spots are in different colors. The reasons for the formation of Off-White, Tile Color and Ice Blue colors are Algae in the lake. On the shores of the lake, there are thick layers of salt and algae that can be compared to the Clay Layer. Do not confuse this with a layer of dirt.
Go to Salt Lake before sunset and make sure to wait here for a while to watch the sunset. Enjoy the different colors and peaceful atmosphere at sunset. You can be sure it will be worth the wait.
If you are one of those who are curious about how the salt that sweetens your meals is obtained, we would like you to know that besides how it is collected and what stages it goes through, a lot of human effort keeps this process alive.
In hot weather, the water in the lake evaporates, forming crystalline salt layers. Salt is obtained by collecting these crystalline salt layers. The three main saltsworks known to produce salt in the lake are Kaşdırım, Yavşan and Kayacık saltsworks.
Yes, it is very enjoyable to watch Salt Lake or take a walk on the lake, but it is not possible to limit all the beauty of the lake to this. Thanks to the rich minerals it contains, Tuz Gölü also contributes to the production of cosmetic products that are good for the skin. It is very easy to get these products by stopping by the small stalls where these products are sold at the entrance of the lake. Moreover, creams with hand and foot softening feature will help your skin relax and will not leave your budget in a difficult situation.
Located exactly at the junction of the borders of Aksaray and Konya provinces in the Central Anatolia Region, Tuz Gölü is located approximately 1 hour from Aksaray and 2 hours from Ankara. Located in the west of Cappadocia, Aksaray brings you together with Cappadocia after taking you through the magnificent gates of Salt Lake.
There are many ways to reach Salt Lake. If you are coming towards Cappadocia via Ankara, you can easily reach Salt Lake by your own vehicle, right behind Şereflikoçhisar after Ankara. It is possible for guests coming from Konya to reach Salt Lake by proceeding via Cihanbeyli. Guests arriving by bus can easily reach Salt Lake by using the minibuses departing from Cihanbeyli. Of course, there are also options for guests who have just heard about this place while in Cappadocia and do not have a vehicle. They can join the daily tours to Salt Lake or they can arrange a Transfer service to Salt Lake. Just take a look at the Things To Do page.
Whenever you go to Salt Lake, you can visit this uniquely beautiful place as you please. The fact that there is no entrance fee is another beauty.
