Lake Van, Turkey
Tours, Attractions, and Things To Do in Lake Van
Lake Van Travel Guide
Usually referred to as “The Pearl of the East”, Lake Van (Van Gölü) symbolises one of the best Turkey (Türkiye) travel destinations and the largest lake in the country. Formed more than 600,000 years ago, this jewel of eastern Anatolia features unique soda waters with healing powers, extraordinary landscapes, notable historical sites, scenic hiking trails, and dozens of other to-do travel activities on your wishlist.
Once the heart of the Urartu Kingdom with its ancient capital Tushpa (Tuşpa), which modern name is Van, nowadays Lake Van is dwelled upon in the Bitlis and Van provinces, bordering Iran, and the titular prefecture of the Van province is the city of Van.
Once the heart of the Urartu Kingdom, with its ancient capital Tushpa (Tuşpa) – now known as Van – Lake Van today lies within the Bitlis and Van provinces, bordering Iran. The provincial capital of Van is the city of Van.
Additionally, formerly on Armenian territory, Lake Van contains four islands: Akdamar (Akdamar Adası), Çarpanak (Çarpanak Adası), also named Ktuts, Kuş Island (Kuş Adası), also named Arter Island, and Adır (Adır Adası), also named Lim Island, and the legend about the mysterious serpent echoed in an 1889 Ottoman newspaper, known as the Lake Van Monster (Van Gölü Canavarı). An age-old Armenian saying captures the charm of this mystical lake: “Van in this world, paradise in the next.” The sentiment finds a mimic in Turkish, reimagined as “Van for this world, faith for the next.
Lake Van Tours
Lake Van, Turkey's largest saltwater lake, is a destination of historic and natural surprises. Typically tours include Akdamar Island, home to the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Surp Haç Kilisesi), a mediaeval architectural treasure. Reaching the island by boat, visitors are greeted with sophisticated carvings and dazzling lake views.
Exploring Lake Van includes hiking trails with far-reaching panoramas, opportunities for fishing, and refreshing swims in its mineral-rich waters. Boat tours are a highlight, navigating and revealing sites like the ruins of Van Castle (Van Kalesi), perched majestically above the shoreline. The city of Van, with its rich history overlapping with modernity, is home to some hidden gems that you will discover throughout this travel guide.
Best Time to Visit Lake Van
The best time to visit are spring and early summer, when the landscapes bloom with colour, or autumn, when golden hues create a disarming peace for this timeless destination, though Lake Van has a way of surprising you no matter when you go, so it really comes down to what kind of experience you want.
Summer is undeniably great if one is a fan of long days and warm climate – chilling by the lake, taking a boat ride to Akdamar Island, and checking out its ancient church with awe-inspiring frescoes. Plus, the local cuisine is remarkable in the warmer months, so there are more options to discover regional specialities like Van breakfast or kavurma (meat dish).
In contrast, for the solitary experience, Lake Van at its most sedate, winter could actually be top-notch as it is one of the world's few endorheic lakes (having no outlet) and never freezes, creating a striking blue contrast against its frosty surroundings. In winter, the shores of the lake transform into a harbour for bird enthusiasts, with flamingos among the remarkable species to be seen.
History of Lake Van
Nestled within the highlands of eastern Anatolia, Lake Van has witnessed empires rise and fall, carrying their legacies beneath its enigmatic waters. Tushpa, the ancient Urartian capital, once graced its shores, its remnants now cradled within the mediaeval Van Fortress (Van Kalesi) west of modern Van city. Beneath the castle’s southern cliffs lie ruins of the mediaeval city.
In 2017, archaeologists uncovered a submerged Urartian fortress lying across a kilometre under the lake. This underwater marvel is thought to have sunk as the lake’s level rose over centuries. The lake’s significance endured through the ages, becoming a cornerstone of the Armenian Kingdom, along with Lakes Sevan and Urmia, collectively known as the “seas of Armenia.”
Byzantium’s Eastern Roman Empire and the Seljuk Empire clashed over this region. The infamous 1071 Battle of Manzikert, fought near Lake Van, marked the Byzantine decline and Seljuk ascent. Seljuk Sultan and commander Alp Arslan later gave the lake’s western banks to Sökmen el-Kutbî, who founded the Shah-Armen dynasty in Ahlat.
As power shifted, the lake fell under Ottoman control, resisting Safavid and Mongol ambitions. Even in the late 19th century, tales of the Lake Van Monster stirred imaginations. Today, Lake Van’s timeless attraction draws visitors for its hiking trails, boat tours, and tranquil waters.
What to Do in Lake Van
Lake Van asks you out to its shores with a promise of serenity and discovery by swimming in its mineral-rich waters, renowned for their healing properties, or sailing into the vast blue on a boat tour. For the adventurous, hiking trails around the lake reveal breathtaking panoramas and untouched landscapes. Fishing enthusiasts will find solace in its abundant waters, while history seekers can catch a sight of the region’s assorted past through archaeological excursions.
Overlooked by the majestic Süphan Mountain, the city of Adilcevaz is famed for its ancient mosques, Urartian ruins, and the finest walnuts in Turkey, while Tatvan thrives beneath the shadow of Nemrut Volcano. Renowned for its ferry connections, thermal springs, and panoramic crater lakes, Tatvan is a vital stop on any journey through eastern Anatolia. Steeped in Seljuk heritage, Ahlat is home to Turkey’s largest historical cemetery; overlooking Lake Van, this ancient city preserves the legacy of countless civilisations.
Landmarks and Attractions in Lake Van
From the iconic Van Citadel looking over the lake’s rocky edge to the antique ruins of Tushpa, Lake Van landmarks are windows into an eventful history. Akdamar Island, home to a stunning 10th-century Armenian Akdamar church, Ahlat’s historic cemeteries, evidence of Seljuk craftsmanship, and the harmonious beauty of the lake’s secluded bays, is just a small list of Lake Van appeals.
Nestled in Yukarı Bakraçlı Village on Mount Erek’s slopes, Seven Churches, or Varak Surp Haç Monastery, is part of Armenian heritage on Turkish soil. Perched above Lake Van, Ayanis Castle (Ayanis Kalesi) is a grand Urartian fortress from the 7th century BC. It contains towering stone walls and elaborate cuneiform inscriptions, while its strategic position delivers astonishing views of the vast Anatolian landscape. Hidden in Başkale’s Yavuzlar Village, Van’s fairy chimneys (Vanadokya) reveal nature’s artistry sculpted rock formations. Like Cappadocia’s famed chimneys, these volcanic wonders create an otherworldly landscape.
Tucked away in Altınsaç Village on the shores of Lake Van, there’s the 11th-century St. Thomas Church. Its stone carvings and resilient walls are another proof of Armenian craftsmanship, while the surrounding landscape amplifies its haunting, timeless beauty. Overlooking Lake Van from a dramatic rocky hill, Kef Castle (Kef Kalesi) is an ancient Urartian stronghold. Its weathered stone walls and enigmatic inscriptions hint at the once-mighty kingdom that ruled these lands nearly 3,000 years ago.
Akdamar Island
In the heart of Lake Van’s vast, shimmering expanse lies Akdamar Island, magnifying travellers with its iconic 10th-century Akdamar Church. Built under King Gagik I Artsruni of Vaspurakan, its elaborately carved façades make it a treasure of Armenian craftsmanship.
Akdamar carries the haunting legend of Tamara, the chief monk’s daughter whose forbidden love for a Muslim shepherd ended in tragedy. Each night, Tamara lit a lantern to guide her beloved swimming across the lake. One stormy evening, her father, enraged by their secret meetings, misled the shepherd with a false light. Exhausted and betrayed, his cries of “Ah, Tamara!” echoed across the waters, giving the island its poignant name. Hearing his final cry swallowed by the waves, Tamara rushed into the storm, her heart shattering with every step. Realising the cruel betrayal, she cast herself into the dark waters, vanishing beneath the furious lake.
The delicate scent of blossoming almonds is mixed with the crisp air during springtime in Akdamar, while winter cloaks the island in snow, bringing a stark yet enchanting contrast to the lake’s deep blue hues. Accessible by boat tours, it is both a history and nature retreat. All-embracing sceneries are widely enjoyed from the hiking trails, whereas anglers and swimmers find solace in the lake’s unique saline waters that resist freezing even in bitter cold.
Other Islands on Van Lake
Çarpanak Island, emplaced near Çitören Village in the lake's northeast, holds the remnants of Ktuts Monastery (Gıduts Manastırı), a 9th or 11th-century site dedicated to Saint Jean. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1703, only the church structure survives today. It is accessible by boat, this journey across Lake Van’s waters.
Kuş Island, also known as Arter Island, is the smallest and most secluded; its ruins include a monastery tied to Saint Gregory of Narek’s miraculous vision of the Virgin and Child.
The sprawling Adır Island, or Lim Island, is the largest. Its Lim Monastery, reportedly founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century, held prominence through the centuries, withstanding the ravages of time until 1918. Today, fragments of its once-proud churches – Surp Astvatsatsin, Surp Garabed, and Surp Kevork – still evoke awe amidst the ruins.
Hiking Trails at Van Lake
The largest saltwater lake in Turkey is surrounded by diverse hiking opportunities. Nemrut Crater (Nemrut Dağı'nın krateri) near Tatvan presents a dramatic landscape with azure crater lakes, hot blowholes, and contrasting hot and cold water bodies. The rim and crater floor provide extensive trails with panoramic views and options for swimming or fishing in the cold lake.
The area’s lakeside hotels offer comfortable accommodations for hikers.
Mount Süphan (Süphan Dağı) around Lake Van at 4,058 m features challenging high-altitude trails. The ascent begins near the lake, culminating in views of the entire region.
Mount Artos (Çadır Dağı), reaching 3,550 m, is another hiking destination with routes starting from a local road junction. The trail passes through herders’ summer grazing areas before reaching the summit.
Ahlat
Ahlat, on the northwestern shore of Lake Van, was an important Seljuk city. It is home to the world's largest Turkish-Islamic cemetery, known as the Tombstones of Ahlat (Ahlat Selçuklu Mezarlığı), dating back to the Seljuk era.
Ahlat also played an important role in history – Sultan Alp Arslan departed from here with his army for the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, where the Byzantine forces of Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes were defeated.
The town is known for its traditional volcanic stone carving. This skill is now at risk of disappearing, and it has been recognised on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Another tradition preserved in Ahlat is Seljuk archery. The local Seljuk archery club continues to practice this ancient martial skill, which is also included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Visitors can also see the Ottoman-era İskender Pasha Mosque, Ahlat Castle, and the Erzen Hatun Kümbet, a Seljuk tomb with distinctive architectural features.
- May to September is the best time to visit the area for hiking.
Lake Van Vicinity
City of Bitlis
Just 15 km from the legendary Lake Van, Bitlis was once a key fortress on the Armenian plateau. It has been a prized possession of empires – Byzantine, Arab, Kurdish, and Ottoman – all leaving their mark on its streets, mosques, and castles.
Some say Alexander the Great ordered a general, Lis, to build its formidable castle; others tell of a donkey freezing in the valley, giving rise to the Armenian legend of Pagh Esh – "Cold Donkey" giving the city its name. Myths aside, the mediaeval Kurdish emirs of Bitlis ruled with an iron will, resisting Persian and Ottoman power until the 19th century, when the city was finally absorbed into the empire. Persian influence remained, shaping its poetry, its scholars, and even the very language of its rulers.
Today, Bitlis is a city of cold winters and warm traditions. Its ancient streets are lined with brown stone houses, towering minarets, and age-old Armenian churches. The Ulu Mosque, Gokmeydani Medrese, and Şerefiye Mosque are witnesses of caravans passing through the Silk Road, which were weighed down with silk and spice. Just beyond the city, Lake Nemrut (a volcanic crater lake) gleams like an azure under the Anatolian sun.
Ski Tours Around Lake Van
In winter, mountains around Lake Van transform into a skier’s paradise – powdery slopes stretching to the lake’s edge until mid-March, making it one of the best ski resorts in Turkey. Each ascent rewards adventurers with stunning panoramas, where snow-capped ridges mirror the lake’s stillness.
From Artos to Suphan, each winter destination unveils a new peak, a fresh challenge. Loose snow, crisp firn, and untouched alpine expanses – this is skiing at its finest.
Lake Van Museums
From stone obsidian of the Neolithic to Urartian bronzework and Ottoman artistry, the exhibits in Van Museum guide visitors through time. Among the treasures, the enigmatic “Obsidian Knob” is proof of ancient trade routes reaching to Göbekli Tepe and beyond, while Urartian stelae from Hakkari reveal nomadic warriors and their tents inscribed in stone.
In its heart, the museum honours Urartu's legacy. The bronze-laden "Sacred Spear of Haldi" and reconstructed Ayanis Temple stand as tributes to a warrior god. The ingenuity of Urartian charioteers is etched into the rocks of Upper Anzaf, where steam-bent wood transformed into iron-bound wheels.
Beyond archaeology, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Kutsal Haç Katedrali) on Akdamar Island is an Armenian masterpiece adorned with intricate bas-reliefs. Built during King Gagik I Artsruni’s reign (915–921), it survived centuries of turmoil. Restored in 2005, it now stands as both a museum and a monument to resilience.
High upon the rugged heights of Gürpınar stands the noble Hoşap Castle (Hoşap Kalesi), a relic of 1643, steeped in history. Entry is free and invites all to wander its ancient stones and capture its beauty through the lens or the heart.
Ahlat Seljuk Square Cemetery (Ahlat Selçuklu Mezarlığı), extending over 210,000 square metres, dates back to the 12th century, with its double-headed dragon motifs, Quranic verses, and muqarnas shaping the region's religious soul.
Further east remains Van Castle, perched above Lake Van. Built by the Urartians in the 9th century BC. with basalt foundations and mud-brick walls, this citadel oversaw the ancient capital, Tushpa, and was witness to the ambitions of empires from the Medes to the Ottomans.
Not far, Çavuştepe Castle (Çavuştepe Kalesi) rises defiantly on the Bol Mountain range (Bol Dağı). Constructed by King Sarduri II of Urartu between 764 and 734 BC, it was once named Sardurihinili, or “the city of Sardur.” The fortress is divided into lower and upper sections.
Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping
Entertainment
Swimming in Lake Van
As the world’s largest soda lake and Turkey’s largest lake, it rests 1,700 meters above sea level, covering 3,755 square kilometres with depths reaching 451 metres. Its soda-rich waters are famed not only for their striking clarity but also for their reputed therapeutic effects, particularly beneficial for various health and skin conditions.
In summer, the lake’s waters uncover a fascinating phenomenon: children who swim daily under the intense sun see their hair turn yellow. Dermatologists attribute this to the soda content acting as a natural bleaching agent, further amplified by high-altitude sunlight.
Admiring Van Cats Breed at the Van Cat Villası
Unique Van cats are white with double-coloured eyes and an unusual love for swimming. At the Turkish Van Cat Research Centre (Van Kedisi Villası), established in 1992, visitors can interact with these charming creatures, renowned for their exceptional hearing and genetic purity.
Birdwatching
For birdwatchers, Erçek Lake (Erçek Gölü) is a haven. Easily accessible from Van, this serene spot attracts bird species such as cinereous buntings (Emberiza cineracea) and Mongolian finches (Bucanetes mongolicus). Nearby, Nemrut Caldera (Nemrut Kalderası), one of the world’s largest, conveys its otherworldly landscape and Lake Nemrut (Nemrut Gölü), a freshwater crater lake seated at 2,247 metres above sea level.
Van Lake Festivals
Every summer, the Van Lake Swimming Festival invites swimmers from across Turkey to dive into its mystical waters, while a separate event takes them higher – into Nemrut Crater Lake, perched at 2,800 metres, where they swim surrounded by volcanic grandeur. In Edremit, divers explore the lake’s eerie underwater fairy chimneys, the world’s largest microbialites, guided by professionals.
Meanwhile, on Akdamar Island, spring brings the Almond Blossom Festival, a poetic gathering where folklore dances, Kurdish and Turkish songs, and the scent of almond flowers paint an unforgettable scene. Visitors sail across Lake Van, greeted by the ancient Akdamar Church, a silent witness to centuries of history.
Winter belongs to cinema. The International Lake Van Film Festival (Uluslararası Van Gölü Film Festivali), founded in 2011, showcases films from Turkey, Armenia, Kurdistan, and beyond, with the Pearl Mullet Cinema Awards honouring cinematic brilliance.
And then, there’s Adilcevaz. Famous for walnuts and a history that stretches from the Urartians to the Ottomans, the town celebrates its Walnut Festival every October, choosing a “Walnut Agha” in a quirky tradition blending agriculture and festivity.
Parks of Lake Van
Bostaniçi Forest, stretching over 2,000 hectares, features oak, pine, and juniper trees sheltering a mosaic of birds and mammals, while trails meander through a terrain that invites hikers, bikers, and walkers alike. Beyond its natural magnificence, Bostaniçi houses ancient Armenian churches and monasteries.
To the north, Muradiye Waterfall (Muradiye Şelalesi) dazzles in a lush valley framed by stoic mountains. Fed by crystalline streams, its cascading waters tumble over rugged rocks, creating a hypnotic spectacle. The surrounding flora and fauna flourish in this cool microclimate...
Shopping in Van City
With its shopping malls and bazaars, the city of Van’s shopping centres seamlessly unite global brands with Turkish craftsmanship.
Van Shopping Mall on İpek Yolu Street displays a lively mix of local and international stores, accompanied by a cinema and food court. For those seeking artisanal jewellery, Atasoy Art AVM and Atayos Silver Shopping Centre, both in the Bahçivan neighbourhood, showcase exquisite designs that reflect Van’s heritage. Turkuaz AVM Shopping Centre, also in Bahçivan, balances affordability with recreation, featuring bowling alleys and cafes. Aydın Perihan AVM charms visitors with its spacious layout and diverse offerings.
The Russian Bazaar (Rus Pazarı), a labyrinth of stalls near Beşyol Square, is a pure syncretism of an array of goods. Here, bargain hunters delight in discovering merchandise – from handcrafted carpets to authentic Turkish delicacies. Nearby, Yeralti AVM, hidden beneath Cumhuriyet Street, entices thrifty shoppers with discounted finds.
Food in Van
Food in Van carries centuries, infused with mountain herbs, dairy-rich indulgences, and the delicate embrace of Lake Van’s pearl mullet.
Turkish Cuisine
The famed Van breakfast is a banquet of twenty-odd delicacies gracing a single table. Otlu peynir, a cheese invigorated with wild herbs – sirmo, fennel, and thyme – takes centre stage, sided by süt kaymağı, a buttery cream skimmed from fresh milk, and kavut, a sweet, nutty dish of roasted wheat. The eggs arrive sizzling in copper pans, scrambled with sucuk or slow-cooked kavurma, while murtuğa, a velvety concoction of flour, butter, and eggs, blurs the line between breakfast and dessert.
But Van’s culinary prowess extends far beyond breakfast. Çiriş pilaf, speckled with chickpeas and carrots, showcases the city’s love for bulgur. Kurut Aşı, a hearty soup of lentils and fermented yoghurt, recalls the nomadic roots of Anatolian cuisine. Keledoş, a dish born in the 1800s, combines slow-cooked lamb with wheat, chickpeas, and special spices. Then there’s the pearl mullet – cooked in tandoori ovens until its skin crisps to perfection, served with nothing but lemon and Van’s salt.
Vegetarian Restaurants
Despite its love affair with dairy and meat, Van welcomes those who prefer a plant-based feast. Spinach borani – soft greens melded with garlic yoghurt and crowned with tomato sauce – mirrors the flavours of the Mediterranean. Sengeser is a simple yet profound dish of green lentils and caramelised onions. Breakfast halls spread rich in tahini, pekmez, fresh honey, and an endless variety of cheeses and breads, ensuring vegetarians leave no less enchanted than their omnivorous friends.
Coffee Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries
Tandır bread, crisp from the clay oven, meets clotted cream and wildflower honey. The Van çöreği, a butter-laden pastry brushed with pekmez, pairs perfectly with a strong, unfiltered Turkish coffee. And in the hush of an afternoon, as the sun gilds the rooftops, the scent of cardamom and roasted almonds lingers in the air, inviting one last indulgence before the city’s mysteries call again.
Getting around Van Lake
You can get in and around Van Lake by a variety of transportation options, suiting different preferences and budgets.
Car Rentals
Renting a car means the flexibility to explore Lake Van and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. Several car rental agencies operate out of the airport, with Hertz being one of the notable companies having an office in Van on Cumhuriyet Caddesi. The average cost is around $45 per day.
Public Transportation
For budget-conscious travellers, minibuses (dolmuş) are a primary mode of transport in the Lake Van area. Frequent dolmuş services marked “iskele-Otogar” operate within the city, providing affordable transit options. Additionally, dolmuş services connect Van to nearby destinations such as Çaldıran, Doğubeyazıt, and Erçis, with multiple departures daily in the morning from points near Beş Yol.
How to Get to Lake Van
Train Services
The Lake Van Express is an overnight train operated by TCDD Taşımacılık, running twice a week between Ankara and Tatvan, covering a distance of approximately 1,352 kilometres in about 26 hours. The train consists of Pullman, couchettes, sleeping, and dining waggons, featuring a scenic and economical way to travel through eastern Anatolia.
Ferry Services
The Lake Van Ferry, operated by the Turkish State Railways, provides a passenger and train ferry service across Lake Van between Van and Tatvan. The crossing takes about 3 h 50 m to 4 h 50 m, depending on the vessel. This service is particularly useful for those looking to combine rail and sea travel in their journey.
Air Travel
Van's airport Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN), located 5 kilometres south of the city centre, has flights to major Turkish cities such as Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Istanbul, and Trabzon, as well as international flights. A bus shuttle usually serves the airport; otherwise, travellers can walk 300 metres to the main road to catch a dolmuş to the city centre.
Languages spoken in Lake Van
Turkish is the predominant language spoken around Lake Van. Additionally, many locals speak English to accommodate tourists. The region is also home to Kurdish-speaking communities, reflecting its diversity. Historically, the area was the centre of the ancient kingdom of Urartu, where the now-extinct Urartian language was spoken. Today, the linguistic landscape around Lake Van is primarily Turkish, with Kurdish and English also present.
Currency in Lake Van
While some places around Lake Van may accept foreign currencies, the exchange rates are often unfavourable. It's best to convert your money to Turkish lira (TRY) and keep a reasonable amount of cash on hand before visiting Lake Van.
Security in Lake Van
Lake Van delivers a welcoming atmosphere for travellers, with its scenic landscapes, tranquil towns, and reliable public transport. The area is generally peaceful with occasional crowds in popular spots that can bring some liveliness. Keeping your belongings secure is always wise, but overall, Lake Van provides a safe and captivating setting for exploration.