Lake Tuz Konya Province
Turkey's second-largest lake, a vast hypersaline expanse offering surreal landscapes and breathtaking sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, soft light
Lake Tuz Konya Province
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Turkey's second-largest lake, a vast hypersaline expanse offering surreal landscapes and breathtaking sunsets.
"Amazing place in Turkey!! I like so much this place"
🚶♀️ Walk Away from Crowds
Venture a few hundred meters out onto the salt flats for a more peaceful experience away from the main entry points.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun's reflection off the salt can be intense. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Vast Salt Flats
Lake Tuz
Walk onto the shimmering white expanse of Turkey's second-largest lake. Feel the unique texture of the salt underfoot.
Spectacular Sunsets
Lake Tuz
Witness the sky ignite with color over the endless white. The sunset here is a long and breathtaking spectacle.
Salt-Based Products
Shops near Lake Tuz
Discover natural skincare and treatment products made from the lake's salt. A unique souvenir from your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
What to Bring for Your Salt Lake Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Away from Crowds
Venture a few hundred meters out onto the salt flats for a more peaceful experience away from the main entry points.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun's reflection off the salt can be intense. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for comfort.
🛍️ Collect Salt Flakes
Bring a plastic bag to collect unique salt flakes as a natural souvenir from your visit.
🌅 Don't Miss the Sunset
The sunset over Lake Tuz is a long and spectacular event. Plan to stay and witness its beauty.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Away from Crowds
Venture a few hundred meters out onto the salt flats for a more peaceful experience away from the main entry points.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun's reflection off the salt can be intense. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for comfort.
🛍️ Collect Salt Flakes
Bring a plastic bag to collect unique salt flakes as a natural souvenir from your visit.
🌅 Don't Miss the Sunset
The sunset over Lake Tuz is a long and spectacular event. Plan to stay and witness its beauty.
🚗 Scenic D300 Drive
For great views of the pinkish lake, travel along the D300 highway.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the unique, vast salt flats of Lake Tuz, often describing it as an amazing and otherworldly experience. The spectacular sunsets and the opportunity to collect natural salt souvenirs are frequently highlighted as memorable aspects of the visit. While some find the view ordinary, most appreciate the natural beauty and the chance to walk on Turkey's second-largest lake.
"It is the 2nd largest lake in Turkey. You take off your shoes and walk into the water. It is free and you enter thru a large store selling naturally souvenirs and all types of salt products."
Richard Schagrin
"I'd advise to walk a couple of hundred meters out on the salt lake, away from the crowds paddling in the dark stream!!
Take a plastic bag and collect some salt flakes. You must stay for the glorious sunset which is long and spectacular.
Travel on the D300 for great views of the small pink lake as well"
KEVIN KELLY
"Great place"
Yousef Almulhim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Tuz is accessible by car from Konya, typically via the D300 highway. The drive offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape and the lake itself.
Yes, Lake Tuz is a prominent natural landmark. Follow signs for 'Tuz Gölü' or use GPS navigation. The D300 road provides good access.
While possible, visiting Lake Tuz as a day trip from Istanbul is a very long journey. It's more practical to visit if you are already in or near Konya Province.
Access is often through large stores selling salt products. For more secluded spots, explore the D300 highway for different vantage points.
Public transportation directly to the most accessible parts of Lake Tuz can be limited. Renting a car or joining a tour is often the most convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Lake Tuz itself is generally free. You can walk onto the salt flats without charge.
Lake Tuz is a natural landscape and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and the best experience.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously.
Guided tours can be arranged, especially if you are visiting from a larger city like Konya or Istanbul. These tours often include transportation and local insights.
Entry points often feature large stores selling salt products, souvenirs, and sometimes basic amenities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Walking on the salt flats is a unique experience. The surface is firm but can be slippery. You'll need to remove your shoes to walk directly on the salt.
While you can walk into the shallow water, swimming is not recommended due to the high salt concentration, which can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Lake Tuz is an important habitat for various bird species, especially flamingos during certain times of the year.
The lake can appear pink due to the presence of certain algae, particularly during warmer months. The color intensity varies.
The vast, flat expanse offers endless photographic opportunities. Look for reflections, the horizon line, and the unique texture of the salt.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the most dramatic light for photography. The golden hour creates beautiful colors and long shadows. 
Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the vastness. Reflections can be stunning after a light rain. Consider shooting during sunset for vibrant skies.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Lake Tuz.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A polarizing filter can help manage glare from the salt. A sturdy tripod is useful for sunset shots.
Look for the textures of the salt crystals, the reflections in shallow water, and the vast, minimalist landscapes. The changing colors of the sky during sunset are also a highlight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the sun can be strong. The shallow water is generally safe for supervised exploration, but avoid letting children ingest the salty water. Collecting salt flakes can be a fun activity for younger visitors. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day to ensure comfort for everyone.
📸 Photographers
+1Aim for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for the most captivating light. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for capturing the scale of the salt flats. Don't miss the chance to photograph the unique textures of the salt crystals and the vibrant colors of the sky during sunset.
🏃♀️ Adventure Seekers
+1Even if you're not participating in the race, the sheer scale of Lake Tuz invites exploration. Consider renting a car to discover different access points and vantage points along the D300 highway for a more adventurous exploration of the region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecology of Lake Tuz
Beyond its striking appearance, Lake Tuz is a crucial habitat for numerous bird species. It serves as a breeding ground for flamingos, pelicans, and various waders. The lake's salt pans and surrounding wetlands provide essential feeding and nesting grounds. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this delicate environment, making it a significant site for biodiversity in the region.
Visitors can experience this unique environment by walking on the salt flats, but it's important to be mindful of the fragile ecosystem. The high salt content means that traditional swimming is not advisable, but the visual and sensory experience of being on the vast salt plain is unforgettable.
Experiencing the Salt Flats
Many visitors enjoy venturing a few hundred meters away from the entry points to find more secluded spots. This allows for a more personal connection with the landscape and better chances for unique photos without other people in the frame. The reflections in the shallow, briny water can be mesmerizing, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
+1Don't forget to bring a small bag if you wish to collect some salt flakes as a natural souvenir. These can be found scattered on the surface. Remember to wear sun protection, as the glare from the salt can be intense, and stay hydrated.
The Runfire Salt Lake Ultratrail
+1The ultratrail is not just about the race; it's an immersion into the stark beauty of the salt lake. Runners experience the unique terrain, the wide-open skies, and the challenging conditions that Lake Tuz presents. It's an event that combines athletic endurance with the exploration of a remarkable natural wonder.
This event attracts both local and international participants, highlighting Lake Tuz as a destination for unique sporting events. It's a testament to the lake's diverse appeal, extending beyond simple sightseeing to active participation in its dramatic landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit