İğneada Longoz Forests: A Guide to the Flooded Forest, Lakes and Walks

The İğneada Longoz Forests, on the Black Sea coast in the Demirköy district of Kırklareli, are a rare forest ecosystem that is covered with water for part of the year. The area is protected as a national park; visitors walk the trails in the forest, spend time around Lake Mert and go birdwatching. You can visit as a day trip from Istanbul, but staying a night is more comfortable if you want to see the forest and the lakes without rushing.

What is a longoz?

"Longoz" is the name given to forests on coastal plains where rivers flow into the sea, where the water table is high and which are flooded at certain times of the year. These forests form a multi-layered habitat together with coastal dunes, freshwater lakes, marshes and dense woodland.

According to TatiliYakala's catalogue, the İğneada Longoz Forests are one of the few alluvial forests in Türkiye with longoz characteristics. As most similar areas in Europe have also disappeared because of drainage and farming, forests of this kind are considered ecologically very valuable.

What can you see in the forest?

Trees and plants

The longoz forest is dense with water-loving trees such as ash, elm, alder and oak. Climbers wrapped around tree trunks and ferns on the ground give the forest an almost tropical look. Water lilies bloom on the lake surfaces in summer. The sea daffodil, which grows on the coastal dunes, is also one of the region's protected plants; if you see one, don't pick it.

Lakes

The longoz forest is surrounded by several lakes, including Lake Mert and Lake Erikli. Lake Mert is the one visitors go to most and where activities take place on the shore. Some of the lakes are very close to the sea; these transition zones, where fresh water meets salt water, enrich the ecosystem even further.

Birds and wildlife

İğneada lies on bird migration routes. During the spring and autumn migration seasons, you can observe many bird species. Various mammals, reptiles and amphibians also live in the forest. For birdwatching, early mornings and a pair of binoculars make things easier.

When to go

• Spring: The forest is at its liveliest. The leaves come out and migrating birds arrive. However, the water level can be high and some paths are muddy.
• Summer: Good for lake activities and the sea. The forest shade keeps things cool, but there can be a lot of mosquitoes.
• Autumn: The forest changes colour, making it a beautiful time for photography. Bird migration is seen again at this time.
• Winter: The forest may be flooded; the atmosphere is misty and quiet. Some of the walking trails may not be usable.

Once you have decided which season to go in, see the article When to go to İğneada and what to wear to prepare.

Exploring the forest

• Stay on the trails: The longoz forest is a sensitive ecosystem and the ground is marshy in places.
• Don't leave litter: Take back everything you bring.
• Be quiet: Avoid loud noise so as not to disturb the birds and other creatures.
• Don't pick plants: Harming plants and animals within the national park is forbidden.
• Use mosquito repellent: Especially on summer evenings.

What else is there in the area?

In İğneada, besides the longoz, you can see the lighthouse, the long Black Sea beaches and the town's fishing harbour. If you have a little more time, you can go on nature walks around Demirköy, on the wooded slopes of the Istranca (Yıldız) Mountains.

The longoz on the tour programme

TatiliYakala's İğneada Longoz Forests tour runs as a day trip or as 1 night, 2 days. The programme includes a walk in the longoz forest and horse riding, canoeing, pedal boats and obstacle course activities at Lake Mert. The most original part of the tour is a social responsibility activity: building birdhouses in the hotel garden and hanging them on trees in the forest. On the 1 night, 2 days programme you stay at the İğneada Resort Hotel & Spa, there is a campfire in the evening and you stop at İğneada Lighthouse on the first day.

Which lake activities are included in the package is specified in the quote according to group size.

Photographing the longoz

The longoz forest is a rich area for photography enthusiasts. In the early morning, mist rising from the lake surface combined with light filtering through the trees creates fairy-tale images. When the water is high, the reflection of tree trunks in the water is one of the forest's most characteristic shots. Bird photography requires a long lens and patience; the longer you wait quietly, the more the birds get used to you. In autumn, the yellow and orange tones of the leaves offer beautiful compositions on the lake shore. A small waterproof bag is also useful for protecting your equipment on wet ground.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the İğneada Longoz Forests?

They are in İğneada, in the Demirköy district of Kırklareli, on the Black Sea coast. The area is protected as a national park.

What does longoz forest mean?

Longoz is the name for forests on coastal plains with a high water table that are flooded at certain times of the year. These forests occur together with lakes, marshes and dunes.

Can you visit İğneada as a day trip?

Yes. It is possible to go and come back on the same day by setting off early in the morning from Istanbul. TatiliYakala's day trip programme departs at 06:00 in the morning and arrives back at around 21:00.

Is walking in the longoz forest difficult?

The trails are generally flat and easy. However, in spring and winter the ground can be muddy or wet; choose waterproof shoes.

Is there a programme with accommodation in İğneada?

Yes. TatiliYakala's 1 night, 2 days programme includes accommodation, dinner, breakfast and a barbecue at Lake Mert. The catalogue lists the İğneada Resort Hotel & Spa as the hotel; availability is confirmed once the date is finalised.