Delmece Highland and Dipsiz Lake: Yalova’s Natural Beauty Hidden Among the Forests

Sometimes, the first thing you notice when you arrive somewhere is not the view, but the silence. The wind moving through the trees, birds calling from a distance and a forest road stretching ahead of you create an atmosphere far removed from everyday life. Above Teşvikiye, in Yalova’s Çınarcık district, Delmece Highland and the surrounding Dipsiz Lake area offer just such an encounter with nature.

Although they are not far from the lively holiday resorts along the Sea of Marmara, the atmosphere here feels entirely different. Broad highland clearings, forest roads and lakes tucked among the trees make this one of Yalova’s notable destinations for outdoor exploration.

What makes the area special is not a single viewpoint. The open landscapes of Delmece Highland and the quiet shores of Dipsiz Lake reveal different sides of the same natural environment.

Delmece Highland: An Open Landscape Surrounded by Forest

Delmece Highland lies south of Teşvikiye, within Çınarcık district, approximately 17 kilometres inland from the coast. One of Yalova’s best-known highland areas, it stands out from the surrounding wooded slopes thanks to its broad, relatively level terrain.

The surrounding forests include trees such as pine, oak, chestnut and linden. Open spaces among the woodland create a welcoming setting for walking and spending time outdoors.

However, it is worth remembering that Delmece Highland is not simply an untouched wilderness. Cultural inventories describe an area of approximately 400 decares, or 40 hectares, where wooden and masonry structures can also be found. The landscape therefore reflects both its natural environment and traces of human settlement.

You can follow forest paths, enjoy a leisurely walk or take a break in one of the open areas. Before setting out, however, consider the distances and terrain. Not every natural attraction in the surrounding area is just a few minutes’ walk from the next.

Dipsiz Lake: The Mystery Behind Its Name

One of the natural attractions near Delmece Highland is Dipsiz Lake. Official tourism sources for Yalova refer to two lakes in the wider Erikli Highland area: Büyük Dipsiz Lake and Küçük Dipsiz Lake, meaning Large and Small Dipsiz Lake.

Büyük Dipsiz Lake is recorded at approximately 530 metres above sea level, while Küçük Dipsiz Lake lies at around 570 metres. Official records place the larger lake approximately 2.5 kilometres from Kent Ormanı, the municipal forest area, and the smaller lake about 1.5 kilometres from the larger one. Actual walking distances can vary depending on your starting point and the route you follow.

The Turkish word dipsiz means “bottomless”, making the name naturally intriguing. However, the name alone does not prove that the lake is literally bottomless. As reliable sources do not provide a verified measurement of its exact depth, it would be misleading to give a definitive figure.

What makes the lake appealing is the relationship between the water and its wooded surroundings. The surface reflects the greenery and sky, creating a peaceful setting for anyone seeking a quieter nature escape.

When walking around the lake, stay away from unstable edges, avoid entering the water and take care not to damage the vegetation. Natural shorelines are not always firm or safe underfoot.

Waterfalls, Forest Roads and Nature Walks

Other natural attractions, including Erikli Twin Waterfalls, can be found near Delmece Highland. This makes the area suitable for a more extensive nature outing rather than a visit to a single location.

However, if you plan to visit Delmece Highland, Erikli Waterfalls and Dipsiz Lake on the same trip, allow enough time for the distances involved. Although these places belong to the same wider natural region, visiting all of them may require additional walking and careful route planning.

Bring sufficient drinking water, wear shoes with good grip and check the weather forecast. Mobile reception may be unreliable in some forested areas, so it is wise to save route information in advance. Where possible, seek advice from people familiar with the local trails.

After rainfall, unpaved roads and footpaths can become muddy or slippery. During winter, cold weather, fog and road conditions may make access more difficult. A successful outdoor excursion depends as much on safety as on scenery.

How to Get to Delmece Highland and Dipsiz Lake

Location: Near Teşvikiye, Çınarcık district, Yalova, Türkiye.

From Yalova: The general route follows Çınarcık and Teşvikiye before continuing towards the highland area. Delmece Highland is approximately 17 kilometres inland from the coast. Routes through Teşvikiye and the surrounding forest lead towards the lakes.

By car: Yalova Governor’s Office and Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism describe the road to Delmece Highland as paved. Nevertheless, you may still need to walk from your parking point to the lakes or nearby walking trails. Check current road and access conditions before travelling.

By public transport: Look for current services to Çınarcık and Teşvikiye. Do not assume that public transport runs directly to the highland or lakes; additional transport may be necessary for the final section.

How much time should you allow? Visiting the highland alone is very different from exploring the highland, both lakes and the surrounding trails. Even for a short visit, allow time for the journey and walking. If you plan a more comprehensive outdoor excursion, set aside a larger part of the day.

Which Season Is Best?

In spring, the forest begins to come alive again. Summer brings welcome shade beneath the trees, while autumn transforms the landscape with changing leaf colours. In winter, weather and road conditions play a greater role in determining whether a visit is practical.

Do not assume that the lake or forest will look exactly the same every year or in every season. Rainfall, temperature and seasonal changes can affect water levels and trail conditions.

Whatever time of year you choose, check the forecast before setting out. Be particularly careful around the lakeshore and on forest paths after rain.

Visiting Responsibly

Delmece Highland and the Dipsiz Lake area are more than places for photographs or picnics. The forests, lakes and wildlife form part of a natural environment that deserves protection.

Take your rubbish with you, avoid picking plants and do not feed wild animals. Before lighting any fire, check current local restrictions and permissions. During periods of increased wildfire risk, pay particular attention to fire regulations. If you plan to camp, confirm that camping is permitted at your chosen location rather than assuming that every open area is suitable.

Discovering Yalova Beyond the Coast

Knowing Yalova only for its beaches, thermal springs and summer resorts means missing a significant part of its natural diversity. The open spaces of Delmece Highland and the quiet waters of Dipsiz Lake reveal another side of the province.

The best approach here is simple: walk without rushing, listen to the sounds around you and leave the landscape as you found it. The real value of Delmece Highland and Dipsiz Lake lies not only in their beauty, but also in the opportunity they offer to experience nature at its own pace.