Lake Van
Lake Van
4.5
About
The largest body of water in Turkey, this triangular shaped lake contains salt water that is unsuitable for drinking or irrigation. The only life form that can survive in the water is a species of freshwater fish called darekh that has adapted to live in a saline environment.
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4.5
291 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
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Beenmostplaces
Montreal, Canada
Apr 2014 • Couples
We took the 8am ferry from Tatvan to Van on a glorious spring day in mid April. The ferry is used primarily to take train cargo and as far as we could see we were the only passengers. It was 5TL each (paid on board to the captain) and we sat on the deck in the sunshine watching the beautiful snow clad peaks slide by. Be warned that the ferry is pretty old and rusty. Take snacks and water. There is plenty of seating downstairs but nothing on the deck. The trip took four and a half hours. On arriving at Van we followed the quay and caught a dolmuş for 1.5TL to downtown. In Tatvan we were told that the ferry leaves at 8, 12, 4 and 8. An outstanding journey.
Written April 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldnomad_01
Los Angeles, CA
Sep 2022
It's the largest lake (more than 3,000 square kilometers) of Turkye and for us, its significance and importance lied on the small island of Akdamar, which hosts the 10th century Armenian Church of the Holly Cross, whose architecture is amazing and amazingly well preserved. In the city of Van, the Ramada Hotel is located on the shore of the lake and most of its rooms have lovely lake views.
Written December 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erhan Yildirim
Türkiye
Jan 2021
Lake Van, history and geography..
Lake Van,home to its interesting geological formation,history,fish species, natural beauty and dozens of civilizations that settled around the lake...
It is surrounded by volcanic mountains around the earthquake zone within the turkey's largest, 5th largest lake in Europe. The area of the lake is 3764 km². It exceeds 125 km in length and 65 km in width. Its height above sea level is 1646 m. The most important feature of the lake is that its water is salty and soda. It is stated that there is 42.3% kitchen salt, 34% soda, a small amount of sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate and magnesium carbonate in lake waters. With this feature, it is the world's largest soda lake. The fact that the water of the lake is soda limits the biological diversity in the lake and its shores. No mollusk crustaceans or plant-like animals can survive in the lake and its shores. The biggest reason why the lake is salty and soda is that the lava gushing out from the subhan and nemrut volcanic mountains about 100,000 years ago, blocking the front of the lake and becoming a closed lake. Before becoming a lake, the van lake is thought to be a part of the Karasu or Tigris river. It is known that the van lake basin and the plain of Muş province were a single basin before volcano lavas. The age of the salt in the lake was measured to be about 60,000 years. Van lake is fed by Karasu, Bendimahi, Deliçay, Zilan, Sapur and Engil rivers, apart from underground waters. The depth of the lake varies between 170 meters and 450 meters. the heights of the volcanic and other mountains surrounding the Lake van Basin range from 1600 meters to 4000 meters. Pir Rashit, Isabey, Erk, Sudis, Baset, Ispiriz, Hibarit , Mengene,Artos, Vavirar, Kevushshahap, Sarı, Hosabeshir, Pili ,Kars ,Nemrut , Suphan , Aladaglar and Tendurek mountains surrounded the Lake Van Basin. The most important ports of van lake are Erciş Bay, Van, Gevaş and Tatvan bays. There are 4 islands in the van lake. Akdamar Island, Çarpanak Island, Bird(Lim) Island and Adır Island.. One of the most important features that make van lake unique is the pearl mullet, which has only lived in the van lake and has been a source of income for the local people since ancient times. The pearl mullet (Chalcalburnus tarichi), a species from the Cyprinidae family, lives. Pearl mullet is a migratory species. Although he lives in the lake, he migrates to the rivers that drain the lake to reproduce and returns to the lake after breeding. Festivals are held every year in the Van Lake basin during the migration and breeding times of the fish. Van, Erciş, Tatvan, Ahlat, Adilcevaz and Gevaş settlements are located in the van lake basin. The first inhabitants of the lake van basin were the hurries. Later, after the urarti, the meds, persians, the Armenian principalities, the great Alexander, the Romans, the parts, the sasanis, the Umayyads, the abbasians, the Seljuks, the Mongols and the Ottoman. Ship transportation has been used in the Van lake since ancient times. Some ruins of the ancient port can still be seen on the west side of the van castle. Besides the port of van, Tatvan, Erciş, Gevaş and Ahlat ports are the most important trade and transportation ports of the lake. Since ancient times, the height of the mountains around the van lake basin, geographical conditions, security reasons have led people to ship shipping. In the records of the 10th century, we know that ships were popular during the period of some Armenian principalities that ruled here.again, it is known that Ahlat shipbuilders went as far as the Black Sea for shipbuilding.it is mentioned in some sources that during the Ottoman Empire, 3 ships were built by Mimar sinan to pass through the army in the 16th century. the first records of the region are recorded in expeditions and plundering events in the region during the Assyrian period(BC 13 century). the most important historical artifacts of the Lake van Basin are artifacts made during the time of the Urartians,Armenian principalities,Seljuks and ottomans. the Church of the Holy Cross(Akdamar),Van Castle and Ahlat cemetery located on akdamar island are the main historical monuments. nemrut crater lake at an altitude of about 2400 meters, located in the basin of Lake van, is one of the natural beauties of the basin. around the lake and in the surrounding settlements ,many historical monuments dating from the Armenian principalities period,dating from the Urartu, Seljuk and Ottoman periods are very visited today.
Lake Van,home to its interesting geological formation,history,fish species, natural beauty and dozens of civilizations that settled around the lake...
It is surrounded by volcanic mountains around the earthquake zone within the turkey's largest, 5th largest lake in Europe. The area of the lake is 3764 km². It exceeds 125 km in length and 65 km in width. Its height above sea level is 1646 m. The most important feature of the lake is that its water is salty and soda. It is stated that there is 42.3% kitchen salt, 34% soda, a small amount of sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate and magnesium carbonate in lake waters. With this feature, it is the world's largest soda lake. The fact that the water of the lake is soda limits the biological diversity in the lake and its shores. No mollusk crustaceans or plant-like animals can survive in the lake and its shores. The biggest reason why the lake is salty and soda is that the lava gushing out from the subhan and nemrut volcanic mountains about 100,000 years ago, blocking the front of the lake and becoming a closed lake. Before becoming a lake, the van lake is thought to be a part of the Karasu or Tigris river. It is known that the van lake basin and the plain of Muş province were a single basin before volcano lavas. The age of the salt in the lake was measured to be about 60,000 years. Van lake is fed by Karasu, Bendimahi, Deliçay, Zilan, Sapur and Engil rivers, apart from underground waters. The depth of the lake varies between 170 meters and 450 meters. the heights of the volcanic and other mountains surrounding the Lake van Basin range from 1600 meters to 4000 meters. Pir Rashit, Isabey, Erk, Sudis, Baset, Ispiriz, Hibarit , Mengene,Artos, Vavirar, Kevushshahap, Sarı, Hosabeshir, Pili ,Kars ,Nemrut , Suphan , Aladaglar and Tendurek mountains surrounded the Lake Van Basin. The most important ports of van lake are Erciş Bay, Van, Gevaş and Tatvan bays. There are 4 islands in the van lake. Akdamar Island, Çarpanak Island, Bird(Lim) Island and Adır Island.. One of the most important features that make van lake unique is the pearl mullet, which has only lived in the van lake and has been a source of income for the local people since ancient times. The pearl mullet (Chalcalburnus tarichi), a species from the Cyprinidae family, lives. Pearl mullet is a migratory species. Although he lives in the lake, he migrates to the rivers that drain the lake to reproduce and returns to the lake after breeding. Festivals are held every year in the Van Lake basin during the migration and breeding times of the fish. Van, Erciş, Tatvan, Ahlat, Adilcevaz and Gevaş settlements are located in the van lake basin. The first inhabitants of the lake van basin were the hurries. Later, after the urarti, the meds, persians, the Armenian principalities, the great Alexander, the Romans, the parts, the sasanis, the Umayyads, the abbasians, the Seljuks, the Mongols and the Ottoman. Ship transportation has been used in the Van lake since ancient times. Some ruins of the ancient port can still be seen on the west side of the van castle. Besides the port of van, Tatvan, Erciş, Gevaş and Ahlat ports are the most important trade and transportation ports of the lake. Since ancient times, the height of the mountains around the van lake basin, geographical conditions, security reasons have led people to ship shipping. In the records of the 10th century, we know that ships were popular during the period of some Armenian principalities that ruled here.again, it is known that Ahlat shipbuilders went as far as the Black Sea for shipbuilding.it is mentioned in some sources that during the Ottoman Empire, 3 ships were built by Mimar sinan to pass through the army in the 16th century. the first records of the region are recorded in expeditions and plundering events in the region during the Assyrian period(BC 13 century). the most important historical artifacts of the Lake van Basin are artifacts made during the time of the Urartians,Armenian principalities,Seljuks and ottomans. the Church of the Holy Cross(Akdamar),Van Castle and Ahlat cemetery located on akdamar island are the main historical monuments. nemrut crater lake at an altitude of about 2400 meters, located in the basin of Lake van, is one of the natural beauties of the basin. around the lake and in the surrounding settlements ,many historical monuments dating from the Armenian principalities period,dating from the Urartu, Seljuk and Ottoman periods are very visited today.
Written February 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LittlePoSurrey
Surrey
Feb 2014 • Business
I hired a car and took a nice drive around the lake. There are plenty of stops and lokantas to stop at. Some of the views are spectacular.
Written February 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PeterJesson
New York City, NY
Nov 2012 • Couples
Despite the separate entries for these places on Trip Advisor, for the vast majority of tourists in Van, they constitute a single outing.
Akdamar Island is close to the shore of Lake Van near Van itself. Ferries run daily 8:30 am - 7:30 pm.
The chief attraction on the island is Akdamar Kilisesi (Church of the Holy Cross). Most vestiges of Armenian culture have been erased from Turkey; this 10th Century Armenian church is a major exception - it has been beautifully restored by the Turkish Government as a gesture of reconciliation.
The building is small but graceful. What makes it special are the exquisite carvings that run in a series of five bands around the exterior. There are several depictions of biblical stories including Jonah and the whale. Frescoes on the inside have been beautifully restored.
The main other attraction of Akdamar Island is the views of Lake Van and the surrounding snow capped mountains (pray for a clear day)
Akdamar Island is close to the shore of Lake Van near Van itself. Ferries run daily 8:30 am - 7:30 pm.
The chief attraction on the island is Akdamar Kilisesi (Church of the Holy Cross). Most vestiges of Armenian culture have been erased from Turkey; this 10th Century Armenian church is a major exception - it has been beautifully restored by the Turkish Government as a gesture of reconciliation.
The building is small but graceful. What makes it special are the exquisite carvings that run in a series of five bands around the exterior. There are several depictions of biblical stories including Jonah and the whale. Frescoes on the inside have been beautifully restored.
The main other attraction of Akdamar Island is the views of Lake Van and the surrounding snow capped mountains (pray for a clear day)
Written October 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glenda M
Vienna, Austria
Aug 2019 • Friends
An excellent place to visit. Otel Haldi and Mollaqasim... Nice small apartments right on Lake Van. People very friendly, lake fantastic to swim in.. Bitter salt water, but clean and very refreshing. Waterfalls, castle and Adamah Island all great places to visit.
Written August 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikan Nazari
Tehran, Iran
May 2019 • Family
unfortunately no body was there to riding a boat we just stand near the park. and people just walk through the beaches
Written May 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ebru A
Ankara, Türkiye
May 2019 • Friends
The Lake Van is the biggest lake in Turkey with its 3755km2 area. Thus, the local people calls it as "Sea of Van". The City of Van is located on the eastern part of Turkey to the boarder of Iran. The Lake took its name from the City of Van. It occurred after a volcanic erruption. The water has a high content of salt and lye (NaHCO3). The local people in Van like to use the water of lake for washing the laundary due to its composition. You can also swim in the Lake when the weather is warm (June-August). However, I do like the spring view of the Lake and the snowy mountains around the Lake. If you like to eat fish, you will enjoy to taste the only fish in the Lake called "pearl" (a family member of Grey Mullet). Despite of many scenic views of the Lake, the touristic facilities are available in Edremit located on the south-eastern part of the Lake. As far as I concern, the Lake Van is one of the places in Turkey that you should see. You can go there bu plane, train, bud, and private car.
Written May 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zelal min
Istanbul, Türkiye
Apr 2018 • Friends
Itbwas a great 3 days I past it in Van enjoyed a lot with my friend thy are Kurdish people we was heading a great van breakfast they have. A special cheese and soup we saw the University as well it was so big and nice we don't forget ever the lack we saw it it's very big and famous very nice people good luck for every body there
Written March 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
footiemum90
Billericay, UK
Aug 2016 • Couples
We stayed for six nights in Van and had 3 separate day tours booked so we wanted a bit of relaxation time the in between days. So we headed to the beach. The closest was Divan Beach, Edremit. We got a taxi there as not sure how often the buses were but buses do run to there. But good job as we arrived and the taxi driver was in deep conversation with the reception area. Finally they found somebody who spoke excellent English and explained it was ladies day. But would not be a problem, they would make a private beach for us! We waited whilst they opened up some gates, sorted out loungers and umbrellas. Bear in mind not a sandy beach though, stony, so beach shoes to swim in are recommended. So although my husband could not use the lovely pool they have, we had a very relaxing day, just us with direct access to swim in the lake. The food is fantastic. And if you go not on ladies day, you can use the pool which has various slides. There are toilets and changing rooms and the lemonata and cherry juice were free. Just helped yourself.
Written August 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey guys,
Do you have any information regarding schedules? The website would be great as well. thanks!! :)
Written September 18, 2019
Glenda M
Vienna, Austria
Which schedules? I presume you mean boats to the island. They actually leave every day. Go to the site Turkeytravelplanner and go to East Turkey Van Akdamar.
Written September 19, 2019
Michael A
Istanbul, Türkiye
How frequent are the ferries from Van to Tatvan please?
Written June 27, 2018
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