18.06.2026 10:10
Artabel Lakes Nature Park, the hidden paradise of Gümüşhane, offers a unique natural feast to its visitors in mid-June. While winter and spring seasons are experienced simultaneously in the nature park, where the effects of heavy snowfall compared to previous years continue, unique images emerged.
While thermometers show summer temperatures in many parts of Turkey, winter continues to prevail in Artabel Lakes Nature Park, located within the borders of Torul district in Gümüşhane.
Artabel Lakes Nature Park, known for its high peaks and glacial lakes, hosts an extraordinary landscape in the middle of June. In previous years, the lakes had largely melted by this time, but this year, due to heavy snowfall, they are still under ice layers. While the lakes at higher elevations maintain their white cover, streams fed by melting snow flow vigorously. Giant snow masses reaching 2 to 3 meters in height in some stream beds draw attention, while life sprouting from the snow reveals nature's unique cycle. On one side, streams energized by melting snow, and on the other, areas adorned with colorful flowers, offer visitors the experience of four seasons in a single day. Artabel Lakes Nature Park, with its rich flora, endemic plant species, and over 20 glacial lakes of various sizes, is mentioned among the "places to see before you die."
FIRST ROUTE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Nature lovers and photographers, who completed the first hike of the season and recorded the region's enchanting beauty, finished Artabel's challenging yet enjoyable route. Photographer Metin Aydın, shooting in the area, said, "We did the first Artabel hike of the year, opening the season. Compared to previous years, there is more snow here this year. In past years, most of the upper lakes had partially opened. But this year, only a small part of the lower lake has opened. The scenery was very good. Despite so much snow, we saw colorful flowers in the meadows like never before. This place is just like that; the vegetation can change every week. There were many different flowers. There was a very beautiful plant cover. We took photos of colorful flowers, snowy mountains, and lakes. We had a very enjoyable walk on a beautiful route."
VISITORS FROM ŞIRNAK WERE AMAZED Visitors who traveled from miles away to Gümüşhane after hearing about Artabel Lakes Nature Park were also amazed by the landscape. Elif Meva Demir, coming from Şırnak, emphasized that in June they witnessed a climate fluctuation comparable to the Swiss Alps and Iceland. Demir said, "I am coming here from Şırnak. I had heard that Gümüşhane's nature is very beautiful, so I came. Today, there is truly a magnificent view. It's June, and there is incredible nature here now. One moment it's winter, the next it's spring. The scenes we see are postcard-worthy. It feels like Iceland or Switzerland right now. We took lots of incredibly beautiful flowers. There are purple hyacinths, daffodils, and many flowers I don't know the names of. When the snow melts, such beautiful things emerge from the soil. It's amazing. There are indescribably beautiful things. This is already Gümüşhane's 'Lake District,' but in mid-June, the lakes are still covered with ice. Probably a lot of snow fell this year, that's why it's like this."
Demir, stating that they arrived at Büyük Lake in Artabel Valley and only part of its surface had opened, said, "It's very nice to have snow in this season. One corner of the country is completely summer, while another is like winter and spring. This shows how beautiful our country actually is."