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Flooded Forests, Lagoons, Wildlife and the Black Sea Coast

İğneada Floodplain Forests National Park – Complete Visitor Guide

Discover one of Türkiye's most remarkable wetland landscapes,
where forests, lakes, marshes, sand dunes and the Black Sea meet.

Discover İğneada Longoz Forests

Discover İğneada Floodplain Forests National Park

Hidden along the Black Sea coast of Kırklareli, close to Türkiye's border with Bulgaria, İğneada Longoz Ormanları Milli Parkı protects one of the country's most extraordinary combinations of forest and wetland habitats.

The national park covers approximately 3,155 hectares around the coastal town of İğneada. Streams descending from the Yıldız Mountains, also known as the Istranca or Strandzha Mountains, carry water and sediment toward the Black Sea. Near the coast, natural sand barriers slow this water and help create lagoons, marshes and seasonally flooded forests.

The result is a landscape unlike an ordinary woodland. During wetter periods, water spreads between the trees, transforming sections of the forest into a reflective world of trunks, branches and wetlands. Elsewhere, visitors encounter lakes, reed beds, coastal dunes, beaches and dense deciduous forest.

3,155 Hectares

The protected national park extends across more than thirty square kilometres of forest and wetlands.

2007

İğneada Longoz Forests was officially declared a national park in November 2007.

Black Sea

The park lies directly beside the Black Sea near Türkiye's northwestern border with Bulgaria.

Floodplain Forest

Seasonal flooding creates the extraordinary longoz ecosystem for which İğneada is famous.

Know Before You Visit

İğneada Longoz Forests National Park – Quick Facts

Essential information for planning a visit to one of the most distinctive natural landscapes in Thrace.

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Location

İğneada, Demirköy District, Kırklareli Province, northwestern Türkiye.

Open İğneada Longoz Forests on Google Maps
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Protected Area

Approximately 3,155 hectares of floodplain forest, wetlands, lakes, dunes and surrounding habitats.

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National Park Since

2007, when previously protected areas were brought together under national park status.

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Best For

Nature walks, birdwatching, wildlife observation, wetland landscapes and photography.

A Landscape Created by Water

How the İğneada Longoz Forests Were Formed

The unusual landscape of İğneada is the result of the meeting between mountain streams, coastal sediments, forests and the Black Sea.

Water flowing down from the Yıldız Mountains carries sediment toward the Black Sea. Over long periods, sand and alluvial material accumulated along the coast, creating natural barriers between some streams, lakes and the open sea.

When heavy seasonal rainfall increases the amount of water arriving from the mountains, these low-lying coastal areas can no longer drain immediately into the Black Sea. Water spreads backwards across the flat landscape and temporarily inundates sections of forest.

Trees growing in these periodically flooded soils have adapted to a landscape in which water is not simply beside the forest — it can become part of the forest itself.

This process produces what is known in Turkish as a longoz or subasar ormanı: a floodplain forest that becomes inundated during wetter periods.

The ecological importance of İğneada comes not from one habitat alone, but from the close relationship between floodplain forests, freshwater lakes, lagoons, marshes, reed beds, coastal dunes, streams, deciduous woodland and the Black Sea.

Forest, Water and Sea

What Makes İğneada Longoz Forests So Special?

Within a relatively compact area, visitors encounter a remarkable mosaic of connected ecosystems.

Longoz Forests

Seasonally flooded woodland is the defining feature of the national park.

  • Character: Forest periodically covered by water
  • Water source: Streams and seasonal rainfall
  • Landscape: Trees, pools, channels and wet forest floor

Freshwater Lakes

Several forest lakes and wetlands provide important habitats for aquatic plants, fish and birds.

  • Major lakes: Mert, Erikli, Hamam, Pedina and Saka
  • Habitats: Open water, reeds and marshes
  • Importance: Feeding and breeding areas for wildlife

Coastal Lagoons

Some lakes lie directly behind the Black Sea dunes and interact seasonally with the coastal water system.

  • Setting: Between forest and sea
  • Water: Fresh to slightly brackish conditions
  • Feature: Changing seasonal connection with the coast

Reed Beds & Marshes

Wetland vegetation around the lakes creates shelter and feeding habitat for birds, amphibians and insects.

  • Plants: Reeds, rushes and aquatic vegetation
  • Wildlife: Water birds, frogs and dragonflies
  • Role: Transition between lake and forest

Coastal Sand Dunes

The dunes separating wetlands from the Black Sea form one of İğneada's most sensitive ecological zones.

  • Location: Along the Black Sea shoreline
  • Vegetation: Specialized coastal plants
  • Importance: Natural barrier helping shape the wetlands

Deciduous Forest

Beyond the wettest sections, the landscape continues into the rich forests of the Istranca Mountains.

  • Trees: Oak, beech, hornbeam, ash and alder
  • Climate: Humid Black Sea influence
  • Character: Dense mixed woodland

Black Sea Coast

Few national parks combine major wetlands and forest ecosystems with such immediate access to a wild coastline.

  • Sea: Black Sea
  • Landscape: Beaches, dunes and forest
  • Atmosphere: Particularly dramatic in changing weather

Wildlife Corridor

The connection between wetlands, forest and the Istranca Mountains allows many species to move between different habitats.

  • Mammals: Roe deer, otter, fox, badger and wild boar
  • Birds: Water birds, raptors and migratory species
  • Importance: High habitat diversity
The Forest That Floods

What Is a Longoz Forest?

The Turkish word longoz is used for a type of floodplain or seasonally inundated forest growing on low, water-rich land.

Unlike an ordinary forest where flooding is considered an exceptional event, periodic inundation is part of the natural ecological cycle of a longoz.

Winter & Spring Water

Rainfall and streams increase water levels, causing low-lying parts of the forest to flood.

Natural Drainage

Water gradually recedes or moves through lakes, streams and wetland channels as conditions change.

Adapted Trees

Tree species capable of tolerating moist soils form dense woodland around the flooded areas.

Rich Food Chain

Water, vegetation, insects, fish, amphibians and birds combine to create an exceptionally productive ecosystem.


The appearance of the longoz therefore changes considerably throughout the year. The famous photographs showing tree trunks reflected in standing water represent only one seasonal face of a constantly changing ecosystem.

The Wetlands of İğneada

Lakes of İğneada Longoz Forests National Park

The lakes are essential to understanding the national park. Some are coastal lagoons lying behind sand barriers, while others are freshwater lakes hidden farther inside the forest.

Mert Lake

At approximately 266 hectares, Mert Lake is the largest of the principal lakes described in official national park information. It developed near the point where Çavuşdere reaches the coast.

Erikli Lake

Approximately 43 hectares in area, Erikli is a coastal lagoon whose connection with the Black Sea may be interrupted during the summer.

Hamam Lake

Hamam Lake covers approximately 19 hectares and lies farther inland within the forest landscape.

Pedina Lake

The roughly 10-hectare Pedina Lake is another inland freshwater environment surrounded by forest and wetland vegetation.

Saka Lake

At approximately 5 hectares, Saka is a small lake in the southern part of the protected landscape between forest and coastal dunes.

A Connected System

These lakes should not be understood as isolated attractions. Water levels, streams, marshes, sand barriers and floodplain forests interact as one ecological system.


Good to know: Water levels change with rainfall and season. A location that appears deeply flooded in spring photographs may look very different during a dry summer.
One of the Park's Best-Known Wetlands

Mert Lake and the Bird Observation Area

Mert Lake is one of the easiest places for visitors to begin understanding the wetland landscape of İğneada.

The lake lies close to İğneada and is surrounded by reed beds, wet forest and open water. The national park administration has established a bird observation tower beside Mert Lake, making this one of the most accessible places in the park for watching water birds and enjoying broad wetland views.

Wetland Views

Open water and reeds create a different landscape from the enclosed flooded forest.

Birdwatching

The observation area is particularly useful for visitors interested in water birds and migratory species.

Photography

Reflections, reeds, forest edges and changing light make Mert Lake one of the park's most rewarding photographic locations.

Easy Introduction

Its proximity to İğneada makes Mert Lake a natural first stop before exploring deeper sections of the national park.

A Forest Shaped by Water

Plants and Forest Vegetation

İğneada contains an unusually rich sequence of plant communities because forest, freshwater, marsh, lagoon, dune and coastal habitats exist beside one another.

The forest contains species such as oak, oriental beech, hornbeam, ash and alder. Climbing plants are also characteristic of the humid woodland and help give parts of the longoz their dense, almost jungle-like appearance.

Ash & Alder

Trees associated with moist soils form an important part of the seasonally flooded woodland.

Oak & Beech

The surrounding deciduous forests connect the low wetlands with the wider woodland of the Istranca region.

White Water Lilies

Water-lily communities occur in suitable freshwater wetlands and add another layer to the park's aquatic vegetation.

Water Chestnut

Freshwater marshes around Hamam and Pedina lakes support distinctive aquatic plant communities including water chestnut.

Reeds & Rushes

Dense wetland vegetation creates important transition zones around lakes and marshes.

Coastal Plants

The Black Sea dunes support specialized vegetation adapted to wind, salt exposure and shifting sand.


Please protect the dunes: Coastal dune vegetation can be extremely sensitive to trampling. Use established routes and avoid walking through protected plant communities.
One Landscape, Hundreds of Species

Wildlife of İğneada Longoz Forests

The park's biodiversity is closely connected with its variety of habitats. An animal can move from dense woodland to marsh, open water, stream, dune and coastline without leaving the protected landscape.

Roe Deer

Roe deer inhabit the wider forest landscape and are among the characteristic mammals of northern Thrace.

European Otter

Otters are associated with the area's clean streams and wetland habitats, although seeing one requires considerable luck.

Wildcat

Dense woodland provides suitable habitat for European wildcats, one of the more elusive mammals recorded around İğneada.

Fox & Badger

Both species are part of the forest ecosystem but are much more likely to remain hidden from daytime visitors.

Wild Boar

Wild boar occur throughout the forested landscapes of the Istranca region.

Amphibians & Reptiles

The combination of freshwater, moist forest floor and abundant vegetation creates suitable habitat for frogs, salamanders, turtles and reptiles.


Wild animals should always be observed from a distance. Feeding wildlife, approaching nests or leaving marked visitor areas can damage the fragile ecosystem and disturb animals.

On an Important Migration Route

Birdwatching in İğneada

İğneada is particularly important for birdlife because it lies along migration routes linking southeastern Europe with Anatolia and regions farther south.

Official conservation information records that more than 200 bird species may be observed in the İğneada area during the course of a year.

Water Birds Herons, ducks, geese, rails and other species use the lakes, marshes and reed beds.
Raptors Eagles, hawks, falcons and harriers may be encountered in the wider landscape.
Storks Both white and black storks are associated with migration through the region.
White-Tailed Eagle One of the notable birds recorded within the İğneada ecosystem.
Kingfisher Wetland channels and freshwater habitats create suitable feeding areas for this colourful species.
Observation Point The birdwatching tower beside Mert Lake provides one of the park's most convenient wildlife viewpoints.

Early morning is generally the most rewarding time for birdwatching, when the park is quieter and wildlife tends to be more active.

Experience the National Park

Things to Do in İğneada Longoz Forests

Walk Through the Forest

Explore permitted forest routes and experience the changing relationship between woodland and water.

Watch Birds

Bring binoculars and spend time around Mert Lake, reed beds and quiet wetland edges.

Photograph Reflections

Flooded woodland can create striking mirror-like reflections when wind and water conditions are calm.

Explore the Lakes

See how the character of the park changes between coastal lagoons and quieter inland forest lakes.

Discover the Dunes

Observe the transition from woodland and wetlands to the sandy Black Sea shoreline without disturbing fragile vegetation.

Visit the Black Sea

Combine the forest with İğneada's beaches and experience one of Türkiye's greenest sections of Black Sea coastline.

Wildlife Observation

Look for tracks, birds and signs of wildlife rather than expecting close encounters with shy forest mammals.

Visit the Visitor Centre

The national park administration and visitor centre near the entrance to İğneada can provide information about the protected landscape.

Start Here

İğneada National Park Visitor Centre

Official national park information identifies an administration and visitor centre at the entrance to İğneada.

Stopping here before exploring the park is useful because access arrangements, trail conditions and protected areas can change according to weather, water levels, conservation work and seasonal conditions.

Park Information

Learn about the longoz ecosystem, wetlands and conservation importance of İğneada.

Current Conditions

Check which routes and visitor areas are accessible before heading deeper into the forest.

Local Guidance

Ask about observation points, walking possibilities and temporary restrictions.

Protect the Park

Following official guidance is particularly important because many parts of the ecosystem are sensitive to disturbance.

Every Season Looks Different

Best Time to Visit İğneada Longoz Forests

There is no single perfect season for İğneada because the park's character changes dramatically throughout the year.

Spring

One of the most rewarding periods for greenery, wetland conditions, wild plants and active birdlife. Wetter conditions may also create the classic flooded-forest scenery.

Summer

Warm weather makes it easy to combine the forest with İğneada's Black Sea coast, although some wetland areas may contain less standing water.

Autumn

Deciduous trees turn yellow, copper and brown, making this an excellent season for landscape and forest photography.

Winter

Rainfall and higher water levels can transform the landscape, although trails may become muddy and access conditions more difficult.


Remember: Flooding depends on rainfall and natural water levels rather than a fixed calendar. Conditions can vary considerably from one year to another.
Plan Your Visit

İğneada Longoz Forests Visitor Information

The national park surrounds the coastal town of İğneada in the Demirköy district of Kırklareli Province.

Location İğneada, Demirköy, Kırklareli Province, Türkiye
Distance from Demirköy Approximately 25 km
Distance from Kırklareli Approximately 100 km
Distance from Istanbul Approximately 230 km according to official national park information
Official Opening Hours The national nature-tourism portal currently lists 09:00–19:00; seasonal arrangements may change
Entrance National park admission and vehicle charges may apply; check the latest official tariff before travelling
Visitor Centre Located near the entrance to İğneada
Bird Observation A bird observation tower is located beside Mert Lake

Important: Opening times, admission charges, vehicle access and permitted recreational activities can change. Check current national park information before travelling, especially outside the main visitor season.
How Long to Spend

How Much Time Do You Need at İğneada Longoz Forests?

The national park is much larger than a single viewpoint. How long you need depends on whether you want only an introduction or a broader exploration of the lakes, forest and Black Sea coast.

Quick Visit

Allow around 1–2 hours for the visitor centre, Mert Lake area and a short introduction to the wetland landscape.

Half Day

Allow 3–4 hours for Mert Lake, forest walking, birdwatching and several photography stops.

Full Day

A full day gives you time to explore different parts of the park and combine the wetlands with İğneada's Black Sea coast.

Overnight Stay

Staying in İğneada allows you to experience quieter early mornings, evening light and more than one section of the surrounding landscape.

Explore Responsibly

İğneada Longoz Forests Visitor Tips

Wear Suitable Shoes

Forest tracks can become muddy, slippery or waterlogged, particularly after rain.

Check Water Levels

The appearance and accessibility of the flooded forest changes according to rainfall and season.

Bring Binoculars

İğneada is an excellent birdwatching area, particularly around wetlands and reed beds.

Start Early

Morning visits usually offer quieter conditions, softer light and better opportunities to observe wildlife.

Stay on Permitted Routes

Wetlands, dunes and forest-floor vegetation can be extremely sensitive to trampling.

Do Not Feed Wildlife

Wild animals should remain wild and should always be viewed from a respectful distance.

Protect the Dunes

Avoid driving or walking across sensitive dune vegetation outside designated access areas.

Take Your Rubbish With You

Leave the forest exactly as you found it and avoid disposable plastics whenever possible.

Water, Forest and Reflections

Photography in İğneada Longoz Forests

İğneada is one of the most atmospheric natural photography destinations in European Türkiye. Its greatest strength is the variety of landscapes concentrated within a small region.

Flooded Trees

Look for calm water and vertical tree trunks to create symmetrical reflections inside the longoz.

Mert Lake

Open water, reeds and the forest edge are particularly attractive in early morning or late afternoon light.

Autumn Forest

Golden and copper foliage can create beautiful colour contrasts with dark water and tree trunks.

Bird Photography

Use a long lens and maintain enough distance that birds continue their natural behaviour without disturbance.

Black Sea Coast

Cloudy weather, waves, dunes and dark forest can create dramatic coastal compositions.

After Rain

Wet leaves, saturated colours and reflected light can make rainy conditions surprisingly rewarding.


Nature comes first: Never leave established routes, damage vegetation or approach wildlife simply to obtain a photograph.
Continue Exploring Kırklareli

Places to Visit Near İğneada Longoz Forests

İğneada can form the centre of a much broader journey through northern Kırklareli, combining forests, caves, Black Sea villages and Byzantine heritage.

Kırklareli Travel Guide

Explore the province's Ottoman monuments, archaeological heritage, forests, coastal villages, local foods and natural attractions.

İğneada

Stay in the small Black Sea town beside the national park and combine the wetlands with beaches, seafood and coastal scenery.

Limanköy & İğneada Lighthouse

Explore the coastline north of İğneada and discover the historic lighthouse landscape overlooking the Black Sea.

Dupnisa Cave

Travel inland into the Istranca Mountains to discover one of Thrace's best-known cave systems and an important underground wildlife habitat.

Kıyıköy Aya Nikola Monastery

Visit the remarkable Byzantine rock-cut monastery near the Black Sea settlement of Kıyıköy.

Demirköy

The forested district centre provides access to the Istranca Mountains and several historical and natural attractions of northern Kırklareli.

Fatih Foundry

Discover the historic Ottoman ironworking site near Demirköy, associated with the region's rich deposits of iron and extensive forests.

Istranca Mountains

Continue through northern Thrace's vast forest landscape, with opportunities for nature walks, scenic drives and rural exploration.

Useful Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About İğneada Longoz Forests

What is İğneada Longoz Forests National Park?

It is a protected national park in Kırklareli containing seasonally flooded forests, lakes, lagoons, marshes, streams, coastal dunes, deciduous woodland and Black Sea shoreline.

Where is İğneada Longoz Forests National Park?

The park surrounds the town of İğneada in Demirköy District, Kırklareli Province, close to Türkiye's border with Bulgaria and directly beside the Black Sea.

How large is İğneada Longoz Forests National Park?

Official national park information gives its area as approximately 3,155 hectares.

When did İğneada become a national park?

İğneada Longoz Ormanları was officially declared a national park in November 2007.

What does “longoz” mean?

Longoz refers to a floodplain or seasonally flooded forest where periodic inundation forms a natural part of the ecosystem.

Why does the forest flood?

Streams descending from the Istranca Mountains carry water toward the Black Sea. Coastal sand barriers and the flat terrain slow drainage, allowing water to spread across low-lying forest during wetter periods.

Is the forest underwater all year?

No. Flooding is seasonal and depends heavily on rainfall, groundwater and changing lake levels. Conditions can vary considerably throughout the year.

What lakes are in İğneada Longoz Forests?

The best-known lakes include Mert, Erikli, Saka, Hamam and Pedina. Official descriptions of the wider national park landscape also identify additional wetland areas in its southern sector.

Which is the largest lake?

Mert Lake is the largest of the five principal lakes described in detailed official park information, covering approximately 266 hectares.

Can you go birdwatching at İğneada?

Yes. İğneada is one of the most interesting birdwatching destinations in Thrace, and an observation tower is located beside Mert Lake.

How many bird species live around İğneada?

Official conservation information states that more than 200 bird species can be observed in the area at different times during the year.

What animals live in İğneada Longoz Forests?

Wildlife recorded in the region includes roe deer, wild boar, foxes, badgers, wildcats, otters, numerous bird species, amphibians, reptiles, fish and insects.

What is the best time to visit İğneada Longoz Forests?

Spring is excellent for green scenery, birdlife and wetter forest conditions, while autumn is particularly attractive for colourful woodland photography. Every season offers a different experience.

When can I see the flooded forest?

The strongest flooding generally follows wetter periods, often during winter and spring, but there is no guaranteed date because conditions depend on rainfall and natural water levels.

Can you hike in İğneada Longoz Forests?

Nature walking is one of the principal ways to experience the area. Visitors should use permitted routes and respect temporary restrictions caused by flooding, conservation work or seasonal conditions.

Is there a visitor centre?

Yes. Official national park information identifies an administration and visitor centre near the entrance to İğneada where visitors can obtain information about the area.

Is there an entrance fee?

Admission and vehicle fees may apply. Because national park tariffs can change, check the current official information before travelling rather than relying on older published prices.

How far is İğneada from Istanbul?

Official national park information gives a road distance of approximately 230 km from central Istanbul.

How much time should I spend at İğneada Longoz Forests?

Allow at least half a day for a meaningful introduction. A full day or overnight stay is better if you want to combine the wetlands, forest, birdwatching and Black Sea coast.

Is İğneada Longoz Forests worth visiting?

Yes, especially for travelers interested in unusual ecosystems, forests, wetlands, birdwatching, nature photography and quieter destinations beyond Türkiye's best-known tourist routes.

What else can I visit near İğneada?

Nearby attractions include the Black Sea coast, Limanköy, Dupnisa Cave, Demirköy, the Istranca Mountains and the historic settlement of Kıyıköy with its rock-cut Aya Nikola Monastery.

Help Preserve the Longoz

Responsible Travel in İğneada National Park

A floodplain forest is particularly vulnerable because water connects almost every part of the ecosystem. Pollution or disturbance in one location can affect lakes, marshes, plants and wildlife elsewhere.

Leave No Trace

Take all rubbish away with you and avoid leaving food, plastics or cigarette ends anywhere in the park.

Respect Wildlife

Never chase animals, approach nests or play loud sounds to attract birds.

Protect Wetlands

Avoid entering reed beds, marshes or flooded areas outside authorized routes.

Protect Dunes

Stay away from sensitive dune vegetation and never drive vehicles across undesignated coastal areas.

Avoid Picking Plants

Many wetland and coastal species occur in highly specialized habitats and should remain untouched.

Follow Park Instructions

Temporary restrictions may protect wildlife, reduce fire risk or keep visitors away from flooded and unsafe areas.

Explore Thrace with Us

İğneada and Kırklareli Private Experiences

İğneada can be included in a tailor-made journey through the forests, Black Sea coast, villages and historic landscapes of Kırklareli and Thrace.

Custom İğneada Nature Experience

Tell us what interests you most and we can design a private route focused on nature, photography, birdwatching, Black Sea landscapes and the cultural heritage of Kırklareli.

Combine Nature and Heritage

Northern Thrace is ideal for travelers who want to combine quiet natural landscapes with historic towns and monuments away from Türkiye's busiest sightseeing routes.