Ski on Bozdag and vist to Lake Gölcük
Together with our friends Tony and Linda we decided for a short spring trip from Izmir that would take us to the Bozdağ ski resort just little outside the city of Izmir.
We had already being explained, that we hardly should expect the resort with snow yet, but still we went early in the morning. Since we had already made a detailed tour to the beautiful ancient city of Sardis the day before, we used the E96 highway until shortly before Sahlili now (about 81 kilometers from the outskirts Izmir) to then go right to direction Ödemiş.
Even in our road map, the first part of this section to Birgi was designated as excellent scenic region, which proved to be correct. Again and again we stopped at the roadside to enjoy the landscape of beautiful green forests and open valleys. After about 15 kilometers we reached the region Bozdağ and now set about the ascent to the mountain of the same name. With at least 2,419 meters, Bozdağ is already an imposing mountain. On partly gravel road, which was, however, easy to drive, we approached at the summit. The gravel road ends approximately at 1,700 meters above sea level where the ski center is and the chairlifts begin. As suspected, the snow was almost entirely disappeared, only small snowfields were to be seen towards the summit. Regardless, we did not want to go to the snow experience, we were interested in the area and the facilities for winter sports.
Without hesitation, we went to the buildings of the ski center on foot, then along the lifts, which certainly left a well-maintained impression. Nobody was inside the building and at the whole area, but we were delighted when we found a price lists of the quite favorable price level, so that one could easily imagine a winter holiday here. The entire ski area on Bozdağ is under the administration of the town Nikfer, a place I have searched in vain on the map. The connection to the metropolis Izmir is excellent, the distance also allows a short-term arrival, so that also the weekend excursion is quite ok.
We then drove down the gravel road, then turned left in the direction of Ödemiş to the junction for Gölcük. Even this distance is a considered scenically exceptional route, which was also confirmed again. We already stopped a short time later at a picnic place, which seemed so inviting, that we decided here to plunder our basket of provisions on the lakeshore. Still a bit chilly but with stunning views of the lake called Gölcük Gölü, which invites the wooded shore landscape around the lake for walking. Especially in summer, when the heat flickers in the city, it is, due to be located at about 1,000 meters above sea, a location determined to be pleasantly cool and refreshing.
Later we drove into the place Gölcük where another great place at the lake to stay. Ok, we decided, there is always time for a tea so we stayed here with nice conversations. The remaining distance to Ödemiş is leading through a very beam Bergutiful environment. It was evening, when we came along the Kücükmenderes Nehri, the small Menderes, close to Torbali always parallel to the railway line back to Izmir. A great day out, which can be good to repeat especially in stuffy summer to escape from the city.
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