Belgrad Forest is one of the amazing natural tourist attractions in Istanbul, Turkey, and attracts visitors with its pristine nature and wildlife.

Belgrad ForestEstimated visit duration

Between 2 to 3 hours

Entrance to this attraction

free

Location

Bahcekoy Merkez Mahallesi, 34453 Sariyer/Istanbul, Turkey

Belgrad Forest is located 15 kilometers northwest of Istanbul and draws tourists with its pristine nature and wildlife. If you visit Istanbul in the summer, this forest can be a cool refuge from the city’s heat.

To learn more about this beautiful forest, stay with Istanbul vibe.

Everything you need to know about visiting Belgrad Forest:

Introduction to Belgrad Forest

Belgrad Forest is a deciduous forest and is considered one of Istanbul’s tourist attractions.

During the Ottoman Empire, the forest’s area was about 13,000 hectares. Although its size has decreased to 5,442 hectares, the vast forest with tall and ancient trees still surprises first-time visitors.

Belgrad Forest is 15 kilometers northwest of Istanbul, and the best way to reach it is by renting a car or taxi. However, if you prefer public transportation, you can take bus number 42 from Taksim Square or bus line 153 to Sarıyer, then get off at Bahçeköy and walk the rest of the way.

If you enjoy running, you can also join Istanbul vibe.

History of Belgrad Forest

During the reign of Sultan Suleiman, Belgrad Forest had a strategic position as the main water source for the city.

Today, visitors can see historical aqueducts before entering the forest, which were used in the past to supply water to different parts of Istanbul.

Water from multiple springs and rivers in the forest was channeled into the city through canals. With increasing demand, a dam was built in the forest.

Istanbul now has seven curved dams, but soon these will no longer meet the city’s population needs.

Nature of Belgrad Forest

Protection of the forest started in the 16th century and continued until the 20th century, a rare event in Turkey’s history.

Oak trees are the most numerous deciduous trees in the forest, followed by eastern poplar, hornbeam, and Anatolian sweet chestnut.

The forest is home to over 71 bird species and 18 types of mammals.Since hunting was banned in the forest, the wildlife has improved.

If you walk quietly, you may hear the rustling of animals like martens moving over dry branches and leaves.

You might see a snake slither by hunting a frog. Foxes and wolves appear only late at night and in the most remote parts of the forest.

Wild boars sometimes leave the forest to search for food in the city’s garbage. You might even see a deer quietly running deep in the woods.

Facilities in Belgrad Forest

During the Ottoman era, only foreigners were allowed to visit the forest. In 1956, the first picnic area near the Neset spring and dam was opened.

Today, Belgrad Forest is one of Istanbul’s most delightful attractions, with seven picnic areas, the most popular being Büyük Bent.

There is a café near the dam offering biscuits, toast, tea, and non-alcoholic drinks. If you get hungry, you can place your food on wooden tables and even grill kebabs.

However, be very careful if you light a fire, as firefighting facilities are insufficient in the area.There is a hiking trail in the forest for active visitors, starting from Neset spring.

Tourists line up with plastic containers to fill them with pure spring water and enjoy its unique taste. The trail circles around Büyük Bent and is about 6.5 kilometers long.

Along the way, 17 exercise stations are installed, but you should carefully choose your companions and suitable equipment.

Atatürk Arboretum, a botanical garden located within Belgrad Forest, was first established in 1916 and is the first of its kind in Turkey.

The garden covers about 300 hectares and houses over 2,000 native and foreign plant species. You can find many rare plants by its lake. The arboretum is open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Best Time to Visit Belgrad Forest

Belgrad Forest is especially a cool refuge from Istanbul’s summer heat. Keep in mind that you are not alone, as many people like to visit this beautiful place with its pleasant climate.

Upon entering the forest, you are welcomed by cool shade and filtered sunlight through tall trees.In spring and autumn, the forest presents a spectacular and stunning view with colorful scenery.

The winter scene is quite different but the forest never loses its beauty, and you can see people walking quietly in its calm.

Visiting Belgrad Forest and Atatürk Arboretum can be a great way to escape the bustle of Istanbul and enjoy fresh, clean air. However, on weekends, the forest can be crowded with people having picnics.

Entrance Fee to Belgrad Forest: The entrance fee varies depending on the mode of transportation (prices below are from 2019)

On foot: Free* All-terrain vehicle (ATV): Not free