Mogan Lake Ankara
A serene lakeside park near Ankara, perfect for picnics, stunning sunsets, and family fun.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Mogan Lake Ankara
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene lakeside park near Ankara, perfect for picnics, stunning sunsets, and family fun.
"A beautiful park to enjoy in the Gölbaşı area on the outskirts of the city."
🚗 Park Smart
Park entry is free, but car parking has a fee. Consider public transport or carpooling on busy days.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Cafes can be pricey. Bring your own food for a budget-friendly and enjoyable picnic experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Views
East side of the lake
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the water, a truly magical experience away from the city bustle.
Lakeside Picnics & BBQs
Designated picnic areas
Enjoy a leisurely day with family and friends amidst nature, with ample space for grilling and relaxation.

Walking & Boat Rides
Lake shore and water
Stroll along the scenic walking trails or opt for a refreshing boat ride on the tranquil lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekend Crowds & Car Entry
Dining & BBQ Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smart
Park entry is free, but car parking has a fee. Consider public transport or carpooling on busy days.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Cafes can be pricey. Bring your own food for a budget-friendly and enjoyable picnic experience.
🌅 Sunset Spot
For the best sunset views, head to the east side of the lake, away from the main park entrance.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Enjoy leisurely walks along the lake shore. Comfortable shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Things to visit in Ankara
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smart
Park entry is free, but car parking has a fee. Consider public transport or carpooling on busy days.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Cafes can be pricey. Bring your own food for a budget-friendly and enjoyable picnic experience.
🌅 Sunset Spot
For the best sunset views, head to the east side of the lake, away from the main park entrance.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Enjoy leisurely walks along the lake shore. Comfortable shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
🚤 Boat Ride Fun
Experience the lake from a different perspective with a boat ride. Inquire locally for availability.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mogan Lake is a beautiful and peaceful escape from Ankara, praised for its stunning sunsets and family-friendly atmosphere. While the park entry is free, some visitors find the on-site cafes and restaurants to be a bit pricey. It's a popular spot for picnics and BBQs, especially on weekends.
"A beautiful park to enjoy in the Gölbaşı area on the outskirts of the city. Entrance to the park is free and it is quite crowded on the weekends. However the families grilling and having picnics only adds to the charm of this place. There are various rides for the children like Popeye the sailor swings and Disney characters themed areas. The cafes are a little expensive and the lighthouse inside its perimeters is nice to look at. There’s also a tourist road train however I’m unsure where and how one can get a ticket for it."
Anusha Rashnu
"A very nice place to spend quality and relaxing time with family. There are designated play area for kids, and for BBQ.
Recommended to check if there BBQ is allowed, otherwise there are couple of restaurants and cafes."
Anwar Jamal
"I wasn't expecting much from looking at the pictures, but it's a very peaceful, comfortable and beautiful place just 30 minutes away from the bustling city center. There are walking tracks along the lake shore and boat rides. When the weather warms up someday, I'll definitely come back for a boat ride."
Eunsung Kim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mogan Lake is located in Gölbaşı, about 30 minutes from Ankara's city center. You can drive there via the Konya road, taking the Gölbaşı exit. Public transport options might be available, but driving offers more flexibility.
Yes, there is parking available at Mogan Lake. While park entry is free, there is a fee for car parking. It's advisable to arrive early on weekends as parking can fill up quickly.
Yes, you can take a taxi to Mogan Lake. It's a common destination for locals, so taxi services should be readily available from Ankara. Confirm the fare beforehand.
While specific bus routes might change, it's generally recommended to check local public transport schedules for buses heading towards Gölbaşı. Driving or taking a taxi is often more convenient.
Mogan Lake is approximately 50-60 km from Esenboğa Airport, depending on the route. A taxi or pre-booked transfer would be the most convenient way to reach it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance to Mogan Lake park itself is free for pedestrians. However, there is a fee for parking your car within the park premises.
Mogan Lake is generally accessible throughout the day and into the evening, especially during warmer months. Specific facilities like cafes might have their own operating hours.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance for Mogan Lake as entry is free. However, if you plan to use specific facilities or services like boat rides, it's best to inquire locally.
Generally, bringing your own food and drinks for picnics is allowed and encouraged. However, always check for any specific regulations regarding BBQs or alcohol consumption.
Picnic tables are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis and are included with the park's free entry. There isn't typically a separate charge for using them.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy picnics, BBQs, walking along the lake shore, fishing, and boat rides. There are also designated play areas for children.
Absolutely! Mogan Lake has dedicated play areas for kids with various rides and themed zones, making it a great family destination.
Yes, fishing is permitted at Mogan Lake. It's a popular spot for anglers looking to enjoy a relaxing day by the water.
Yes, there are walking and cycling paths along the lake shore, offering scenic routes for exercise and exploration.
The lighthouse is a notable landmark within the park, offering a picturesque spot for photos and a pleasant view of the lake.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants located around Mogan Lake, particularly along the east side. They offer various dining options, including breakfast.
Prices at the cafes and restaurants can be a bit expensive, especially for meals other than breakfast. Bringing your own food is a more budget-friendly alternative.
BBQ is a popular activity, but it's essential to check current regulations as it may not always be permitted or may require designated areas.
You can find typical Turkish cafe fare, including breakfast options, snacks, and main meals. Many visitors opt for BBQs with their own supplies.
While specific menus vary, most cafes will likely have some lighter options. It's always best to inquire directly with the establishment about their offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself, especially during sunset, offers stunning photographic opportunities. The lighthouse and the surrounding natural landscapes are also great subjects.
Late afternoons and evenings are ideal for photography due to the beautiful golden hour light and the spectacular sunsets.
The lighthouse within the park is a popular landmark for photos. The expansive lake views and the natural flora also provide excellent backdrops.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management regarding any restrictions on drone photography before flying.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide lake views and details. A tripod can be useful for sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a boat ride for a memorable experience on the water, and explore the walking trails for a relaxed family stroll. It's a great spot to let kids burn off energy in a safe and scenic environment.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on enjoying the natural beauty, walking trails, and sunset views, which are all free. If you opt for cafes, stick to breakfast items as they tend to be cheaper.
📸 Photographers
Bring a versatile camera and consider a tripod for low-light shots. The tranquil water and vibrant skies create magical scenes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Sunset at Mogan Lake
To make the most of your sunset experience, plan to arrive a couple of hours before dusk. This allows ample time to find a good spot, perhaps enjoy a light snack, and set up your camera for those perfect shots. The soft, warm light of the late afternoon, often referred to as the 'golden hour,' is ideal for photography, casting a beautiful glow over the water and surrounding landscape.
While the main park facilities might close at certain times, the natural beauty of the sunset is accessible as long as it's safe to be in the area. Remember to bring a jacket as it can get cooler by the water as the sun goes down.
Family Fun and Activities
Beyond the playgrounds, families can enjoy a leisurely picnic or BBQ in the designated areas. This is a popular weekend activity, with many locals gathering to share meals and enjoy the outdoors. If you're planning a BBQ, it's wise to check the current regulations beforehand.
For a different perspective, consider a boat ride on the lake. While specific details on booking and availability should be confirmed locally, it's a refreshing way to spend time together and enjoy the scenic views from the water. The walking trails also offer a chance for a family stroll amidst nature.
Dining and Budget-Friendly Options
However, it's worth noting that these establishments can be on the expensive side, especially for dishes beyond breakfast. Many travelers suggest that bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic or BBQ is a much more economical approach. This allows you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings without overspending.
If you do choose to dine out, consider ordering breakfast items, which are often more reasonably priced. Always be mindful of potential price differences for different meal types.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit