Mudurnu, the town caught in our lens

Mudurnu, the quiet and peaceful corner of Bolu, is a great option for those who want to spend a weekend immersed in history and nature. As you stroll through its streets, the peaceful atmosphere of the wooden houses left over from the Ottoman era welcomes you. Historic mosques and the clock tower bring traces of the past into the present. For those who want to be alone with nature, special spots such as Akkaya Travertines, Karamurat Lake, and Sülüklü Lake offer opportunities for quiet exploration. Babas Kaplıcası, known for its healing waters, is a great choice for relaxation and rejuvenation, while the walking trails and picnic areas around Lake Abant refresh the mind and body. Exploring Mudurnu means experiencing both history and nature, as well as a peaceful weekend getaway. Don't say there aren't many places like this left. Of course there are: Mudurnu. This time, Mudurnu caught our eye.

Mudurnu, located in Bolu province and approximately an hour's drive from the center, is an Anatolian town that seems to have stepped out of the pages of history. This region boasts many historic wooden houses that are visually stunning in their architecture. Due to its historical and natural value, it has been declared an Urban Conservation Area. The appearance of the center and the houses lining its narrow streets take you back in time. However, as soon as you move a little further away from the center, you see that lush, centuries-old trees are waving at you. While you want to breathe in the clean air and go for a walk, you discover the small lakes of various sizes in the surrounding area. Each one is picture-perfect. Then, as you wander, you want to take a break, and your taste buds are delighted at a restaurant serving the region's exquisite flavors. The next day, you wake up to fresh air in Mudurnu's historic, wooden-built hotels. Today, you say, let's go to the hot springs and recharge our health.

Mudurnu: Located approximately 50 kilometers away from Bolu center, Mudurnu is a district declared a urban conservation area, renowned for its 180 historical structures and old houses. Besides its historical and architectural significance, Mudurnu stands out as a tranquil district close to major cities, yet away from the hustle and bustle, making it an ideal destination for weekend getaways. Even during a short holiday, you'll find plenty of opportunities to relax and find peace. Mudurnu's history dates back to around 5000 BC. Throughout its history, it has been home to many different and deep-rooted civilizations. It is known that there was a city called Modra in the same lands in the past. It can be said that its name changed over time and took its current form. From the Hittites to the Persians, from the Romans to the Seljuks, the city has been under the rule of many different states, and finally, it was located in Ottoman lands and reached its present state with the establishment of the republic. Bolu Mudurnu has brought traces from almost every civilization from past to present. It is possible to find traces of the past in many structures - mosques, inns, baths, ruins - while wandering through the district center.During the War of Independence, Bolu played a significant role in assisting Ankara, thanks to its favorable location. Logistics materials for the war were transported through Bolu. The city received great appreciation from Atatürk even in those years. Bolu Mudurnu is a district located in the west of the Black Sea. Although it does not exhibit typical Black Sea climate characteristics, it transitions to the Black Sea climate after the Marmara Region's climate. The most important economic activities of the district are agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Mudurnu is famous for its old Mudurnu houses among all its natural and historical beauties. The region is home to about 210 protected ancient houses. For this reason, Mudurnu has been declared an urban conservation area. The houses in the district show similar architectural features to the Göynük Houses. Today, most of the historical Mudurnu houses are privately owned properties. Among the most beautiful historical houses are Armutçular Mansion, Keyvanlar Mansion, Kazanlar Mansion, Yarışkaşı Mansion, and Hacı Abdullahlar Mansion. In addition to the old Mudurnu houses, the district also hosts many historical inns, baths, and mosques. One of the most important structures in the town is the Yıldırım Mosque, built during the reign of Yıldırım Beyazıt in 1382. The mosque is among the first large-domed structures of the Ottoman Empire. Located in the center, the mosque is among the remarkable structures to see.

Places to Visit in Mudurnu 

Mudurnu is a district known for its historical and natural beauties. Places that must be seen and visited include the Yıldırım Beyazıt Mosque and Bath built in 1382, Kanuni Mosque, Şeyhül Ümran, Şeyh Tevfik Efendi, Şeyh Fahreddin Rumi, Abdurrahim Tırsi, Karaarslan Baba, Davud-i Halveti Tombs. You can explore the market and inns in the center of Mudurnu. You can walk through the streets of Mudurnu and see the Old Mudurnu houses, take pictures. You can visit Pears Mansion, one of the largest and oldest mansions. Natural beauties that you must see include Karamurat, Sülük, Abant Lake and its surrounding plateaus. You will be refreshed by walking in the lush plateaus and breathing in the clean air. You can visit Babas and Sarot Hot Springs for spa tourism. You can go to Şehriman Hill, which has become the symbol of Mudurnu. Watching the sunrise or sunset from here will be a unique pleasure. You can visit Mudurnu Castle and Mudurnu Clock Tower. You can plan a day trip to Abant Lake. The lake and its surroundings are beautiful in every season. You can also have a nice picnic. You can visit Karamurat or Sülük Lake. Karamurat Lake, Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque, Şehriman Hill, Akkayalar Travertines, Armutçular Mansion and Sarot Hot Springs are among the other places you should visit while you are here.

What to Do in Mudurnu When you come to Mudurnu, your first job in the morning should be to take a nice nature walk in the plateaus. Then you can start the day with a wonderful Mudurnu breakfast. During the day, you can visit the historical mosques, inns, and baths of Mudurnu. In the evening, you can be happy with a nice table of Mudurnu regional dishes. You can go to Karamurat and Sülük Lake. You can go to Şehriman Hill and witness the sunset. If you can schedule it, every year on the first Sunday of July, thousands celebrate the Day of Şeyh-ül Ümran. You can attend this event. Every year, the Ahi Culture Week is held in the second week of October in Mudurnu. If you are in Mudurnu during these dates, you can participate.

Where to Eat in Mudurnu 

In Bolu, where world-famous chefs are raised, Mudurnu cuisine has also received its share from Mengen chefs. Mudurnu local dishes are also very delicious. Some of the local flavors of Mudurnu are cranberry tarhana soup, oğmaç soup, miyana soup, chickpea and gum soup, palize, bread pasta, spoon sap with nuts, spoon sap with walnuts, mortar scoop, meat dumplings, kaygana, cizlama, broken pastry, pumpkin pancakes, printed halva, pounded halva, caterpillar, foam halva, korova, fruit leather, and broken plum pickle. In addition to local flavors, you can also find fast food products, grilled and kebab-type foods, and snack products such as toast in Mudurnu. You can also eat fish around Abant Lake. You can try different flavors by going to Mengen. But be sure to try the local flavors.

Right next to the Town Hall is Evimin Mudurnu Regional Cuisine Restaurant. Here you can find both classic Bolu dishes and Mudurnu-specific desserts. The bread pudding, pumpkin dessert, and flour halva were all delicious, but the bread pudding was my favorite.

Another must-visit during your trip to Mudurnu is Tekkeliler Konağı. Here, you can taste all the delights of Bolu cuisine: spoon handle, stew made with bombay beans, stew prepared with Mudurnu chicken, walnut bread, Mudurnu palace halva, pickles, and the cranberry soup we tried for the first time. The interior of the restaurant is as beautiful and welcoming as the food. Even if you're not a big eater, don't leave Mudurnu without stopping here. On the walls of Tekkeliler Konağı, you can also find interesting photographs by Mudurnu photographer Bengüboz.

Another place is Keyvanlar Konağı. Like Tekkeliler Konağı, this place serves as both a hotel and a restaurant, offering a very warm atmosphere thanks to its managers and chefs. You'll want to sit for hours chatting over coffee or tea. Among the favorite flavors, pumpkin gözleme stands out. In addition, Ayşe Abla's homemade baklava and stuffed grape leaves cooked in a casserole are also waiting to be tasted. 

What to Buy from Mudurnu?

When you come to Mudurnu, first of all, you can buy textiles, clothes, souvenirs, decorations, or jewelry from Mudurnu Bazaar. You can buy souvenir figures specific to the region. You can buy Mudurnu palace halva for both yourself and your loved ones. In the shops and stalls in the district, you can buy knitted products, embroidered lace fabrics, and winter products, which are handmade by local women.

How to Get to Mudurnu

 Mudurnu is located about 45 minutes away from Bolu center. If you want to reach by bus, you must first reach Bolu, then you can go to Mudurnu with city transportation options. If you want to go by your own car, the easiest way to reach Mudurnu from Istanbul is via the TEM highway. The town center is located where three separate highways converge. When you reach Adapazarı, you turn from Akyazı Junction and head towards Ankara. Those coming from Ankara can reach Mudurnu in two ways. If you come through Bolu, the road is a bit longer, but you will be on the highway. The other option is via Beypazarı.

Here are some road information:

• o Distance from Istanbul to Mudurnu is approximately 250 kilometers and takes 4 hours.
• o Distance from Ankara to Mudurnu is approximately 245 kilometers and takes 2 hours and 50 minutes.
• o Distance from Bursa to Mudurnu is approximately 265 kilometers and takes 3 hours and 55 minutes.
• o Distance from Kocaeli to Mudurnu is approximately 160 kilometers and takes 2 hours and 20 minutes.
• o Distance from Eskişehir to Mudurnu is approximately 150 kilometers and takes 3 hours.

Mudurnu Accommodation Recommendations

Named after Moderna, the daughter of Bursa Tekfur, Mudurnu has seen a rise in tourism potential in recent years, and there are now many Mudurnu Bolu hotels. Most Mudurnu hotels have been converted from restored historic mansions, but there are also newly built hotels. Some Mudurnu Bolu hotels are nestled among forests on the slopes of lush green mountains. Mudurnu is a district of Bolu, located approximately 50 km from the center. It is famous for its lush green mountains and historic mansions. With its lush forests, cool highlands, Abant, Sülüklü, and Karamurat Lakes, hot springs, historic baths, and streets, Bolu Mudurnu is a district worth visiting. 
Located close to major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, Mudurnu is among the suitable places for your weekend visits. 

For Mudurnu accommodation recommendations, you can check out our Mudurnu Hotels page.