Timeline
16:02
Drive or take the local transport 15 km north to the Belgrad Forest entrance at Bahçeköy. The area is a former water catchment for Istanbul, now a quiet, bosky ruin of ancient oaks and aqueducts. Find a quiet spot near the forest edge to settle in.
16:58
Walk from the Bahçeköy entrance into the Atatürk Arboretum. It is a 56-minute walk from the main anchor area, so start early. The arboretum is surrounded by natural oak forest and planted with many non-native tree species. Use this time to walk the paths and find a comfortable vantage point among the trees.
17:17
Watch the golden light begin. The sun is setting toward the WNW, casting a warm glow through the oak canopy. The light starts at 17:17, offering a soft, diffused illumination that highlights the texture of the ancient trees and the quiet atmosphere of the forest.
17:59
Stay as the light fades. The golden hour transitions into the blue hour, providing a calm, reflective end to the visit. The forest is quiet and remote, offering a stark contrast to the city below.
Local tip
The walk from the main forest entrance (Bahçeköy) to the arboretum is quite long (56 minutes). Ensure you start your walk well before the golden light begins if you want to be settled in the arboretum by 17:17. There are no food or drink shops in the immediate vicinity, so bring water and snacks with you from the city.
Check before you go
- The walk from Bahçeköy to the Atatürk Arboretum is 56 minutes each way. Plan your arrival time carefully.
- There are no food or drink facilities inside the forest or arboretum. Bring your own refreshments.
- Check local transport routes to Bahçeköy in advance, as public transport options may be limited late in the day.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Istanbul (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).