Saednews: Tbilisi Turtle Lake, despite its name, does not actually have any turtles in it, but it is famous for its unique shape. This lake is located in the highlands of Tbilisi and is a popular destination for tourists.
Tbilisi is a tourist-friendly city and also the capital of Georgia. Due to its proximity to Turkey and Russia, it has become recognized as a global travel destination, attracting many travelers in recent years. Tbilisi is a popular tourist spot for Iranians, largely because visa requirements for Iranians entering Georgia have been lifted. The city offers a variety of tourist attractions that entice every traveler to visit.
As mentioned above, Turtle Lake in Tbilisi is located on the northern slopes of the Mtatsminda mountain range, at an elevation of 686 meters above sea level. Since Turtle Lake is situated in Georgia’s most important city, it attracts many visitors, especially in the warm season when you can enjoy the best and most exciting summer activities there.
Due to the high number of visitors, you’ll find many restaurants, cafes, as well as numerous sports and recreational events in the area. Interestingly, despite its name, there are no turtles living in Turtle Lake. The locals believe the lake resembles a turtle from above, which is why it is called Turtle Lake.
Tbilisi Turtle Lake covers an area of about 34,000 square meters, with roughly 400 square meters occupied by the lake itself. Its depth is about 1.7 meters. Many visitors refer to it as a small mountain reservoir.
The lake’s water is supplied by the Varazis Khevi river, a tributary of the Kura River. Rainwater and underground springs also contribute to its water supply. Interestingly, this lake was originally formed by a landslide—a natural event responsible for the formation of many lakes worldwide, including Churet and Gahar Lakes in Iran.
Around Tbilisi Turtle Lake, many sports and recreational events are held, mostly beginning with the arrival of summer. Popular activities include children’s playgrounds, summer cafes, swimming, professional concerts around the lake, and various other events, making Turtle Lake a favorite attraction. Beyond its stunning nature, the area is beloved by locals and tourists alike for its events and natural resources.
Given its geographical location, Turtle Lake shares Tbilisi’s semi-tropical and humid climate. Summers are warm, and winters are quite cold. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the scenery is at its finest, and the city sees more travelers. Summer is lively with numerous festivals and events, ideal for those who enjoy energetic activities. Winter visits are not recommended due to the harsh cold weather that limits enjoyment of the scenery.
If your trip is planned for spring or summer, bring walking shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, a mat, lightweight cotton clothing, and if you enjoy active play, don’t forget to bring sports gear.
For autumn and winter trips, prepare fire-starting tools, appropriate walking shoes for snow or rain, gloves, hats, and warm clothing suitable for cold weather.
Located west of Tbilisi city center, the cheapest and quickest way to reach Turtle Lake is by taxi. Other options include buses, private cars, and the metro.
Address: Georgia, western areas of Tbilisi, Vake district.
In 2016, the Zika virus, which affects fetal nervous systems, spread in this area. To prevent the disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, Georgian authorities introduced mosquito-eating fish into the lake’s water, effectively controlling the mosquito population and reducing the disease risk.
From the eastern side of the lake, you can view the city’s main landmark — the national stadium.
Nearby attractions include Vake Park, located 3.8 km from Turtle Lake, and an open-air ethnographic museum about 1.2 km away, which you can visit after Turtle Lake.
