Lake Van is Turkey’s largest lake and one of the largest soda lakes in the world — a vast, still expanse of slightly alkaline water surrounded by volcanic peaks and glaciated mountains that reaches depths of over 450 metres. The city of Van on its eastern shore has been continuously inhabited for over four thousand years.
The region’s extraordinary history includes the Urartu kingdom (900–600 BC), Armenian kingdoms and medieval empires, all of which left monuments of astonishing quality across the province.
- Region
- Eastern Anatolia
- Lake altitude
- 1,640 m
- Best months
- May–Sep
- Known for
- Van breakfast, Van cats
Van Castle
The great Rock of Van rises 100 metres above the lake shore, its flanks carved with cuneiform inscriptions in the Urartian language and pierced by rock-cut tombs of Urartu kings. The citadel at its summit was one of the most formidable fortresses of the ancient Near East.
The remains of Old Van city, destroyed in World War I, are preserved as an open-air museum beside the rock — mosques, madrasas and the old bazaar streets left as ruins in the scrubland.
Akdamar Island — the Armenian church
A short boat ride from the southern shore brings you to Akdamar Island and the Church of the Holy Cross (Surp Haç), built in 921 AD by the Armenian king Gagik I of Vaspurakan. Its exterior is covered in extraordinary carved relief scenes from the Bible.
The lake stretches to the mountains in every direction from the island. It is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Turkey.
Lake Van
The lake’s alkaline chemistry means it never freezes in winter and turns a remarkably intense turquoise-blue in summer. The water feels slightly soapy and you float more easily than in the sea. Beaches are found at Edremit and around the southern shore.
The Van cat — a rare breed with white fur and often odd-coloured eyes — is famously associated with this region. The Van Cat House at Yüzüncü Yıl University is dedicated to breeding and preserving the species.
Van in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Van
2Van is famous for Lake Van (Turkey's largest lake), the ancient Urartu castle, the Armenian church on Akdamar Island, the legendary Van breakfast and the rare Van cat.
May to September is ideal — the lake is at its best and the mountain roads to the province's monasteries and waterfalls are accessible.