Uludağ is a mountainous area in the Bursa Province of Turkey. The area plays host to a popular ski resort during winter months and during summer, visitors venture to the mountain and national park to view wildlife and to enjoy camping and trekking activities.
Uludağ has two sides, where one is an unspoilt area of hills, forests and rocky terrain and the opposite is used for winter sports. The mountain was one of twenty which were originally known as Mysian Olympos. The landscape overlooks the city of Bursa, the peaks accessible via gondolas from the foot of the mountain. Outdoor adventurers will adore the different types of vegetation on the lower slopes, with laurel, chestnut and beech trees in the forests and lining the picturesque the alpine meadows. Visitors may be able to see a variety of wildlife, as Uludağ is home to deer, bears, wolves and eagles. Uludağ winter sports resort first opened in the 1940s and is the oldest in Turkey. Visitors can rent ski equipment on the mountain for a reasonable price each day. Families and travellers who wish to take a picnic or grab a bite to eat can do so in one of the many kiosks or commercial establishments on the mountainside. Although it is more expensive than Bursa, snacks and drinks are available for hungry and thirsty adventurers. There are open air cook-it-yourself restaurants around the Sarialan area, Turkish families purchase meat and rent a charcoal grill. Everyone can enjoy a glorious outdoor barbeque with spectacular views.
Many locals tend to drive up the mountain, however, during winter months this can be quite treacherous, and tyre chains are required. One of the best ways to reach Uludağ is via the Bursa Teleferik, taking around 25 minutes to reach Sarialan station. The gondolas can hold 30 people that are ideal for large parties travelling together. Alternatively, there are 15 person dolmuşes which operate from Bursa city centre that don’t depart at specific times, as they prefer to wait until they are at full capacity. Those who are prepared to wait will find this a cheap way to travel to the furthest points of the mountain.
Uludağ has, throughout history, changed hands several times. Firstly, the Romans took ownership, the Byzantines and finally the Ottomans. During mediaeval times Uludağ was a hermitage used by Christian monks, it was also known at the time as “Mountain of the Monks”. The views and abundance of flora, fauna and winter sports attract visitors from all over the world, any time of the year.