The town center of Sivrice lies between the foothills of 2,347-meter-high Mount Hazarbaba and the shore of Lake Hazar. The lake and mountain therefore help orient visitors in the area. Lake Hazar is a tectonic lake: it begins near Sivrice and extends eastward to the area around Gezin. For planning purposes, it is worth treating the town center and the wider lake as separate reference points.
If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Sivrice, you can first consider whether your stay will focus mainly on the lake, historic sites or seasonal activities.
Lake, Nature and History
Nearby is Batık Kent, a submerged former settlement covering 2.5 km². Historical remains are visible above the water’s surface; Batık Kent is registered as an archaeological site. Boat trips on Lake Hazar are offered to small islands and Batık Kent. A boat trip on the lake and the history of the former settlement thus offer different aspects to explore.
Kilise Adası is associated with a tradition: a monastery or church is said to have been built before the 11th century on an island near the southern shore of Lake Hazar. The building is also said to have features of a fortified castle or palace. This possible historical interpretation differs from Batık Kent’s archaeological registration.
Lake Hazar and its surroundings in the Gölbaşı Mevkii area were designated a natural area in 2021 for sustainable conservation and controlled use. The lake itself also has a distinctive character: mirror carp is among the particularly prized and frequently caught fish species. Sport fishing takes place on the shores of Lake Hazar.
Mountain Activities in Different Seasons
Nearby, Hazarbaba Adventure Park features a 1,000-meter-long zipline, a 12-meter-high giant swing and treetop adventure courses. These high-altitude activities offer a different focus from excursions on the lake.
Hazarbaba Ski Center is 6 km from Sivrice and can be reached via a 5 km paved road. From December to March, it has a slope suitable for skiing, a chairlift and a cafeteria. Road conditions can change seasonally; check them before setting out. Also check the ski center’s current dates before your trip.
A traditional outdoor hiking event is held on Mount Hazarbaba in the Sivrice district during the second week of May. Paragliding takes place on the mountain in summer. The timing therefore varies considerably: skiing is described for December to March, the hiking event for the second week of May, and paragliding for summer. Check the specific event dates for your trip.
Stays by the Lake and Events
There are municipal campsites on the shore of Lake Hazar, including a site for 200 vehicles and 100 tents. When choosing your accommodation, you can consider camping as a separate option alongside looking for a holiday apartment. The choice depends on whether your stay will focus more on lakeside living or on other excursions.
Cultural events are also part of the annual calendar by the lake: the International Hazar Poetry Evenings take place every year on the shore of Lake Hazar. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the specific date for your travel year.
Discover more destinations: Elazig, Akarbaşı Köyü, Güzelyalı, Naldöken Köyü, Altıoluk, Ilıncak Köyü, Karakoçan
For the main travel overview: Elazığ.
