Turtle Lake

The basics

Turtle Lake isn’t a regular stop on standard sightseeing tours of Tbilisi. However, there are sightseeing tours that include Turtle Lake among the sightseeing in the hills over Tbilisi or venture out into the Didgori Valley. An hour at Turtle Lake is often enough time to admire the lake and walk up to the ridge viewpoint overlooking Turtle Lake for views of the lake and wider Tbilisi.

However, you’ll probably need longer if you also want to eat at one of the lakeside cafes and restaurants. After seeing the lake, visitors should follow the road down the hill a little way to the impressive Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography.

Things to know before you go

• A small selection of cafes, restaurants, and bars line the lakeshore.

• Visitors can take a zip line back down the hill.

• Bikes can be brought on the cable car for an additional fee.

• The cable car may not operate if the winds are too high.

• Some restaurants and paths by the lake are wheelchair accessible, but areas of the shore and the trail to the viewpoints are not.

How to get there

Turtle Lake is located on the hillside of Mount Mtatsminda in the Vake District, southwest of Tbilisi. The easiest way to the lake is to take the Turtle Lake Ropeway from Vake Park, while a hike up from the park can take at least an hour. Alternatively, you can drive your rental car or take a taxi and be there from the city center in 20–30 minutes.

When to get there

While you can always visit the lake, the cable car up doesn’t operate overnight. Expect Turtle Lake to be a little busier on the weekend as locals come to unwind, but because it’s not one of Tbilisi’s popular highlights, it generally shouldn’t be too busy. Stick around for the sunset views from its observation points if possible.

Outdoor attractions in Tbilisi

Tbilisi’s landscape, with its hills and lakes, creates just as many things to do for visitors as the city’s food, history, and culture. Mtatsminda Park, high above the old town with its giant Ferris Wheel, draws much attention among visitors looking for city views and nature walks. On the far side of the city, there’s also the Tbilisi Reservoir, home to beaches for swimming and water sports, and a water park.