Turtle Lake

Turtle Lake (in Georgian "Kus Tba") is a cozy mountain oasis and one of the most favorite recreation spots of Tbilisi residents. The lake is nestled on the forested northern slope of Mount Mtatsminda at an altitude of nearly 700 meters above sea level, right above Vake Park. The body of water received its name due to the abundance of turtles that once lived in these parts, as well as thanks to the shape of the shoreline, resembling the outline of a turtle from a bird's-eye view.

A thoroughly rustic atmosphere reigns here: the fresh mountain air is steeped in the scent of pine needles, and the temperature in summer is always a couple of degrees cooler than in the bustling downtown streets. A convenient path around the lake stretches for about one kilometer, an ideal route for a leisurely promenade, morning jog, or walk with a four-legged friend. During warm weather, a landscaped relaxation area with sun loungers operates by the water, and catamarans or boats can be rented at the pier.

Cozy cafes, restaurants, and open-air terraces with beautiful views of the water surface and forested slopes are open along the shore. Here it is pleasant to drink a cup of coffee, have a khachapuri snack, or watch the sunset. Children's playgrounds are set up along the promenade for toddlers, and literally two steps from the lake is the entrance to the Georgian Open Air Museum of Ethnography, making it very convenient to combine both locations into one eventful weekend itinerary.

Admission to the lake territory is free and open 24/7. The most pleasant and fastest way to get here is to take the cable car directly from Vake Park: a vintage cabin will take you to the top in just 5 minutes, and fare is paid with a standard transport card. You can also easily reach the lake by taxi from the center of Tbilisi in 10-15 minutes or hike up along a forest trail from Vake Park.