Lake Van, also known as the Van Sea because of its 3760 square km area, is approximately 7.6 times larger than Lake Constance. The lake originated in the Tertiary period when the east Anatolian high plateau folded and formed a depression which then filled with water. Its present shape was formed when the Nemrut volcano on the western shore erupted and the lava flow divided the lake floor in two. Lake Van is an enclosed soda lake, without outlet rivers, with a high potassium and sodium salt content. Characteristic of the lake is the Lake Van carp which swim up the freshwater feeder rivers in their thousands to spawn. Three other fish species have been discovered in recent times. Numerous rivers and streams flow into the lake. The lake is fringed to the west by a few aspen woods, but is otherwise surrounded by steppe and mountains over 4000m high. The area is thinly populated, only Van itself has developed into a city. The region has a continental climate; in winter it often snows and in the spring it often rains - sometimes heavily until June. July and August are dry months. Because of its altitude, it never gets too hot.

Holiday Resort Lake Van
Our Holiday Resort Lake Van, which was originally built similarly to a Kurdish camp, stands on a small peninsula with sand and pebble beaches. Nearby is a small freshwater lake rich in bird life. The holiday chalets are built in keeping with the style of the local villages. Altogether there are six chalets with 12 ensuite rooms, each with a covered terrace and a view of the lake.