History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Historical Hersek Lighthouse and Coastal Park is a historical lighthouse and coastal observation area built by French lighthouse engineers in 1863 during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz, on Hersek Cape, the most strategic and narrow strait of the Gulf of Izmit. The lighthouse has been guiding ships and fishing boats voyaging between the Sea of Marmara and the Gulf of Izmit for more than a century; It is a living monument of our maritime history with its white cast tower and historical guardhouse. In sailor legends, it is said that thousands of sailors who took shelter in the bay by holding on to the light of the Herzegovina Lighthouse on stormy nights prayed for blessings to the lighthouse tower and its keepers. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located at sea level (altitude 3 meters) on the southern shore of the Gulf of Izmit, right next to the Hersek Lagoon Bird Sanctuary. It is surrounded by the cool waters of Marmara on one side and the protected lagoon lake where thousands of flamingos stay on the other side. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the Fener area and the seaside park is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.•Rules, Security and Baby Stroller/Disabled Access: Technical areas of the lighthouse should not be entered; Attention should be paid to environmental cleanliness along the coastline. Thanks to the flat beach promenade, it is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a coastal walking path, observation terraces, rest benches, a bicycle path and Herzegovina Lagoon facilities nearby. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Hersek Mahallesi, Fener Burnu Mevkii, Altınova / Yalova.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 4 km from Altınova district center and approximately 24 km from Yalova center; It is close to the Osmangazi Bridge exit and can be easily reached by passenger vehicles via a double asphalt road.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can reach Fener coastal road by Hersek village minibuses departing from Altınova district center; 5 minutes walk from the bus stop.•Parking Availability:There is a large and free car parking area at the entrance of the seaside park. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Points and Frames:Angles that combine the historical white lighthouse tower and the architectural silhouette of the Osmangazi Bridge rising behind it in the same frame should be photographed.•Light and Shooting Hours:In the evening sunset hours, the sun setting over the bay leaves wonderful golden tones on the lighthouse tower.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Fresh Marmara horse mackerel, fried mussels, famous Altınova kiwi and kiwi jam should be tried on the Altınova coast.