National Parks

Home to the world's greatest concentration of mud volcanoes, the landscape around Baku might be described as messy, bubbling, and sometimes explosive. The country is thought to have nearly 400 mud volcanoes and while they never grow to the size of a normal volcano, topping out at around 10 kilometres in diameter and 700 metres in height (among the largest mud volcanoes in the world are Boyuk Kanizadag and Toraghai, both in Azerbaijan), they do occasionally get the chance to show off.

Mud volcanoes occur where tectonic movement allows subterranean gases to escape to the surface. A few of these gas leaks are constantly on fire, shooting small perpetual flames into the air, and some believe that these perpetual flames are strongly connected to the appearance of Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan about 2,000 years ago. Located a 1.5-hour drive from Baku, the mud volcanoes at Dashgil near the Gobustan Reserve are the most popular to visit. Entrance is free, however a short taxi ride from the Gobustan Reserve may cost about 20 AZN.

Surrounded by such outstanding mountain vistas and unique flora and fauna, there is no better way to appreciate the magic of Guba’s many mountain villages than on foot. Visitors are more than welcome to join eco-friendly hiking tours through settlements such as Griz, Galakhudat, Laza and Khinalig located near the Shahdag National Park and its iconic peak, Mount Shahdag. You’ll be able to experience the majestic landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains and its multi-ethnic peoples accompanied by experienced guides who will be happy to share local stories and traditions.

Thirty kilometres from the city of Goygol, visit the Goygol National Park for its stunning, crystal-clear lakes, the largest of which is Lake Goygol. Sitting 1,500 metres above sea level surrounded by lush forests in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, many consider Goygol (meaning Blue Lake) to be Azerbaijan’s most beautiful lake. It formed after an earthquake in 1139 sent rocks tumbling from the peak of Mount Kapaz, which towers above adding drama to the wonderful scenery. Given its beauty, Lake Goygol has long been a source of inspiration for Azerbaijani artists, musicians and writers, including the great Nizami Ganjavi who lived in the region in the 12th century.

Bordered by the Caspian Sea and the lush Talysh Mountains, Lankaran is ideally placed between two of Azerbaijan’s best nature reserves. The swamps of the Gizil Aghaj reserve on the Caspian coast just north of Lankaran city are famous for being home to a multitude of water birds, not least the flamingo which migrates here from Africa each winter. Meanwhile, the vast Hirkan National Park spreads throughout the Lankaran and Astara regions. It’s a botanist's paradise home to a huge variety of trees, including ancient iron trees that survived the last ice age as well as the very endangered Caucasian leopard. Over a dozen marked routes offer great hiking opportunities, some with lunch stops and tea breaks along the way in timeless local villages.