In this article, we will discover how to visit the incredible burning mountain known as Yanar Dag near Baku in Azerbaijan.
Yanar Dag is a burning mountain (actually a small hill) situated in the Absheron Peninsula 25km north of the capital Baku. This incredible display is like the little brother of the Door to Hell in Turkmenistan across the Caspian Sea.
A fire blazes continuously from natural gas deposits in the hillside. Azerbaijan has a long history when it comes to all things fiery, rooted in the early Zoroastrian religion and its worship of fire.
Flames have been burning on this peninsular since the times of Marco Polo and he observed the fires on his visit to the peninsula in the 13th Century.
How Long has Yanar Dag Been Burning?
This unique phenomenon has been attracting visitors for centuries. The natural gas deposit has been burning here for at least seven hundred years with records dating to the 13th Century!
Where is Yanar Dag?
The hillside is located on the Absheron Peninsula of the Caspian Sea 25 kilometres north of Baku in Azerbaijan.
Getting to Yanar Dag from Baku:
By Car
Yanar Dag is located on the Binagadi-Balakhany Highway some 20km from central Baku. If you have a hire car or are lucky enough to know someone with a car in Baku, then the trip takes around 25 minutes.
By Bus
Take bus 217 from Koroglu Metro Station (40 minutes) and stay on the bus until the final stop. You can also take bus 147 from Azadliq Metro Station (30 minutes). Cost is .50 Manat.
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Why is Azerbaijan the Land of Fire?
Azerbaijan is a country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia on the old Silk Road and is a rich and rewarding place to visit.
A mix of European, Eastern and Persian influences create a stunning capital in Baku where the architecture, food and history vie for your attention.
What’s more, the city is also home to some stunning sandy beaches of the Caspian Sea which glitters under the sparkling skyscrapers built from oil wealth.
In addition to oil, Azerbaijan has large deposits of natural gas which has led to the burning mountain and mud volcanoes that are dotted around the country.
Azerbaijan is an up-and-coming country thanks to its natural resources, but it retains an old charm and an almost Mediterranean pace of life alongside the glitz and glamour.
It’s like a more sensible and friendly version of Dubai. And so it is that this wonderful country hides some incredible sites for those willing to look. One of these being Yanar Dag!
Burning Mountain Azerbaijan: Yanar Dag
Like Turkmenistan across the sea, Azerbaijan is blessed with vast natural gas and oil deposits which make this unique phenomenon possible. Legends abound about how this particular hill was set ablaze; the most recent being that a farmer set it off with a discarded cigarette.
A trip to the “Fire Mountain” will also reward the visitor with rolling green pastures overlooking Baku to the south. To the north you can see the pristine beaches of the Caspian.
The views really are spectacular and the best time to come is definitely just before the sun starts to set. Once it starts to get dark, the mountain comes into its own and the warmth and noise of the flames will leave you mesmerized!!
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Entrance Fee & Yanar Dag Opening Hours
The ticket cost is 3 Manat. You can book online with a tour from Baku or buy direct at the site.
Our partners at Get Your Guide offer some fantastic tours which include Yanar Dag:
Yanar Dag & Zorastrian Temple Tour – Book here
Yanar Dag & Gobustan Tour – Book here
Opening Times: 09:00 – 18:00 seven days a week.
For more information visit the official Website (which is in Azeri, but has English and Russian translations).
Things to do in Baku
Baku is a fine city with many wonderful attractions, such as the Palace of Shirvan Shahs, Maidens Tower and wonderful Caspian beaches. Check out my Baku Guide or this list of 20 Things to Do in Baku from Backpack Adventures.
Where to stay in Baku
Looking for a hotel or hostel in Baku? Have a look at Booking.com who has a list of over 2,000 properties in the city from basic to five-star hotels, or for budget accommodation head over to Hostelworld.com!
Getting to Baku
Conclusion
Yanar Dag Azerbaijan is a fantastic day trip from Baku and highlight’s the country’s legend as the “land of fire”. Combine a trip to the burning mountain with a visit to the beautiful beaches and national parks of the Absheron Peninsula.
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About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲