Göygöl — the blue lake ringed by forest below Mt Kapaz

National park · Azerbaijan

Göygöl National Park

The blue lake born of an earthquake, below the cliffs of Mount Kapaz

Region

Ganja-Dashkasan

Area

12,755 ha

Established

2008

Best season

May – Oct

Göygöl — the “Blue Lake” — is Azerbaijan’s most photographed protected landscape. It formed in 1139 when a massive earthquake collapsed part of Mount Kapaz and dammed the Ağsu river, leaving a deep, startlingly clear lake ringed by forest at around 1,550 m.

The park was Azerbaijan’s first, originally protected in 1925, re-established in 2008. It is an easy, beautiful day: forest trails, walks along the lakeshore, birdwatching and photography, with the grey wall of Kapaz rising behind the water.

What to see

›The lakeshore loop with Kapaz behind

›Forest trails through beech and oak

›Clear-water reflections at first light

›Nearby smaller lakes (Maralgöl)

Activities available

Hiking

Forest and lakeshore trails, gentle to moderate.

Lake walks

The easy shoreline circuit — the classic visit.

Birdwatching

Forest and water birds.

Photography

Best light early morning on the still water.

When to go

SpringGood

Fresh green forest and full water; cool and clear.

SummerGood

Warm, popular; the prime visiting season.

AutumnGood

Beech forest turns gold around the lake.

WinterLimited

Snow and limited access; often closed.

Gallery

◫