Yanar Dag, Mountainous Shirvan Travel Guide

4 (1430)

Witness the eternal flames of Yanar Dag, a natural wonder fueled by Azerbaijan's rich natural gas reserves, offering a unique cultural and historical experience.

Yanar Dag, meaning "Burning Mountain," is a mesmerizing natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside on the Absheron Peninsula near Baku. This unique attraction draws visitors who come to witness the eternal flame, fueled by natural gas seeping through the earth's surface.

A brief summary to Yanar Dag

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Yanar Dag.

Visit in the evening or at night for the most captivating view of the flames against the dark sky.
Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as Yanar Dag is an outdoor site.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the site.
Consider combining your visit with nearby attractions like Gobustan National Park or Ateshgah Fire Temple.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Şirvan Azərbaycan

Şirvan Milli Parkı - Shirvan National Park

Bakı Türk şəhidliyi

Shirvan National Park

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Explore Yanar Dag on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Yanar Dag, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Yanar Dag from Baku by public transport, take the Baku Metro to Koroglu Station. From there, locate bus number 217 at the Koroglu Neqliyyat Mubadile Merkezi Bus Station. The bus ride to Yanar Dag takes approximately 40 minutes and costs 0.50 AZN. A BakiKart is required to pay for the bus, which costs 2 AZN and can be loaded with credits at any metro station. The bus will drop you off near Yanar Dag, and you may need to walk a short distance to the site.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing

A taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Bolt) from Baku city center to Yanar Dag is a convenient option. The journey typically takes 20-30 minutes. Expect to pay between 8-12 AZN for a one-way trip. It's advisable to agree on the fare with the driver beforehand if taking a regular taxi. Free parking is available near the entrance of Yanar Dag.

Discover more about Yanar Dag

Yanar Dag, or "Burning Mountain", is a fascinating natural wonder located approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Baku. This isn't a volcano, but rather a continuously burning natural gas fire erupting from a hillside. The flames, jetting up to 3 meters high from a porous sandstone layer, create a captivating spectacle, especially at night.The Absheron Peninsula, where Yanar Dag is located, has numerous oil and gas reserves. The fire is believed to have been ignited centuries ago due to geological changes and has been burning ever since. Some locals believe a shepherd accidentally started the fire with a cigarette in the 1950s. Historical accounts, including those by Marco Polo and Alexandre Dumas, mention numerous flames throughout the Absheron Peninsula.Yanar Dag holds cultural and historical significance. It's considered a sacred place by locals and Zoroastrians, who revere fire as a symbol of purity and divinity. For centuries, it has been a pilgrimage site, attracting people who believe the flames possess healing powers. Today, Yanar Dag is a protected historical preserve, attracting tourists worldwide. Visitors can explore the site, view the flames from a designated platform, and visit the modern Yanar Dag museum and open-air Cromlex stone exhibition.