Lake Göygöl (Göygöl National Park)
Göygöl gölü
A brilliant blue mountain lake formed when the 1139 earthquake collapsed Kapaz Mountain and dammed the river. Surrounded by forest, it is one of Azerbaijan's most famous lakes.
Lake Göygöl lies about 30 km south of Ganja, in the Lesser Caucasus at an altitude of about 1556 m. In the 1139 Ganja earthquake, Kapaz Mountain collapsed and blocked the Agsu River, forming the lake. Its deep blue waters gave it the name “Blue Lake.” The surrounding area is designated Göygöl National Park. The forest also holds several other lakes formed the same way, such as Maralgöl (access is restricted in some areas). Visitors can walk the lakeshore trails and viewpoints to admire the lake and the collapsed Kapaz Mountain. It is much cooler here in summer than in the city. The national park charges a small entrance fee. From Ganja you can hire a car or take a taxi, about 1 hour one way, and you can stop at Goygol town (Helenendorf) along the way. The mountain air is cold, so bring a jacket.
Opening hours
Open during the day (approx. 09:00–18:00, seasonal)
Nearby sights
- Göygöl Town (Helenendorf)
- Javad Khan Street
- Khan's Garden
- Ganja State Philharmonic Hall
- Chokak Hamam
- Tomb of Javad Khan
- Shah Abbas Mosque (Juma Mosque)
- Alexander Nevsky Church