Eternal Fire on a Restless Mount: Some Blazing Facts About Yanar Dag In Azarbaijan

No matter how you look at it, a mountain that is constantly on fire, without any human intervention, is a strange and probably creepy phenomenon. When you stand in front of flames that “dance” from the ground year after year, it’s hard not to be amazed. Questions already arise about how exactly this happens, what exactly is the power that fuels the fire, and why does it happen here in particular?

Not long ago, we wrote about the Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan, known as “Gate of Hell”, where a fire has been burning nonstop since 1971, apparently due to human error. In the following review, we present a fascinating site in Azerbaijan, located between Russia and Iran. Yanar Dag (or ‘Yanar Dagh’) in Azerbaijan, also known as the “Burning Mountain” or the “Mountain of Fire”, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting sites in this context. It is a very popular tourist attraction, located just a short drive from the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, which attracts anyone seeking unusual natural phenomena, as well as attractions that manage to be both scary and intriguing.

What Is Yanar Dag?

Yanar Dag, which means “burning mountain” in Azerbaijani, is a natural gas site that has gained its fame for one crucial reason: it has a “wall” of flames that erupt from the ground and reach a height of about three and sometimes even 10 meters, depending on the gas pressure and atmospheric conditions.

What we see here are flames that burn continuously, and sometimes even out of control, coming from the surface through geological cracks and fractures. And it’s captivating and pretty unique, at least outside Uzbekistan.

Where Is Yanar Dag Located?

Yaner Dag lies on a peninsula called Absheron, about 25 kilometers north of Baku, at the foot of the Caspian Sea. This spectacular phenomenon attracts many visitors every year, who get more than just a visual treat. They can feel the heat that the fire gives off, and of course, smell the natural gas that evaporates from the earth.

The place was declared a state historical-cultural-natural reserve in 2007 by presidential decree, and since 2018, the Azerbaijan State Tourism Agency has managed it. Between 2017 and 2019, the site underwent a comprehensive renovation as part of the restoration of the tourist facilities.

How Long Has Yanar Dag Been Burning?

It is difficult to estimate exactly when everything started burning, unlike the Gate to Hell, where the conventional view refers to a specific time period; however, the assumption is that this is a natural phenomenon that has been occurring for hundreds or thousands of years.

It is essentially a fire that the earth created, sustains, and feeds, a fire that continues to burn even in rain, snow, and storms. One of the accepted theories is that although natural gas is pumped into the flames almost at any given moment, a spark or “match” was needed at some point to ignite the fire. The person who provided this match, according to accepted belief, was a shepherd who lit the earth in the 1950s, thereby contributing to the discovery of the natural gas reservoir.

Today, you can also visit the YanarDag Museum, which deals with the history and cultural phenomenon of the place from several angles, such as the game of light and shadow that will make you see your reflection in the form of flames of fire, or a modern installation by a local artist named Huseyn Hagverdiyev, entitled “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors”. You will also find in the area the open-air stone exhibition “Cromlex Stone Exhibition”, which displays stones in various shapes that served multiple functions in everyday life in the past.

The overall area of ​​​​the Fire Mountain is well-designed. An amphitheater with steps leads to the wall of flames, and at its top, there is a cafe, a souvenir shop, a small children’s play area, a workshop complex, and more. Beyond the amphitheater, a bridge leads to the top of the hill that overlooks the village below and the Caspian Sea on the horizon. The buildings were designed to minimize harm to the natural phenomenon, while allowing visitors to experience it comfortably and safely.

Why Is The Mountain Of Fire Burning?

The accepted explanation for the Yanar Dag phenomenon is the existence of an underground reservoir rich in hydrocarbons, mainly natural methane gas. The Absheron Peninsula, in general, is considered one of the wealthiest areas in Azerbaijan in terms of gas and oil deposits, with a particularly high concentration of natural gas. The gas erupts through porous layers of sandstone. When it comes into contact with the oxygen in the air and a natural ignition source (such as lightning or external heat), it ignites and creates flames that burn continuously.

A study by the Geological Survey of Azerbaijan found that the area of ​​maximum gas flow is located on the upper side of a geological fault, exactly where the flames are visible. The researchers hypothesized that the gas emission extends far beyond the visible area, and that there may well be a continuous microscopic leak along the entire fault line.

In addition to Yanar Dagh, there are other “eternal fire” sites in Azerbaijan. The Ateshgah of Baku, also known as the “Fire Temple of Baku”, is located on the Absheron Peninsula as well. The site has been used in previous centuries as a place of worship for Zoroastrians (an ancient Persian religion) and Sikhs. Unlike Yanar Dag’s natural flames, the Ateshgah fire was extinguished in the past due to overexploitation of natural gas during the Soviet era. Today, it is fed by unnatural gas supplied from the Baku pipeline for tourist demonstration purposes. The flames of Yanar Dag, on the other hand, have never gone out but continue to burn continuously, powerfully, and steadily, thanks to the natural gas flowing directly from the depths of the earth.

One Of The Symbols Of “The Land Of Fire”

The fact that these special places are found in Azerbaijan is far from surprising. The country was nicknamed “The Land of Fire”, and there are several excellent reasons for this. Many of the oldest and most active gas fields in the world are located within the territory of Azerbaijan, which provides it with an abundance of natural gas reserves that can burn continuously.

According to the findings, another hill on the other side of Yanar Dag also burned for several thousand years, with three flames created by a natural gas leak. However, several hundred years ago, these flames ceased to burn. The accepted opinion is that this fire was the clear inspiration for the symbol of the city of Baku, which includes three flames and the sea.

In the Yanar Dag region, another fascinating phenomenon occurs: the streams flowing near the Burning Mountain can also be ignited due to the high concentration of natural gas in their vicinity, which earned them the name “Yanar Bulak” (“burning springs”).

Azerbaijan is rich in vast reserves of natural gas and oil. At the beginning of the 20th century, more than half of the world’s oil came from this region. During World War II, for example, the Soviet Union’s oil production, which accounted for about three-quarters of the country’s total, was primarily sourced from Azerbaijan.

But the picture is really not limited to oil. The country has an extraordinary number of volcanic formations, including approximately 350 mud volcanoes, some of which are active, and several tens of millions of shekels in size. In Azerbaijan, you will find the most significant number of volcanoes of this type in the world, relative to the country’s relatively small area.

The Local Importance Of The Fire Mountain

In ancient times, the ancient Azerbaijanis worshipped fire as a deity, so much so that the meaning of the word “Azerbaijan” is actually “shield of fire”, or in fact “land of fire”. The local belief in Zoroastrianism, a religion that originated here approximately 3,500 years ago, embodies this connection excellently. Fire has been given an almost sacred status and has starred in many religious ceremonies and rituals. As a result, the importance of the place is evident, symbolizing the eternal fire and, according to the locals, proof that fire testifies to the power of nature.

Several famous historical travelers have documented this special phenomenon, or at least other fire displays, in what became the country of Azerbaijan. Alexandre Dumas, the renowned French author, described in one of his travels to the region a similar fire that he saw in the fire temples of the Zoroastrian religion (another ancient Persian religion, probably founded at the beginning of the first millennium BC in Central Asia). Marco Polo, the legendary Venetian traveler who visited the region in the 13th century, described a fire burning continuously throughout the country.

To this day, residents are very proud of these fiery phenomena in particular, and of the country’s almost eternal hotbeds of combustion in general. Anyone visiting Baku can immediately see this symbolism in the impressive exterior of the city’s famous Flame Towers. These are three skyscrapers designed in the shape of flames of fire, which have become a symbol of the modern side of Azerbaijan and reflect the deep historical connection between Azerbaijan and fire, as well as the connection between the past and the future. The construction of the towers lasted approximately five years, from 2007 to 2012, at an estimated cost of around $350 million. The three towers – Flame Tower 1, which is used for residential purposes and rises to a height of about 190 meters; Flame Tower 2, which serves as a hotel (about 160 meters); and Flame Tower 3, for office use, at a height of about 140 meters – are covered in glass. They contain approximately 10,000 LED lighting fixtures, which illuminate at night and during special events.

How Can You Visit Yanar Dag?

Day Trips And Tours (mostly From Baku)

The most popular and convenient option for most tourists is to take an organized tour. You can find dozens of offers for organized tours that combine Yanar Dag with other attractions in the area, such as the Atashga Fire Temple, the mud volcanoes in Gobustan, and the prehistoric cave paintings. The Caspian Sea coast in this area is also beautiful and pleasant, and you can dedicate an entire day to exploring it.

You can book these tours on popular booking sites, such as GetYourGuide and Viator, among others. These are very convenient platforms, offering fair prices and reliable service, with some cases providing the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity. Most tours include a pick-up from your hotel in Baku, an English-speaking guide, and sometimes a meal or light snacks along the way. The good news is that the tour prices are definitely very affordable, making them the natural choice for a large number of travelers.

Here are some of the most popular tours in the area, for quick booking:

Getting There On Your Own

Yaner Dag is located approximately 25 kilometers (a half-hour drive) north of Baku, at the exact address of Mehdiabad, Absheron Peninsula, Azerbaijan.

You can get to the place relatively easily. Some tourists choose to do it independently, usually by combining several public transportation routes. You can get on a bus and get off at the Mehdiabad station, from where you can reach the site itself in about a 10-15 minute walk or a very short taxi ride.

You can take a taxi or Bolt directly from Baku, which should not cost you too much: a reasonable amount is about 20-25 manat. Note that it is usually recommended to book a return trip in advance to avoid getting stuck.

Yanar Dag Ticket Price

Yanar Dag ticket prices, as of 2025, are:

🎟️ Tourists: 9 manat

🎟️ Locals: 2 manat

🎟️ Students: 1 manat (upon presentation of a document)

🎟️ Children under 12 and those with physical disabilities may enter free of charge, subject to presentation of appropriate documents

You can also book a guided tour lasting between two hours, in the local language (for 3 manat) or in other languages for 10 manat. Since prices are subject to change, we recommend checking the official website of the attraction before your visit.

Essential Tips Before Visiting Yanar Dag

What Are The Opening Hours Of Yanar Dag?

Since this is a regulated area, not just a natural site, you will need to adhere to the operating hours of the Young Dr complex.

The good news is that the site is open every day of the week, and during the summer months, it remains open until nighttime. Currently, the place is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00. During the summer months, as mentioned, you can expect extended hours.

How Much Time Should You Spend At Yaner Dag?

The visit to Yaner Dag itself is not particularly long. Most visitors spend about 30-45 minutes at the site itself, which is enough time to admire the flames, take pictures, and visit the small museum and the stone exhibition.

If you arrive independently, you can stay longer and enjoy the cafe and the view from the top of the hill. In the case of an organized tour that combines several attractions, the visit may be shorter.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Here?

The flames of Yanar Dag are particularly spectacular in the evening and at night, when the darkness highlights the orange-red glow of the fire. Many recommend arriving around sunset to see the place in two different lightings, in daylight and in the dark. Such times are when the phenomenon is at its creepiest and most impressive.

On the other hand, if you are combining other sites in the area or want to get an impressive panoramic view of the entire area, you can schedule your visit for earlier hours.

What Should You Wear?

You can definitely expect changeable weather, especially if you arrive during the winter or transition seasons. In summer, it can be very hot, especially near the flames, so it is a good idea to wear light, comfortable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. In winter, the weather can be cold and wet, and it is a good idea to bring a jacket.

Comfortable shoes are a must as there is walking on steps and a slightly uneven surface. In the evening, it is also a good idea to bring an extra layer of clothing.