Welcome to "The Land of Fire"! Near Baku, on the Absheron Peninsula, lies one of Azerbaijan's most fascinating natural wonders: Yanar Dağ, or "Burning Mountain." This isn't a volcano or a campfire, but a hill from which natural gas flames have been seeping and burning ceaselessly for centuries.
Legend has it that these flames were accidentally created in the 1350s when a shepherd lit a cigarette. But the history of this phenomenon goes back much further. As early as the 13th century, the famous explorer Marco Polo described the flames emerging from the ground here in his writings.
Tip for cyclists & hikers:
The flames are impressive enough during the day, but after sunset, they become truly magical. The glow of the fire stands out beautifully against the dark sky, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. There are benches where you can rest and quietly enjoy this unique natural spectacle.