The wall of flames that never goes out
On the limestone slope of a hill on the Absheron Peninsula, a ledge about ten metres wide unleashes a continuous wall of flames. They burst directly from the rock, with no visible source, across a stretch roughly ten to twelve metres long.
The flames sometimes rise up to three metres high. Getting close to the fire delivers intense heat, proving that the phenomenon is far from just a visual trick.
Why visit Yanar Dag
What you see burning is not a fire tended by human hands, but a natural gas leak escaping from the ground and burning continuously. The name of the site, Yanar Dag, literally translates to mountain of fire.
In the past, the entire mountain burned, serving as a natural beacon for ships navigating the nearby Caspian Sea. The fire has since concentrated on this small section of the hillside.
A flame that proved impossible to put out
During World War II, the flames served as a navigation landmark for German aircraft. Attempts were made to put them out: the burned area was temporarily reduced, but the fire could never be completely extinguished.
The site was designated a State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve on May 2, 2007, and placed under the management of the State Tourism Agency. A small museum on site provides details about the phenomenon, and benches let visitors sit and quietly watch the spectacle.
Friendly tip: the site is particularly photogenic at sunrise or after nightfall, when the contrast between the flames and the sky stands out much more than during daylight hours.
Best for
- A quick natural curiosity to add to an Absheron Peninsula itinerary
- Photography enthusiasts, especially at sunrise or at night
Less suited for
- Visitors in wheelchairs or with strollers
How long for this activity
Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour to walk around the site, watch the flames, and check out the small museum.
*Information subject to change
Yanar Dag is an area located near Baku where flames shoot up in a completely natural way. The sight is pretty impressive. I recommend coming at nightfall, since the flames seem even bigger.