Mazandaran Province: Forests, Lakes and Cultural Heritage

Iran’s highest mountain is also part of the province’s landscape: Mount Damavand lies in Mazandaran Province. The following destinations offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Forests, Lakes and Landscapes

Lafur Forest is part of the ancient Hyrcanian forests and is one of the province’s natural attractions. It covers approximately 800 hectares. It includes, among other features, Tirkan Waterfalls, Eskelym Waterfall and Gazou Waterfall, as well as Espar Cave. Those interested in forest landscapes and waterfalls will find several named natural attractions within this forest area.

At Shurmast Lake, you can combine different water-related interests: the lake covers 15,000 square meters. Activities there include fishing, boating, water skiing, swinging, horseback riding and cycling; you can also walk in the surrounding forests. Swimming is prohibited at Shurmast Lake. Keep this restriction in mind when planning your visit.

Valasht Lake is described as one of the province’s largest freshwater lakes and is fed by underground springs. It is also listed as a natural site in Iran’s Natural Heritage List. Visitors interested in boating and fishing will find another option there. Fishing quotas apply; check the current restrictions in advance.

Namakabrud Forest Park offers a different perspective on forests and water: its cable car runs from the coast to the summit of Medoben. From a height of 970 meters, the Namakabrud cable cars offer panoramic views of the forest and the Caspian Sea. The route and views therefore differ considerably from a visit to a lakeshore.

Gardens, Archaeology and History

The Abbas Abad Historical Complex in Behshahr is a garden and lake complex. Shah Abbas Safavid ordered its construction in 1612. In 2011, the complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with eight other gardens, under the title “Persian Garden.” Its gardens, lake and historical context offer several aspects to shape your interest in a visit.

Gohar-Tappeh, a prehistoric archaeological site and settlement dating to the Copper and Stone Ages, is also located in Behshahr. The Marmar Palace in Ramsar offers a different historical perspective: it was built in 1316 in the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar, during the reign of Pahlavi I. After the Islamic Revolution, the palace became the property of the Mostazafan Foundation and opened to visitors as a museum. Check whether the palace is currently open to visitors before you go.

The Farahabad Historical Complex includes remains from the Safavid period, spanning 1501 to 1736. These include a mosque, a school, parts of a bridge, a palace and a bathhouse. Another historic structure is Shah Abbasi Bridge, a partially ruined brick bridge over the Tajan River. The two sites offer different ways to explore architectural remains: Farahabad includes several types of buildings, while the bridge is described as a single structure.

For families considering leisure activities as part of their trip, Dreamland Amusement Park in Ramsar has eleven rides suitable for all age groups, as well as a 6D cinema. These details describe the park’s facilities; check current access arrangements before visiting.

Regional Cuisine and Handicrafts

Regional specialties and handicrafts can also shape your travel plans. Mazandaran dishes include Ashe Kadu and Kuyi Pla, also called pumpkin sweet, as well as Mazandarani sour chicken. It is important to distinguish this from Gilani sour chicken: local herbs and walnuts are associated with the Gilani version, not the Mazandarani dish. Rice is very popular among the people of Mazandaran.

The province’s clay-rich soils are linked to the development of pottery and the production of ceramic vessels. Kilim weaving is also considered an ancient handicraft in Mazandaran.

Discover More Destinations

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