For millions of years, the mighty mountain giant Kyapaz and the cold, clear Aksu River lay side by side but were never able to unite. That was until one day when the earth trembled, and the giant’s head was cast into the Aksu Gorge. This moment of seismic upheaval gave birth to 19 lakes. Among them, the largest—Maralgol, Garagol, Zeligol, and Ortagol—are well-known, with the stunningly beautiful Blue Lake of Goygol (Geigel) standing out like a precious gem.
Just like a person, these lakes have a birthdate—September 17, 1138. On this day, a powerful earthquake destroyed part of the Kyapaz Mountain and dammed the Aksu Gorge, forming the lakes. The earthquake also led to the creation of new springs and streams and reshaped the local landscape.
Today, the area surrounding the lakes and the wooded slopes of the Murovdag Ridge is a protected zone. Like the entire Lesser Caucasus, the Geigel Nature Reserve is covered in lush forests, making it a popular resort area. It’s no wonder that on the shores of Azerbaijan’s Blue Lake, President Ilham Aliyev chose to build his residence.
Located in the western part of the country, this lake is part of the eponymous national park, teeming with rich flora and fauna that will surely leave nature lovers in awe. While swimming is reserved for the more cold-resistant creatures, as even in August the water temperature doesn’t exceed 17°C, the breathtaking local landscapes more than make up for it.
The name Geigel translates from Azerbaijani as “Blue Lake,” a fitting description for its strikingly beautiful, transparent waters that remain clear even at great depths. Most tourists tend to visit the northern shore of the lake, where the namesake resort is situated.
Geigel is a small, elongated mountain lake stretching nearly 3 km, with a maximum width of 800 meters. As the lake is a dam formed in a gorge, its uneven bottom dips to a depth of 96 meters at its center. The only species of fish found in the lake is trout. This fish thrives only in clean, cold waters with fast-moving currents, as it requires high levels of oxygen. The reserve staff regularly releases trout fry into the lake, and only sport fishing is allowed here.
The flora and fauna surrounding the lake, however, are much richer. Dense forests, home to over 400 plant species, cover the lake’s slopes. The forests provide a habitat for more than 30 mammal species and a wide variety of birds. During migration seasons in spring and autumn, the number of birds swells as many migratory species stop to rest in this peaceful haven. Visitors can often spot white swans gracefully gliding across the pristine, mirror-like surface of the blue waters.
This high-altitude lake is a prime destination for eco-tourists, who can revel in the untouched beauty of nature. A well-maintained asphalt road leads to the lake, with entrance fees for the park. A viewing platform has also been built for tourists to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding park.
The Geigel area is not only notable for its national park and the lake but also holds a rich history. Since the 19th century, German colonists began settling here. On August 22, 1819, they founded the town of Elendorf on the site of the ancient village of Khanyghlar, which later became Khanlar. Today, the German legacy is carefully preserved, and visitors can see around 30 historical and architectural monuments left by the meticulous Teutons. In particular, the Lutheran Church (1854) and three bridges built by the Germans are worth seeing in Khanlar.
The local cultural heritage is also fascinating. In the village of Shahriyar, you can visit the Gabriel Temple (1674), while the Anagid Mausoleum in Chaykende, the Maiden’s Tower in Uchbulag, and the Bronze to Iron Age cemeteries in Gushgary and Balchily offer insights into the region’s long and diverse history.
Reaching the lake is simple, with direct bus services available from Baku or Ganja, stopping in the town of Geigel.