Southern Azerbaijan is full of green mountains, tea fields, and peaceful coastal towns. For Swedish tourists, it’s a quiet break from busy cities and crowded tourist spots. The best way to explore this part of the country is by renting a car. Public transport is rare in the south, and many nature spots are far from big towns. Here, we will guide you through the full drive. You’ll start in Baku, head south to Lankaran, and then enter the deep forest of Hirkan. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this drive worth it.
Southern Azerbaijan offers a mix of coastal charm, forested mountains, and quiet countryside. The region stretches from the Caspian shoreline in Lankaran to the thick woods of Hirkan. Here’s why driving is the best way to experience this diverse and peaceful region.
Driving gives you full control of your trip. You can stop when you want, take photos, and reach places that buses don’t go. On the Baku to Lankaran route, the coastal highway (M3) passes through open fields, sea views, and small local towns. You can stop in Masalli for tea or shop for local fruits on the roadside.
In southern Azerbaijan, many nature spots sit far from the main roads. Hirkan National Park, for example, sits about 30 minutes inland from Lankaran. It’s a dense forest area that public buses don’t reach. Taxi rides here are expensive, especially if you want to stop and explore different sections of the forest. Renting a car in Azerbaijan gives you freedom to go deeper into the park and visit quiet forest roads, picnic sites, and trails.
This part of the country is best to visit from April to early November. In spring, the route from Baku to Lankaran is lined with blooming trees and fresh green hills. However, these roadside views are easy to miss on a bus. Renting a car lets you slow down or pull over to enjoy them. In summer, the Caspian breeze near Lankaran offers relief from the inland heat. You can drive to shaded forest picnic areas inside Hirkan.
Most Swedish travelers will likely pick up their rental car in Baku, where the journey begins. The drive from Baku to Lankaran takes about 3 hours via the Alat-Astara-Iran Highway (E119/M3). Roads are paved and wide, with scenic sea views along parts of the route.
From Lankaran to Hirkan National Park, the drive takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes, covering 52.2 kilometers. The final stretch winds into the thick forested slopes of the Talysh Mountains, where Hirkan’s entrance is located. Signposts become fewer as you near the forest, so using an offline map or GPS is helpful. The road remains drivable, but it gets narrower and more rural as you approach the park’s gates.
Most rental cars in Azerbaijan are booked and picked up in Baku, especially at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Some small providers operate in Lankaran, but availability may be limited. Book in advance to secure your preferred vehicle type.
Swedish travelers must present a valid Swedish driver’s license, a passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most companies require a credit card to hold a security deposit. Check if your rental includes comprehensive insurance and whether off-road driving is covered.
A compact SUV is ideal for this route. It’s fuel-efficient with enough ground clearance for uneven rural roads. Make sure the vehicle has air conditioning, spare tires, and a navigation system or GPS. Fuel stations are frequent along the M3 highway but much less common in remote forest zones. Always refuel in Lankaran before entering Hirkan. Cell service may be weak in the forest, so download offline maps and carry a basic emergency kit.
Lankaran is a coastal city in southern Azerbaijan, located near the border with Iran and west of the Caspian Sea. It’s along the M3 highway, making it a common stop for road trips heading toward the Hirkan Forest. The city has a humid subtropical climate that supports lush tea plantations and citrus groves year-round.The city also lies near natural hot springs and forest reserves. Here are some sites to include in your visit:
Located in the city center, the remains of Lankaran Fortress date back to the 18th century, when the city served as the capital of the Talysh Khanate. The most notable part of the site is the old prison building, located near the lighthouse. This structure is now a protected monument, known for holding political prisoners. You can’t go inside, but the exterior offers a powerful glimpse into the region’s turbulent history. Walk around the area to see how old stonework mixes with newer buildings and street markets.
This scenic reservoir is one of Lankaran’s most peaceful natural spots. Located west of the city near the foothills, it’s surrounded by forested slopes and tea houses. You can relax at one of the traditional tea spots along the shore, where 12 AZN usually gets you a full tea set and snacks. The view over the water, especially in the late afternoon, is calm and photo-worthy. While swimming is not allowed, many locals come here for fresh air, quiet walks, or a short drive out of the city. It's a good stop if you're exploring the area by car and want to enjoy a slower pace with local flavor.
The Xan Evi, also called the House of the Khan, is a historic building tied to the rulers of the Talysh Khanate. This residence showcases traditional architecture with thick stone walls and interior courtyards. Though small, the museum inside tells the story of the Talysh people and their local leaders. Some displays include old household items, photos, and documents.
Hirkan National Park is one of the most unique nature spots in Azerbaijan. It protects trees that once grew across Europe and the Caucasus but now survive only in this region. The forest feels untouched, with heavy air, deep quiet, and ancient trees like ironwood, boxwood, and chestnut-leaved oak.
About 90% of the park’s 40,000 hectares are still covered in virgin deciduous forest. Thanks to the mild subtropical climate, the park stays green and full of life throughout the year. Swedish travelers who enjoy hiking or peaceful nature walks will find this forest rare and memorable.
Before entering the main forest area, stop at the Hirkan National Park Visitor Center, located near the park’s main road. The center includes maps, species displays, and educational exhibits on the park’s rare biodiversity. Here, you can learn about relict tree species like Gleditschia tricanthos and Zelkova and local fauna like the Caucasian leopard. While this stop helps plan your hike, note that the center is often closed on weekends, even during peak travel seasons.
Most of the park lies in the Talysh Mountains, where hiking trails follow the forest’s natural changes in elevation. Lower zones feature ironwood, chestnut-leaved oak, and sedge, while higher slopes shift to peanut forests and Silk acacia. These unmarked trails are ideal for self-guided hikers who want to experience endemic plants like Buxus Hirkana, Dryopteris, and Ruscus Hirkanus. Some trees date back millions of years, forming part of a living Tertiary-period forest.
The park is a sanctuary for many Red Book species. Large mammals include the Caucasian leopard, lynx, brown bear, wild boar, red fox, roe deer, and jungle cat. Birdwatchers can spot black stork, imperial eagle, Talish pheasant, and bearded vulture—among more than 118 bird species found here. You might also encounter rare insects like the Talysh brahmaea and Dorcadion talyshense, and amphibians like the Syrian garlic frog or Caucasian cruciferous frog.
Hirkan National Park features over 100 natural and cultural monuments. One of the most popular forest monuments lies near Züngüləş village in the Astara district. These sites help visitors understand the park’s geological history and showcase well-preserved examples of Hirkan-type forests. They’re also great spots for quiet picnics or forest photography away from busier hiking zones.
Thanks to the area’s proximity to the Caspian Sea and rich biodiversity, Hirkan is a key part of Azerbaijan’s growing ecotourism network. Over 15 mountain hiking routes have been created, and new paths are under development. These trails often pass through villages on the forest edge, where you can learn about traditional plant use, buy hand-collected herbs, or talk with locals who live in harmony with the forest. This cultural layer adds depth to your trip while supporting sustainable tourism.
Swedish tourists in Azerbaijan should prepare for different driving and travel conditions. Road signs may be in Azerbaijani or Russian, and local drivers often ignore speed limits. Always wear seatbelts, avoid night driving outside cities, and download an offline map in case cell service cuts out. Fuel stations on major highways are reliable, but in rural zones, they may not accept card payments. Keep some cash ready. Tolls are rare, but you might be stopped at police checkpoints. Just show your documents and rental papers if asked.
Local customs can feel different, especially in southern towns like Lankaran. People may seem reserved, but are usually kind and curious. Dress modestly, especially in villages or forested areas near mosques and cultural sites. It’s polite to accept tea if offered. It’s a big part of the culture. Restaurants often don’t serve alcohol unless clearly marked. If you’re vegetarian, ask in advance. Many dishes contain meat or broth even if it’s not listed.
Pack lightweight but modest clothes for the hot months from May to September. Bring walking shoes for forest hikes and a light jacket for cooler evenings in the mountains. Carry insect repellent if visiting the Hirkan National Park. Many areas lack tourist facilities, so bring extra water, snacks, and a printed travel plan. English is not widely spoken outside Baku, so basic phrases or a translation app will help.
A nature trip to southern Azerbaijan offers Swedish travelers a rare glimpse of the country’s quiet, untouched side. It’s a journey filled with forest walks, wildlife sightings, and peaceful mountain views—far from the usual tourist spots. To make your trip easier, book your rental car through Final Rentals. You can pick up your car in Baku or other cities, and choose from reliable vehicles that suit your route. With instant booking and helpful support, you can drive in Azerbaijan stress-free.
