be inspiredby Lake Goygol
Situated 30km south of the small city of Goygol, the Goygol National Park was established to protect a series of stunning lakes in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The largest of them is Goygol, whose name translates as 'Blue Lake' and reflects the purity of the water. Lying 1,500 metres above sea level and surrounded by pristine forests, Goygol is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the country.
It also has interesting origins: it formed as a result of a huge earthquake in 1139 that sent rocks tumbling down from the peak of Mount Kapaz, blocking the Akhsu river below. Mount Kapaz still stands proudly beyond the lake, adding drama to the awe-inspiring scenery. Thanks to that, Goygol has been a source of inspiration for Azerbaijani artists, musicians and writers for centuries – including the legendary Nizami Ganjavi, who resided in nearby Ganja in the 12th century.
In addition to admiring Lake Goygol, visitors to the Goygol National Park can explore a number of ecotourism trails leading to local beauty spots. For example, one popular route goes to Lake Maragol, which is smaller than Goygol but more secluded and equally picturesque. Meanwhile, more experienced hikers can follow the 20km-long route to the top of Mount Kapaz. The park is also noteworthy for its rich flora and fauna.
