Astara Steel Wetland

One of the most beautiful wetlands in Iran.

By traveling to the Steel Wetland, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the wetland, mountains, and forest together. This wetland is the first aquatic place in Iran where migratory birds stop. The Steel Wetland, known as the last remaining wetland of Astara County, covers about 138 hectares and is located at the northernmost point of Gilan Province. However, only about 48 hectares of it are covered with permanent water, and the rest of the wetland area fills and empties with water during different seasons of the year. This wetland is considered the first landing station for migratory birds in Iran and is called 'Hestel' in the Talysh language, meaning water reservoir. Astara Steel Wetland is one of the five exemplary tourist areas of Gilan Province, and hunting is prohibited there. This wetland is one of the most beautiful man-made wetlands in the world (1). Another feature of the wetland is the willow trees inside it, which sway in the water with the local winds, earning it the nickname of floating trees.

The most important bird to watch at the wetland is the Red-breasted Merganser. Alongside this rare bird, you can see birds such as cormorants, egrets, herons, cowbirds, white wagtails, and ducks that have come from cold regions. In total, about 10,000 birds land in this area each year and produce up to 4,500 chicks.