Estil Wetland in Astara

One of the most important tourist attractions in Gilan Province is Estil Wetland in Astara. This wetland is one of the permanent freshwater wetlands in Iran and is under the supervision of the Environmental Protection Organization. With an area of 138 hectares, Estil Wetland is located seven kilometers away from Astara city, near Abbasabad village, on the road from Rasht to Astara. That's why it is also known as Estil Abbasabad Wetland.

In the local language, the wetland is called "Hestel," which means "water catchment." Another name for Estil Wetland of Astara is "Moving Wetland" or "Floating Trees Wetland" because of the floating reed beds in the wetland. Some also refer to it as Estil Lake. In 1384 SH, Estil Astara Wetland was selected as one of the top five tourist destinations in Gilan Province and was added to the list of tourist areas in Iran.

The water in Estil Wetland is supplied by rainfall and rivers originating from the surrounding mountains. However, some believe that the water is also supplied by springs in the wetland bed. Estil Wetland is the only water source for the irrigation of approximately 400 hectares of paddy fields surrounding it.

The beauty of Estil Astara Wetland makes it unique. It is surrounded by lush green forests, beautiful mountains, and agricultural lands filled with various crops. Migratory birds also come to the wetland in different seasons, enhancing its beauty with their flock flights. Rare bird species can sometimes be seen among the migratory birds. Some of these birds migrate from Central Europe, beyond the Caspian Sea, and polar regions to this area. Estil Wetland in Astara is abundant in diverse animals and bird species, hosting a total of 80 species of organisms and plants. A part of the population of Maral deer and Caucasian red deer live in this habitat. Please note that hunting is strictly prohibited in this area, and hunting has been banned since 1993. 

The vegetation in this area consists of reed beds, along with willow trees and grassy plants. The surrounding Tamarisk trees add another dimension to the beauty of the wetland. Boating in the wetland and the reflection of the mountains and trees on the water surface add a special charm to Estil Wetland in Astara. 

Although traveling to northern Iran is always pleasing, and you can visit the Estil Wetland at any time of the year, the last two months of spring (April and May) and all the months of autumn are the most suitable times to explore Estil Wetland and enjoy the delightful nature of this area. However, during autumn, the temperature drops at night, and for those who don't enjoy the cold, camping and overnight stays may not be feasible. For accommodation, you can make use of the two hotels located on both sides of the wetland. There are also several cottages in the villages along the roads surrounding the wetland, which allow for affordable stays.

The surrounding villages of Astara can make your trip to Estil Wetland a memorable experience. Kuteme Village and Latoon Waterfall, located 15 kilometers from Astara, can be some of the sights you can enjoy on your trip. The Seashell Beach of Astara, Tak Aghaj Castle, Bibi Yanlu Forest Park, Bird Garden, and Ali Dashi Hot Springs are other tourist attractions located in Astara.

To reach Estil Wetland in Astara, you need to make your way to Astara. If you're traveling by private car from Tehran, you can go to Karaj and then take the Karaj-Qazvin Road, passing through the cities of Kuhin, Manjil, Rudbar, Rasht, and Talesh until you reach Astara. You can also choose public transportation for your trip. There are numerous buses departing from Tehran to Astara every day. Additionally, Ardabil Airport is approximately an hour away from Astara. If you prefer to travel by plane, you can go to Ardabil and then make your way to Astara from there.