What should I do if I have a problem, get injured, or lose my belongings?
You can immediately go to the site management building or the protection unit containers located at the entrance, where staff will assist and guide you.
Which are the best spots in the garden for taking souvenir photos?
The view facing the lake with the four-arch pavilion perspective, the old brick towers, the entire lake panorama, and the northern terraced section of the central garden are the best photo locations.
Is there a fee or special permit for professional photography?
Personal and amateur photography with phones or professional cameras is free and allowed for visitors. However, commercial photography, advertising shoots, video production, modeling, or studio photography requires coordination and an official permit from the site management.
How much time do I need to see the entire garden?
For a relaxed visit including photography and strolling through the historic and forested areas, you will need about 2 to 3 hours, at least.
What are the most important historical sections to visit in this site?
Besides the lake and the historic dam, you can visit the remains of the Royal Palace (on top of the hill), the brick terraces and watchtowers, the historic bathhouse, and the canal system with clay pipes (Golbagh).
What was the purpose of the brick structure (Chahartaqi) in the middle of the lake?
This structure was built during the reign of Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty and had two simultaneous functions: first, as a foundation for a summer palace and resting place (the Royal Seat) that would become an island as the water rose, and second, as a hydraulic engineering structure (a spillway or dam pressure relief valve) to control water pressure.
Why is Abbasabad Garden registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
This garden is one of nine Persian Gardens inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The reasons include its unique architecture, the ingenious and complex water management and distribution system from the Safavid era, and the perfect harmony between man-made architecture and the pristine forest nature.
What measures are in place for waste management?
Trash bins are placed along the main paths. However, as a responsible visitor to a World Heritage site, we kindly ask you to bring a trash bag with you and take your waste out of the garden.
Can I fly a drone for photography or videography?
According to World Heritage site regulations, flying any remote-controlled drone (UAV) is prohibited without prior written permission from the Abbasabad World Heritage Base and relevant security authorities.
Is fishing allowed in the lake?
Recreational fishing is generally prohibited in the lake, except during specific seasons when the Environmental Protection Organization and the World Heritage base issue limited permits.
Is swimming allowed in Abbasabad Lake?
No, swimming in the lake is strictly forbidden and extremely dangerous. Due to submerged historical brick and mortar structures and the muddy lakebed, there is a serious risk of drowning.
Are pets allowed in Abbasabad Garden?
To maintain hygiene, ensure the comfort of other visitors, and follow heritage protection protocols, pets (even in carriers or on leashes) are not allowed inside the main garden area.
Is it allowed to light a fire in the forested area of the garden?
No, due to the high risk of fire in the Hyrcanian forests and potential damage to the roots of ancient trees, lighting any kind of fire on the ground is completely forbidden. For limited cooking, only raised braziers are allowed in designated areas.
Can I camp or pitch a tent inside the garden?
According to UNESCO conservation regulations, camping and overnight tenting are strictly prohibited in the central historic core of the garden. To protect the heritage, overnight stays are only possible in official accommodations in Behshahr city or authorized eco-lodges nearby.
Can I buy handicrafts or souvenirs at the garden?
Yes, during certain times of the year, especially Nowruz (Persian New Year) and summer holidays, stalls selling handicrafts, local souvenirs from northern Iran, and cultural products are set up at the entrance area.
Is there a prayer room at the site?
Yes, a designated prayer room is available in the visitor services area.
Are there facilities for visitors with disabilities or elderly guests (wheelchair access)?
Some of the paths around the lake are flat and wheelchair accessible. However, due to the stepped nature of the historic buildings (like the terrace and the Royal Palace) and the natural slopes of the forest, full access to all areas is limited for those with mobility needs.
Can I go boating on Abbasabad Lake?
Yes, in all seasons, only if the water level is suitable, recreational boating (pedal boats) is available for visitors.
What are the toilet facilities like?
Public toilets (both squat and western-style) are available in the area and near the main lake area for visitors’ convenience.
Is there a restaurant or café inside the garden?
Yes, near the lake, there is a restaurant and a traditional tea house serving a variety of local and Persian dishes, herbal infusions, and snacks.
Is there dedicated parking at the site?
Yes, there is a dedicated open-air parking area at the entrance where visitors can safely park their cars.
Can I reach the site by public transportation?
You can take a train or bus to Behshahr city. However, there is no direct public transport from Behshahr’s railway station or bus terminal to the garden. You can take a city taxi or local shuttle services to get to the site.
Is the access road paved and suitable for normal cars?
Yes, the road from Behshahr city all the way to the entrance is fully paved, standard, and suitable for all types of passenger cars.
How do I get to Abbasabad Garden from Tehran?
You can take two routes — Firuzkuh Road or Haraz Road — toward Sari, then continue to Behshahr. After reaching Behshahr and passing through the city, follow the Abbasabad Road uphill through the forest, pass through the village of Altappeh, until you reach the garden entrance. This garden is located 9 kilometers southeast of Behshahr. The approximate travel time from Behshahr to the garden entrance is about 15 minutes.
Do I need to book in advance to visit?
No, individual and family visitors do not need to book. Tickets are issued at the entrance. However, large group tours and travel agencies are advised to coordinate with the site management in advance.
How much is the entrance fee?
The entrance fee is set annually by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, with different rates for domestic and international visitors. For the current price, please check the “Fees” section on our website.
Is the site open on public holidays?
Yes, the complex is open throughout the year, except on national public holidays. However, please note that during the Nowruz holidays, it will be open every day to welcome our dear visitors.
What is the best season to visit in terms of weather?
فصل الربيع (لنضارة الطبيعة ووفرة المياه في البحيرة) وفصل الخريف (لألوانه الساحرة في غابات هيركانيا المطيرة المحيطة) هما أفضل الأوقات للزيارة. ومع ذلك، فإن للموقع جماله الخاص في جميع فصول السنة الأربعة.
What are the visiting hours?
The Abbasabad Garden World Heritage Site in Behshahr is open to visitors from Saturday to Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Where is the Abbasabad Garden World Heritage Site located?
This historic site is located in Mazandaran Province, about 9 kilometers southeast of Behshahr city, deep within the dense forests of the Alborz mountain range.
Why is Abbasabad Garden registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
This garden is one of nine Persian Gardens inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The reasons include its unique architecture, the ingenious and complex water management and distribution system from the Safavid era, and the perfect harmony between man-made architecture and the pristine forest nature.
What was the purpose of the brick structure (Chahartaqi) in the middle of the lake?
This structure was built during the reign of Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty and had two simultaneous functions: first, as a foundation for a summer palace and resting place (the Royal Seat) that would become an island as the water rose, and second, as a hydraulic engineering structure (a spillway or dam pressure relief valve) to control water pressure.
What are the most important historical sections to visit in this site?
Besides the lake and the historic dam, you can visit the remains of the Royal Palace (on top of the hill), the brick terraces and watchtowers, the historic bathhouse, and the canal system with clay pipes (Golbagh).
How much time do I need to see the entire garden?
For a relaxed visit including photography and strolling through the historic and forested areas, you will need about 2 to 3 hours, at least.
Is there a fee or special permit for professional photography?
Personal and amateur photography with phones or professional cameras is free and allowed for visitors. However, commercial photography, advertising shoots, video production, modeling, or studio photography requires coordination and an official permit from the site management.
Which are the best spots in the garden for taking souvenir photos?
The view facing the lake with the four-arch pavilion perspective, the old brick towers, the entire lake panorama, and the northern terraced section of the central garden are the best photo locations.
Where is the Abbasabad Garden World Heritage Site located?
This historic site is located in Mazandaran Province, about 9 kilometers southeast of Behshahr city, deep within the dense forests of the Alborz mountain range.
What are the visiting hours?
The Abbasabad Garden World Heritage Site in Behshahr is open to visitors from Saturday to Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
What is the best season to visit in terms of weather?
فصل الربيع (لنضارة الطبيعة ووفرة المياه في البحيرة) وفصل الخريف (لألوانه الساحرة في غابات هيركانيا المطيرة المحيطة) هما أفضل الأوقات للزيارة. ومع ذلك، فإن للموقع جماله الخاص في جميع فصول السنة الأربعة.
Is the site open on public holidays?
Yes, the complex is open throughout the year, except on national public holidays. However, please note that during the Nowruz holidays, it will be open every day to welcome our dear visitors.
How much is the entrance fee?
The entrance fee is set annually by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, with different rates for domestic and international visitors. For the current price, please check the “Fees” section on our website.
Do I need to book in advance to visit?
No, individual and family visitors do not need to book. Tickets are issued at the entrance. However, large group tours and travel agencies are advised to coordinate with the site management in advance.
How do I get to Abbasabad Garden from Tehran?
You can take two routes — Firuzkuh Road or Haraz Road — toward Sari, then continue to Behshahr. After reaching Behshahr and passing through the city, follow the Abbasabad Road uphill through the forest, pass through the village of Altappeh, until you reach the garden entrance. This garden is located 9 kilometers southeast of Behshahr. The approximate travel time from Behshahr to the garden entrance is about 15 minutes.
Is the access road paved and suitable for normal cars?
Yes, the road from Behshahr city all the way to the entrance is fully paved, standard, and suitable for all types of passenger cars.
Can I reach the site by public transportation?
You can take a train or bus to Behshahr city. However, there is no direct public transport from Behshahr’s railway station or bus terminal to the garden. You can take a city taxi or local shuttle services to get to the site.
Is there dedicated parking at the site?
Yes, there is a dedicated open-air parking area at the entrance where visitors can safely park their cars.
Is there a restaurant or café inside the garden?
Yes, near the lake, there is a restaurant and a traditional tea house serving a variety of local and Persian dishes, herbal infusions, and snacks.
What are the toilet facilities like?
Public toilets (both squat and western-style) are available in the area and near the main lake area for visitors’ convenience.
Can I go boating on Abbasabad Lake?
Yes, in all seasons, only if the water level is suitable, recreational boating (pedal boats) is available for visitors.
Are there facilities for visitors with disabilities or elderly guests (wheelchair access)?
Some of the paths around the lake are flat and wheelchair accessible. However, due to the stepped nature of the historic buildings (like the terrace and the Royal Palace) and the natural slopes of the forest, full access to all areas is limited for those with mobility needs.
Is there a prayer room at the site?
Yes, a designated prayer room is available in the visitor services area.
Can I buy handicrafts or souvenirs at the garden?
Yes, during certain times of the year, especially Nowruz (Persian New Year) and summer holidays, stalls selling handicrafts, local souvenirs from northern Iran, and cultural products are set up at the entrance area.
Can I camp or pitch a tent inside the garden?
According to UNESCO conservation regulations, camping and overnight tenting are strictly prohibited in the central historic core of the garden. To protect the heritage, overnight stays are only possible in official accommodations in Behshahr city or authorized eco-lodges nearby.
Is it allowed to light a fire in the forested area of the garden?
No, due to the high risk of fire in the Hyrcanian forests and potential damage to the roots of ancient trees, lighting any kind of fire on the ground is completely forbidden. For limited cooking, only raised braziers are allowed in designated areas.
Are pets allowed in Abbasabad Garden?
To maintain hygiene, ensure the comfort of other visitors, and follow heritage protection protocols, pets (even in carriers or on leashes) are not allowed inside the main garden area.
Is swimming allowed in Abbasabad Lake?
No, swimming in the lake is strictly forbidden and extremely dangerous. Due to submerged historical brick and mortar structures and the muddy lakebed, there is a serious risk of drowning.
Is fishing allowed in the lake?
Recreational fishing is generally prohibited in the lake, except during specific seasons when the Environmental Protection Organization and the World Heritage base issue limited permits.
Can I fly a drone for photography or videography?
According to World Heritage site regulations, flying any remote-controlled drone (UAV) is prohibited without prior written permission from the Abbasabad World Heritage Base and relevant security authorities.
What measures are in place for waste management?
Trash bins are placed along the main paths. However, as a responsible visitor to a World Heritage site, we kindly ask you to bring a trash bag with you and take your waste out of the garden.
What should I do if I have a problem, get injured, or lose my belongings?
You can immediately go to the site management building or the protection unit containers located at the entrance, where staff will assist and guide you.