Saed News: The tourist attractions of Gilan are so numerous that there’s hardly enough time to see them all. Gilan is a land that enchants its visitors with the most beautiful natural wonders, endless greenery, and a rich cultural heritage. In Gilan, you can enjoy the beauty of pristine forests located near the sea.
According to Saed News Family Magazine, Gilan is one of those cities whose astonishing nature fills you with awe. The forests of Gilan are not only lush and green, but also mysterious, majestic, and breathtaking, standing tall beside the sea, ready to captivate both your heart and soul. The warm hospitality and kindness of the people in this city make the journey even sweeter.
When visiting this city and walking through its streets, everywhere you look is filled with greenery and beauty. In this article, we’ll take a short but detailed trip through Gilan’s forests and natural wonders. If you’re planning a trip to this province, don’t miss reading this guide to Gilan’s forests.
Gisum Forest – A Beautiful Union of Shore and Trees
Address: On the Rasht-Astara road, 10 km before the Asalem to Khalkhal road.
Gisum is a popular recreational complex located 15 kilometers south of Talesh. This pristine and beautiful forest covers an area of 80 hectares and is undoubtedly one of the most famous forests in Gilan.
Gisum lies right next to the sea, allowing visitors to both stroll through its lush forest and reach the beach within minutes. Despite its natural purity, the area is well protected.
Gisum offers many recreational and tourism facilities: horseback riding, jet skiing in the Caspian Sea, and tasting local foods at the best restaurants.
Best time to visit: Early summer, when cities like Tehran are hot, but Gisum remains cool and pleasant thanks to the tall trees and dense forest cover. It’s also possible to camp and stay overnight.
Siahkal Forests – Secrets of Trees Drenched in Mist
Address: Gilan Province, Siahkal, Deylaman town, Espili forest in Deylaman highlands.
Siahkal can easily be called a dreamy and mysterious city. In the local language, the name means “a village next to a steep mountain,” which suits the city’s landscape and architecture perfectly. Its main attractions are its forests, now a favorite destination for many eco-tourism tours.
Walking in Siahkal’s forests feels like stepping into a dreamlike painting that you never thought could be real. Amid the walk, you’ll see strange old structures seemingly hidden in the woods.
One such building is the Titi Caravanserai, nestled on a hill within the forest. It dates back to the Safavid era.
Mohtasham Garden in Rasht
Address: Rasht, Hafez Street, next to the Gohar River.
Some of the most beloved and beautiful attractions of Gilan are found in Rasht. Mohtasham Garden is the city’s oldest park and is also known as the city park. Built during the Qajar period by a wealthy local, Akbar Khan Biglarbeygi, the garden showcases tall trees planted under his vision.
He also built a traditional Iranian-style mansion at the end of the garden. After his death, the garden passed to his daughter and her husband, Sadeq Khan Akbar Mohtasham, hence the garden’s current name.
A visit to Mohtasham Garden offers a peaceful walk among towering trees and the chance to enjoy the amusement park and playgrounds.
Langerood Rooftop – A Forest Overlooking the Sea
Address: Gilan, 60 km from Rasht, Langerood city, Abchaleki village.
Langerood hides one of Gilan’s best forests within the village of Abchaleki. Located between mountains and the sea, Langerood is only 10 km from the Caspian Sea.
Abchaleki village, situated at a higher elevation than nearby villages, offers breathtaking views of surrounding forests and greenery that eventually meet the sea — earning it the nickname "Langerood’s rooftop."
Imagine climbing a hill among tea plantations with the sea in view — a perfect picture of Gilan’s beauty.
Picture flower-filled meadows, lush mountains, and the shimmering blue sea — all in one frame. This is the dreamy reality of Gilan’s summer highlands.
These highlands are among the top attractions in spring when colorful flowers and newly-bloomed blossoms create a soft, unforgettable scene.
Deylaman Highlands – A Tale of a Simple Village
Address: Gilan, 45 km beyond Siahkal.
We’ve already talked about Siahkal’s forests. Now, let’s visit one of its oldest and most storied villages. Deylaman’s nature is truly pristine and untouched. Due to its remote character, there are no accommodations here — a reason it’s one of the most unspoiled forests in Gilan.
Located 2,500 meters above sea level, Deylaman always has a cold climate. No matter the season, bring warm clothing and heating gear.
Its vast meadows are perfect for camping, making it a dream spot for adventure lovers.
Leyla Kooh Highlands – Four Seasons of Color and Beauty
Address: Gilan, Langerood city, 3 km past the town.
Leyla Kooh is considered one of the most scenic spots in Gilan, especially in autumn. The road to this highland is itself a charming journey through rural life and nature.
Along the way, you’ll find cozy local teahouses where warm-hearted locals offer you homemade food and guide you with their sweet dialects. When you arrive, you’ll see a village full of fruit orchards and welcoming cafés.
As a mountain foothill region, Leyla Kooh attracts many tourists yearly. Visit in autumn to see the colorful trees preparing for winter, the crisp air, falling golden leaves, and the comfort of a warm cup of coffee — an unforgettable experience.
Masal Highlands, Trees Rooted in Mist and Clouds
Location: Gilan Province, 55 kilometers from Rasht.
Masal is another mountainous city and one of Gilan's most famous forests, offering you strange and amazing landscapes. The city's highlands are located 2,000 meters above sea level. As you travel to this city, you will pass through tall, misty mountains.
On this route, you will feel as though you are truly walking on the clouds. Upon reaching the city, you will see the lush forest landscapes and the blue sea beneath your feet. Masal is famous for its tall waterfalls, rushing rivers, and highlands with colorful cottages.
Wherever you go in this city, you will be greeted by nothing but greenery and the sound of flowing water. The highlands may be the most peaceful and quiet area of Masal. To explore it, all you need to do is follow the colorful cottages atop the hills. When you reach the highland, only mist, clouds, and lush forests will greet you.
Subatan Highland, A Spring Full of Poppies and a Summer Full of Vigor
Location: Gilan Province, 22 kilometers from Lisar and 36 kilometers from Talesh.
Subatan is another pristine natural area within the forests of Gilan, offering many surprises. Surrounded by beautiful cities and extraordinary attractions, its beauty is simply breathtaking.
This highland lies between 1,900 and 2,500 meters above sea level, west of Lisar. Its name is derived from two parts: "Su" meaning water, and "Batan" meaning a place where water sinks. In this highland, there is a spring that emerges from the earth and sinks back into it.
One of Subatan's attractions is its red poppies, which bloom in spring, adding a fresh and vibrant color to its fields. Other highlights of the village include its wild horses and the nomadic people who continue to live a migratory lifestyle. It’s important to note that Subatan lacks water and electricity, so your phone may not have service. Make sure to bring all essential items before heading to Subatan.
Selansar Highland, Snowy Even in Mid-Summer
Location: Gilan Province, Rudbar County, Rostamabad, Selansar Highland Area.
High altitude, a historic past, and constant mist have given Selansar an air of mystery. This highland is located in the Rudbar County, in the village of Rostamabad.
Due to its elevation, the weather here is always cool, and even in summer, traces of snow can still be found. If you visit in spring or autumn, the mist-covered heights will make you feel as though you're walking on clouds—an experience found in many of Gilan's forests!
The road to this highland winds through the mountains. Once you arrive, you’ll see the remains of an ancient castle, making the landscape even more mysterious. This castle dates back to the 7th century, reflecting the historical importance of the area. On the way to the highland, you will find several campsites along the road.
Olsablangah, A Quiet Highland Retreat
Location: Gilan Province, 25 kilometers south of Masal.
Olsablangah is a highland located at 1,500 meters above sea level in the Talysh mountains, one of Gilan’s most famous forests.
Due to the pristine nature and vital resources of the area, you'll find only wooden cottages here, with electricity provided by solar panels. The region is under the supervision of natural resources, so a fee is charged for each vehicle entering.
If you’re curious about experiencing rural life in a Talysh forest cottage deep in nature, a visit to Olsablangah is a must. After midnight, the area becomes completely dark and silent, allowing you to listen to nature’s sounds in perfect tranquility. For a cool and misty atmosphere with magical views, we recommend visiting in May or June.
Though the village has few amenities, it offers the chance to stay in one of its charming cottages. The locals greet visitors warmly, and camping is also an option.
Javaherdasht Highland, A Gem in Gilan's Forests
Location: Gilan Province, 46 kilometers from Rudser County, Chaboksar District.
Javaherdasht is one of those highlands that, while equipped with essential services like water pipelines, electricity, and phone signal, has managed to maintain its natural, untouched essence. It’s Gilan's second-highest village after Deylaman, with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,500 meters. This height results in a cool climate and, for much of the year, the village is enveloped in mist.
Javaherdasht is near another village called Javahredeh, which, though similar in many ways, is quite distinct. The area is known for its diverse plant life, with trees like boxwood, alder, and hornbeam growing in the south, and wild cherry, maple, and oak in the higher elevations. Along the hiking trails, you will also see raspberry bushes, nettles, and primroses.
Holo Dasht Highland, Between Ash Trees and Hazelnut Trees
Location: Gilan Province, Amlesh County, Lat Lel District.
Holo Dasht is situated within the Alborz mountain range, resulting in a cool, mountainous climate. Most of the villagers are engaged in animal husbandry and farming, particularly tea cultivation. Even in summer, the climate remains refreshing and pleasant. The journey to this highland is equally captivating, as the road leads through scenic, elevated mountain landscapes.
Once you pass through the lush forests of ash and hazelnut trees, you will enter a misty path, and soon after, the village of Holo Dasht will appear before you.
Various festivals are held throughout the year in this village, one of which is the Nowruz Bel Festival, celebrated in mid-August. The festival features music, traditional dances, and the locals celebrating the start of the Diulami year. Among the forests of Gilan, this is one of the most spectacular locations to visit.
Shalma Summer Resort: The Source of Everflowing Waters
Address: Gilan Province, 12 km west of Masal.
The Shalma Summer Resort and the Olsbalangah Summer Resort are close to each other, and you can reach Shalma via Olsbalangah. Five springs flow in this resort, supplying water to the local population. This is why the locals call it the source of waters.
This resort has now turned into a fully-equipped tourist village, attracting many visitors. It is one of the most well-equipped places in Gilan, nestled in its forests.
Gilan’s Forest Parks
To make it easier to enjoy the nature, climate, and greenery of Gilan, various forest parks have been established in the province. These parks have made it more accessible to experience nature. Here, you no longer have to worry about tap water or mobile reception. Recreational and welfare facilities have been provided, and access routes are paved and comfortable.
Siah Kuh Forest Park
Address: Gilan Province, Soumesara, Gorab Zarmikh District, Siah Kuh Village.
Siah Kuh Forest Park is located in Siah Kuh Village, situated at the foothills of surrounding mountains, making it an ideal place for nature lovers. The best time to visit this park is during spring and summer, as the lush nature and temperate climate make it a popular destination for travelers and one of the best forest parks in Gilan for a family picnic.
Masuleh Forest Park
Address: Gilan Province, Fuman City, Masuleh Village.
Masuleh is one of the villages in Gilan, entirely covered by forests and trees. Every step you take here could be listed among the most beautiful forests in the region. To better preserve this nature, the Masuleh Forest Park was created, offering both recreational opportunities and nature conservation. The village is well-known for its historical background and unique stepped architecture, where the roof of one house serves as the yard of the house above it. The forest park is one of the main attractions in the village. Visiting this park will allow you to get closer to the village’s nature and its stunning sights.
Gilan Forests
Masal Beach Park
Address: Gilan Province, Masal, near Khalkai River.
Masal Beach Park is a recreational complex located near the Khalkai River. It is fully equipped with welfare facilities, where you can sit under pavilions with your family or send your children to the inflatable castle and amusement park. This makes it one of the best options in the forests of Gilan for families traveling with children.
If you want to enjoy both the nature of Gilan and experience its local cuisine at a good restaurant, be sure to visit Masal Beach Park. There are several cafes and restaurants in the park, offering the best food with the highest quality.
Rize Mandan Forest Park
Address: Gilan Province, Masal City.
Masal City is a popular destination for travelers to Gilan due to its various summer resorts and its unparalleled nature. On your way to the city’s summer resorts, you will pass by a forest park that is worth visiting. Rize Mandan Forest Park, located in the heart of Masal’s forests, is a beautiful spot.
Upon entering this park, you will find a road lined with towering and dense trees on both sides. It’s a great place to take a break or enjoy an evening stroll amidst the forest.
Saravan Forest Park
Address: Gilan Province, Rasht City, Sangar District.
Among all the forest parks in Gilan, Saravan Forest Park is the oldest and most valuable. Covering an area of about 1487 hectares, it is also home to the country’s first rural heritage museum. The Saravan Lake is located within the park as well.
Saravan, in Sangar, is a peaceful village even during the busiest holidays. While wandering through the park’s forests, you can also enjoy boating on the lake. Other activities in this park include paintball and quad biking.
Kharma Forest Park
Address: Gilan Province, Langroud County, Kharma Village.
Although the forests and forest parks in northern Iran might appear similar from a distance, each one has its own unique charm. Kharma Forest Park, located in Langroud County, is one such charming park. It is equipped with full health and welfare facilities, so there is no need to worry about visiting.
Siah Daran Forest Park
Address: Gilan Province, 4 km from Talesh, Siah Daran Village.
Siah Daran Forest Park is one of the most notable winter destinations in Gilan. During the winter, the entire area is covered in snow, creating a dreamy, white landscape. Despite the snowfall, it remains accessible for walks.
A part of this park is located in a high area, where you can get a panoramic view of the entire city of Talesh. This is why it is also referred to as the "Roof of Talesh." Talesh is full of scenic beauty, and one of the exciting activities available in this park is tobogganing. Tobogganing here will allow you to experience the thrill of speed while enjoying the view of the forest.
