Northern regions of Iran, especially Gilan province, have always been the destination of travelers and visitors due to their special climate, greenery, and tourist areas. One of the northern cities of the country, which is also located in Gilan province, is the coastal city called Astara. This city, which is so popular because of its stunning natural attractions, has a lake called “Steel Lake” with unique features.
Among natural attractions, wetlands and lagoons are more important than others. They have no alternative and are considered the most useful ecosystems of nature. In our country, Iran, there are many of these important lagoons.
Steel Lagoon or Steel Lake, located in Astara, Gilan Province, has an area of more than 48,000 square meters. There are green areas around this lake that have added to its beauty. This lake is located seven kilometers from Astara, next to the Rasht-Astara road in the middle of the forest. For many years, the Steel lagoon has been known as one of the five tourist areas of Gilan province and attracts travelers to this northern city.
The lake is the habitat of many species, including ducks and common carp. These rare species make this Lake a special place. There are 80 species of animals and plants in this lagoon, many of which are endangered.
This lake is also the habitat of rare birds that migrated from neighboring countries and Central Europe or even the Arctic, choosing this place for breeding. Bird migration has caused many domestic and foreign tourists to come and see rare birds and enjoy this beautiful nature. One of the most important bird species in this area is the Gallinula Chloropus.
Tourists who visit the lagoon during the bird’s migration season can enjoy the swan’s flight over the lake and see Bitterns and the Herons that have migrated to the Steel Lagoon up close. In this season, a symphony of adult birds and chicks sound born during the breeding season can be heard by every tourist.
But another feature that makes Steel Lake unique and beautiful is the alder trees in the lake. The interesting thing about alder is its roots which are located in the water and this causes them to move throughout the lagoon. That is why some people call this a “moving lake.” In addition to alders, water lilies and reed grasses are also spread in the lagoon area, where you can sometimes see the roots of these plants out of the water, which is moving without any limitation.
Imagine how fascinating and unique it can be to move on the lake water as the trees move and float beside you. But this is not the only reason for naming it a “moving lake”; Tourists camping in this amazing lake witness that after a day, the lake moves so that the short trees disappear into the water and reappear after a while!
On the other side of the lagoon, the Hyrcanian Forests can be seen where various animals, including deer or gazelle, live and sometimes come close to the steel lagoon for drinking water.