Dilijan

Dilijan, tucked away in Armenia’s gorgeous Tavush Province, is evidence of the nation’s natural splendor and diversity of culture. As of the 2023, this spa town—often known as the “Armenian Switzerland” or “Little Switzerland“—had about 17,700 residents. With its rising population, Dilijan is Armenia’s fastest-growing metropolitan area.

Nestled within the Dilijan National Park, this urban municipal community is among Armenia’s most popular vacation spots. The town’s appeal goes beyond its breathtaking natural surroundings to include its status as a refuge for Armenian filmmakers, musicians, and artists. Dilijan’s special combination of forested settings and traditional Armenian architecture enthralls both tourists and locals.

Dilijan’s name has great legendary roots, which adds to the town’s mystery. Popular legend holds that the name comes from Dili, a shepherd whose sad love story permanently changed the area. According to the story, Dili developed feelings for his master’s daughter; their romance was forbidden. Dili’s execution by the master set off his heartbroken mother’s frantic hunt for her son. Her sad cries of “Dili Jan, Dili Jan” (using “jan” as an Armenian term of endearment) reverberated across the town, finally leading to its name.

Dilijan is physically a wonder of natural beauty. Rising 1,500 meters above sea level, the town stretches over 20 kilometers along the banks of the Aghstev River. Dilijan’s valley is a verdant paradise surrounded to the north by the Lesser Caucasus mountains and to the south by the Semyonovka mountain pass. Mostly made of the Bazum and Pambak ranges, the mountainous terrain is covered in rich forests spanning an amazing 34,000 hectares.

These forests are not only background but also an essential component of Dilijan’s ecosystem and attraction. The state created a forest reserve in 1957 realizing the value of safeguarding this natural wealth. This project developed into the Dilijan National Park in 2002, covering a territory where woodlands make up 94% of total area. With almost 40 kinds of trees and 18 kinds of shrubs, the park features an amazing array of vegetation. Among the main species are oaks, beeches, hornbeams, maples, elms, and willows, so producing a varied and healthy forest ecosystem.

The fauna of the national park is just as varied and plentiful. Brown bears, wolves, martens, otters, lynxes, and Persian squirrels are among the animals that aficioners might come across. Pheasants, quails, partridges, and magnificent birds of prey including white-tailed eagles, lammergeyers, and golden eagles abound in the forest along with European red deer and wild hogs.

Lake Parz is among Dilijan’s most striking natural surroundings. At 1,400 meters in the northern side of the town, this little but magical body of water covers 2 hectares and averages depth of 8 meters. About three kilometers east from Gosh village, Lake Tzlka is perched 1,500 meters above sea level. Together with the Aghstev River and its tributaries, these lakes create a complex water system that accentuates the natural beauty and biological value of the area.

Rising from the northwest Pambak mountain range at 2,980 meters, the Aghstev River runs through Dilijan and the adjacent forests. Comprising several tributaries including the Bldsan, Ghshtoghan, Haghartsin, and Getik rivers, the 133-kilometer river forms a network of streams that nourish the land and assist local ecosystems.

Dilijan’s appeal goes beyond its natural beauty to include historical and cultural value. Along Sharambeyan Street, the center of the old town is kept intact where guests may catch a taste of traditional Armenian living. Offering insights into the rich artistic legacy and cultural traditions of the town, this well kept area includes craftsmen’s workshops, a gallery, and a museum.

The town appeals in several ways as a vacation spot. Outdoor enthusiasts swarm Dilijan for hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking possibilities. These activities find a perfect setting in the nearby mountains and forests, which let guests enjoy the pure mountain air while surrounded in nature.

Mineral water, processed and bottled by the Dilijan Mineral Water Plant since 1947, is mostly responsible for Dilijan’s reputation as a health resort. Apart from generating income, the mineral springs in the town draw people looking for therapeutic advantages from these natural waters.

Dilijan has been projecting itself in recent years as more than just a tourist spot. The town is to become a regional financial center under ambitious plans of the Armenian government. Many of the Central Bank of Armenia’s activities were moved to Dilijan in 2013, so sparking this project. The relocation marks a change in the economic scene of the town, so maybe offering fresh prospects and development for the surroundings.

The infrastructure of the town keeps changing to fit its rising importance. Via the M-4 Motorway, Dilijan is conveniently close to Yerevan, the capital of central Armenia. Crucially important for this path is the 2.25-kilometer-long Dilijan tunnel, which helps trade and transportation. Although recent years have seen limited railway services, the town’s strategic location guarantees its significance as a link between the capital and northeastern Armenia.

Dilijan boasts a varied economy, and several prominent businesses help it to flourish. Apart from the mineral water plant, the town boasts the “Aramara” company, renowned for exquisite furniture, and the “Dili” factory creating dairy goods. With a unique local style shown in the town museum of traditional art, Dilijan is also well-known for its hand-made carpets and rugs.

Dilijan keeps a careful mix between development and preservation as it grows. The continuous preservation activities inside the national park and the upkeep of classic architecture clearly show the town’s dedication to its natural and cultural legacy. Concurrent with this is the town’s forward-looking approach embodied by contemporary institutions including the Dilijan regional financial and banking center and the United World College Dilijan.

With initiatives to improve Dilijan’s standing as a cultural and financial hub, the city seems to have bright future. While continuing projects like the Transcaucasian Trail seek to link Dilijan with a larger network of hiking paths across Armenia and into Georgia, the town’s amphitheater hosts summer celebrations and cultural events.