Location: Dilijan
Top Things to do in Dilijan
- 1. Haghartsin Monastery
- 2. Monument to the Heroes of the Film Mimino
- 3. Lake Parz
- 4. Dilijan National Park
- 5. Sharambeyan Street
- 6. Matosavank Monastery
- 7. The Geological Museum and Art Gallery of Dilijan
- 8. Dilijan Amphitheater
- 9. Museum of Folk Art (Sharambeyan Centre of Popular Creation in Dilijan)
- 10. Jukhtakvank Monastery
10 Things to Do in Dilijan That You Shouldn't Miss
Dilijan (Armenian: Դիլիջան), is a spa town and urban municipal community in the Tavush Province of Armenia. Usually called Armenian Switzerland or Little Switzerland by the locals, it is one of the most important resorts of Armenia, situated within the Dilijan National Park. The forested and reclusive town is home to numerous Armenian artists, composers, and filmmakers and features some traditional Armenian architecture. The Sharambeyan street in the centre, has been preserved and maintained as an "old town", complete with craftsman's workshops, a gallery and a museum. Hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking are popular recreational activities.
Restaurants in Dilijan
1. Haghartsin Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By James M
Great place for sightseeing in the little Switzerland of Armenia. Recently restored with a grant from the Emir of Sharjah, HH Sheikh Mohamad Al- Qassimi the complex of churches and refectory is a beautiful place to visit. There were wedding parties, musicians and dancers there when we visited making it more fun.
2. Monument to the Heroes of the Film Mimino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By avsm - London, United Kingdom
For these not versed in Russian film history - Mimino is about the only film on this planet where Dilijan is mentioned. Relevant piece of film script:
Frunzik Mkrtchyan (born in Armenia): in Dilijan where I live, if you open kitchen tap, water will pour that ranks 2nd in the world.
Other actor: What about first place - in Yerevan, yes?
Frunzik: No, San Francisco.
Now that's obvious why Dilijan erected this statue? It seem to be good luck to rub Frunzik's nose - not sure if it brings any luck but it is polished clear.
Odd but interesting.
3. Lake Parz
Overall Ratings
4 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By JGDynamo - Halifax Region, Canada
Lake Parz is a short drive outside of Dilijan but is a very popular spot especially in summer. We were there recently and it is a gorgeous lake but super busy with campers, boaters, picnickers and hikers, doesn’t look like one to swim in and there is a terrifying zipline that didn’t look safe and a shooting range all very expensive. If you can get there over the bumpy road it is picturesque and lots of lovely ladies to look at but not a must see place.
4. Dilijan National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By patrickmeyer - Washington DC, District of Columbia
Dilijan National Park is less than a 90 minute drive from downtown Yerevan and is just a short drive further from Yerevan than Sevan. The National Park is a wonderful place and if all you had seen previously was Yerevan, then you'll think you aren't even in Armenia any more. The area has been a reserve since 1958 but was designated a National Park only in 2002. It is in a surprisingly excellent state of preservation. I say surprisingly because Armenia is generally a very polluted place with acid rain, bad air, and plastic litter everywhere you look -- but not the case in Dilijan National Park. It is actually quite clean!
Dilijan National Park has hiking and mountain biking, and features the monasteries of Haghardzin, Goshavank, Jukhtakvank, and Matosavank. We haven't camped here yet, but I have heard from locals that there are good camping spots.
According to a bit of Internet research, I see that Dilijan National Park has 902 species of vascular plants including 40 rare species and 29 endangered species. The park also has over 40 species of mammals including bear, dear, fox, lynx, wolf, boar, cat, roe, badger, and others.
In the town of Dilijan you'll find a number of lovely B&Bs. We stayed at the Casanova Inn, which I highly recommend.
There is no entrance fee for Dilijan National Park. We found a number of the hiking trails to be well-signed with official Dilijan National Park signs. Wonderful place. Highly recommended.
5. Sharambeyan Street
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Lana M
great place takes you back 100 years. Everything has been kept as it was with few improvements. Many cute little shops selling woodcraft, pottery and handmade souvenirs there was a museum and a bakery which we didn't get to visit sadly. also tufenkian old Dilijan hotel is located on this street and we stayed there for two nights. you can find my review for the hotel and the adjacent restaurant on their respective pages.
6. Matosavank Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By patrickmeyer - Washington DC, District of Columbia
Matosavank Monastery is a gorgeous 13th century church, hidden in the Forests of Dilijan National Park. I've been to many Armenian monasteries and this one ranks in my all time favorite few. It's only a short 3km from Dilijan, but it requires a short but steep and strenuous hike. At the bottom of the hill near, leave your car, cross the stream, pass the gate, and head up the gated dirt road. There are some signs, but best to bring a GPS or smart phone. There is cell phone signal all the way to the monastery. You'll be rewarded when you find the beautiful isolated monastery that has been nearly overgrown with lichen and moss. It's in shockingly good state of preservation and still has numerous tomb stones. It must be used by worship by someone, since there were some melted candles about. Definitely check out this monastery. It's worth the hike!! PLEASE be nice to Armenia's national parks. DON'T LITTER OR LOOT! Treat the site with respect and your children's children will also be able to enjoy it.
7. The Geological Museum and Art Gallery of Dilijan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By MrLik - Shenzhen, China
Unexpected jewel into a small town as Dilijian. Many painting of several artist (included a masterpiece of Carpaccio if i don't get wrong). Enjoy the painting and sculptures of this small museum. Don't lose the chance to join the precious help of official guide (miss Tamar), or one chat with the nice serious HER DIREKTOR and finally the beauty of Mariam (the official model of museum).
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By patrickmeyer - Washington DC, District of Columbia
We stumbled upon the Dilijan Amphitheater when we were driving through town on way to our hotel. I saw it out of the corner of my eye and knew I had to take a look. Later I looked it up and found out that the Amphitheater was built by N. Danielyan and it is inspired by the structure of "Rotondo." There is very little else written about the Amphitheater. I'm not sure if it's used for town events, although I sure hope it is, because it is a very nice space. We visited in winter and although there was no snow in Dilijan, there was plenty of snow on the Mountains in the background. Beautiful sight.
9. Museum of Folk Art (Sharambeyan Centre of Popular Creation in Dilijan)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By JGDynamo - Halifax Region, Canada
The Branch of Hovhannes Sharambeyan Centre of Popular Creation – Dilijan Museum of Folk Art is possibly one of the longest names for an attraction on TripAdvisor. It’s a living history street like a heritage park, part museum, part living entity, all in a street setting so you feel like you are walking back in time. Fun little street to explore.
10. Jukhtakvank Monastery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By patrickmeyer - Washington DC, District of Columbia
I've been to many monasteries in Armenia and Jukhtakvank Monastery is one of the least impressive. It is not in a very good state of preservation and the main structure is braced with huge iron bars that significantly detract from it's beauty. I understand the bars may be preventing the monastery from collapsing, but they are very unsightly. There is a small dirt road leading up to Jukhtakvank Monastery and we decided to hike up the road (less than a mile, but all uphill). We were rather disappointed to find a few people already up there with their loud SUVs. There was a group of drunk Armenians who piled out of a stereotypical white Niva. They threw their cigarette butts everywhere and were clearly more interested in getting back to the party than enjoying the scenery. The whole experience at this monastery was very lackluster. I don't recommend it.
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