Dilijan from Above: 3 Scenic Viewpoints Worth the Climb

Dilijan has one special quality: the higher you climb, the better you understand the town. From above, it reveals a completely different side of itself—cozy neighborhoods gradually disappear into the dense forests of the national park, while mountain slopes embrace the valley from every direction.

If you want to experience Dilijan in its entirety, leave the town center behind, take a short hike, and head to one of these panoramic viewpoints.

1. The Drunken Forest — Dilijan’s Most Atmospheric Viewpoint

Ask any local where to find the best views close to the town center, and chances are they’ll point you toward the Drunken Forest.

The trail gets its unusual name from the pine trees growing at striking angles instead of standing upright. The explanation is entirely natural: years ago, landslides shifted the ground beneath the trees. As they continued to grow, they gradually bent toward the sunlight, creating the forest’s distinctive appearance.

But visitors come here for more than just the unusual trees.

From the viewpoint, you’ll enjoy one of the finest panoramas of Dilijan. The town stretches below, surrounded by dense forests, with the green slopes of Dilijan National Park rising beyond. It’s especially beautiful in the early morning, when mist lingers over the valley, and in the evening, when the warm light transforms the landscape.

Good to Know

  • Difficulty: 2/10
  • Distance: Approximately 1 km
  • Duration: About 1 hour
  • Suitable for children: Yes
  • Guide required: No
  • Best time to visit: Morning or sunset
  • What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, and a camera

How to Get There

The trail begins within Dilijan itself, making it easy to reach on foot from the town center. The path is clearly visible and suitable even for first-time hikers.

2. Viewpoint at the Central Bank of Armenia Educational and Research Center

As you enter Dilijan, it’s hard to miss the striking contemporary building with its glass facades. This is the Educational and Research Center of the Central Bank of Armenia, one of the symbols of modern Dilijan.

Nearby is a viewpoint offering sweeping views over the town and the surrounding mountains. It’s an ideal place to appreciate the contrast between contemporary architecture, traditional neighborhoods, and the forests that define Dilijan’s landscape.

After enjoying the scenery, consider visiting the Armenian Dram Museum located inside the Center. Its collection tells the story of Armenia’s national currency while exploring the country’s rich economic and cultural history through coins and banknotes.

Good to Know

  • Difficulty: 1/10
  • Visit duration: 15–30 minutes
  • Suitable for children: Yes
  • Guide required: No
  • Best time to visit: Daytime or sunset
  • What to bring: A camera or smartphone

How to Get There

The viewpoint is easily accessible by car or taxi. It can also be reached on foot from the town center in approximately 30–40 minutes. Advance booking is required.

3. UWC Dilijan Viewpoint

One of Dilijan’s most impressive viewpoints overlooks the campus of UWC Dilijan, located on a hillside above the town.

The campus has become one of Dilijan’s modern architectural landmarks. Its bright buildings with expansive glass facades seem to emerge from the surrounding forest, creating a remarkable harmony between contemporary design and nature.

From the viewpoint, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of both the campus and the forested mountains beyond. It’s one of the best photography spots in Dilijan, especially in the evening when the soft sunlight illuminates the buildings.

Good to Know

  • Difficulty: 1/10
  • Visit duration: 20–30 minutes
  • Suitable for children: Yes
  • Guide required: No
  • Best time to visit: About an hour before sunset
  • What to bring: A camera and a light jacket, as it can be cooler on the hillside

How to Get There

The viewpoint is easiest to reach by car or taxi. If you enjoy walking uphill, you can also hike there from town.

Good to Know

Before setting out, check the weather forecast—clear days offer the best visibility, while the forests are especially beautiful after rainfall. If you’re planning to visit all three viewpoints, allow about half a day for the route and start either in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the light is ideal for photography.

Locations