Zarivar Lake

Zarivar Lake, also spelled Zaribar, lies in Marivan County, Kurdistan Province, and is one of the region's major tourist attractions. Located 125 kilometres northwest of Sanandaj, it is considered the largest freshwater lake in Iran. The lake is ringed by mountains covered in trees and pastures, giving the area an unrivalled landscape. The forests and marshland environment around the lake, together with its native and migratory birds, have made this place a popular and much-visited destination for travellers.

Zarivar Lake is home to various fish species, such as the spotted barbel (Capoeta), the common barbel, bitterling, shaculi and mosquitofish (Gambusia). Non-native fish such as white amur (grass carp), mirror carp, common carp and bighead carp also live in the lake. In addition, various snakes and reptiles are found around the lake. The otter, a rare mammal species, lives in this area. Floating plants in the lake include Ceratophyllum, Myriophyllum and spiny plants. Along the shores you can also see a variety of marginal plants such as reeds, water lilies and mint.

Because the area is mountainous, the best time to visit Zarivar Lake is spring and summer. Even so, the lake has its own special beauty in winter, and if you are lucky, you may enjoy walking on its frozen surface.