Lake Urmia Lake

Lake Urmia is a large hypersaline lake in northwestern Iran, located between East and West Azerbaijan provinces. It was long one of the largest salt lakes in the region, though its area has declined substantially since the late 20th century.

The lake displays extensive salt flats and periodic fragmentation into separate basins when levels fall; evaporative concentration produces striking color and salt-crust features. Shoreline viewpoints around the city of Urmia and on eastern shores provide the most accessible views of the lake’s changing extent.

Human activity including upstream water use and climatic variation has driven significant reductions in lake level, leading to conservation and restoration efforts. The lake lies in an inland basin framed by low mountains and agricultural plains.

• Historic size and shrinkage: Historically covered roughly 5,000 km2 to 5,200 km2 at higher stands, but the lake has fragmented and contracted dramatically since the 1990s.
• Nearest city and viewpoints: The city of Urmia lies on the lake’s western shore and provides the main viewpoints and visitor access to the lakeshore.
• Salinity and salt flats: Extensive salt flats and high salinity produce visible salt crusts and color changes that are most evident in dry seasons and low-water years.

Lake Urmia lies west of Tabriz and east of the Turkish border in Iran’s northwest. Tabriz is the primary regional gateway; from there, road travel and regional buses serve towns around the lake. Check local travel and permitting requirements.

• The lake's shores are best explored with local guides familiar with border and conservation rules.
• Water levels and salinity vary seasonally and historically; expect changing shoreline conditions.
• Avoid attempts to swim - high salinity and sudden underwater features can be hazardous.