Perched on the upper slopes of Shaitan Kuh, the mountain that watches over the city of Lahijan in Gilan province, the Green Roof is one of northern Iran's most beloved recreational spaces. Known in Persian as Bam-e Sabz, this elevated terrace offers sweeping views of the city below, the emerald tea plantations that carpet the surrounding hillsides, and the shimmering surface of the historic Shah Abbas Pool at the mountain's base. It is a place where the natural beauty of Gilan's landscape meets the pleasures of modern recreation, and where the journey to the top is almost as memorable as what awaits there. For travelers exploring the Caspian coast, the Green Roof of Lahijan is an essential stop on any itinerary through the green north.
The Ahrar Cable Car
The star attraction at the Green Roof is the Ahrar Cable Car, one of Iran's most popular and longest urban cable car lines. Built in 2005, the cable car runs from the Green Roof at the upper station on Shaitan Kuh all the way to the Taj Khoroos peak, covering a distance of 1,500 meters. The system operates 33 six-person cabins and can transport up to 1,000 visitors per hour, making it well-equipped to handle the crowds that flock here on weekends and holidays.
The ride itself takes between ten and twenty minutes, depending on weather and demand. During the ascent on the outbound journey, tea plantations stretch out on the right side of the cable car, their neatly trimmed rows of dark green bushes creating a striking geometric pattern across the hillside. On the left, views open over Shaitan Kuh and the city of Lahijan, a compact urban area nestled in the embrace of mountains and farmland. The contrast between the wild forest of the mountain and the orderly geometry of the tea fields below is one of the defining images of Gilan province.
At the upper station, picnic shelters and gazebos are set up for visitors who want to rest and enjoy the mountain air. Camping is not permitted on the Green Roof itself, but the facilities at the upper station make it a comfortable place to spend several hours. The views from the top extend across the plains, villages, and agricultural lands surrounding Lahijan, a panorama that changes character with every season.
Shaitan Kuh and the Waterfall
Below the Green Roof lies Shaitan Kuh, the mountain whose name, meaning Devil's Mountain, belies its gentle and welcoming character. A waterfall cascades down the face of Shaitan Kuh, its water fed from the Shah Abbas Pool at the base. The waterfall has become a popular spot for photographs, and a paved pathway runs alongside it, inviting visitors to pause and enjoy the cool spray and the sound of rushing water.
A stairway path leads through the lush green trees of Shaitan Kuh, climbing from the base of the mountain all the way up to the Green Roof. The steps wind through dense forest, with the canopy of broad-leaved Caspian trees filtering the sunlight overhead. For those who prefer a more active alternative to the cable car, the climb offers a pleasant workout and an intimate experience of the Hyrcanian forest that covers these slopes.
The Shah Abbas Pool
At the foot of Shaitan Kuh lies one of Lahijan's most iconic landmarks, the Shah Abbas Pool. Said to have been constructed on the orders of Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty, this rectangular pool sits in a landscaped setting surrounded by trees and walkways. A pleasant pedestrian promenade runs alongside the pool, lined with cafes, shops, and entertainment venues. The pool and its surroundings form the social heart of Lahijan, a place where locals gather in the evenings and visitors come to soak up the atmosphere of a quintessential Gilani city.
Amusement Park and Facilities
The first thing most visitors encounter upon arriving at the Green Roof is the amusement park. A compact but well-equipped funfair with rides suitable for children and adults, the park adds a festive atmosphere to the terrace. Cafes and restaurants adjacent to the amusement area serve local Gilani cuisine alongside standard refreshments, giving visitors a chance to sample regional specialties such as mirza ghasemi, baghala ghatogh, and fresh local fish.
How to Get There
Lahijan is located in Gilan province in northern Iran, between the Caspian Sea to the north and the Alborz mountains to the south. The city is about 35 kilometers east of Rasht, the provincial capital, and approximately 220 kilometers from Tehran via the Tehran-Rasht freeway. From Rasht, the drive to Lahijan takes about 40 minutes. Buses and shared taxis connect Lahijan to Rasht, Tehran, and other cities in the region.
Within Lahijan, Mehyar Taxi services provide convenient transport to the Green Roof and Shaitan Kuh. The Green Roof is accessible by road from the city center, and signage directs visitors to the parking areas near the cable car station. For those traveling from outside Gilan, Lahijan is also reachable by train to Rasht followed by a short taxi ride.
Hours and Tickets
The Green Roof is open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Entry to the terrace itself is free, though rides at the amusement park carry separate charges. The Ahrar Cable Car ticket costs approximately 50,000 IRR per person for adults, with half-price tickets for children aged two to seven. Children under two ride free. Prices may vary slightly during peak season, and special rates may apply for groups.
Nearby Attractions
Beyond the Green Roof, Lahijan and the surrounding area offer a wealth of attractions. The city is known for its tea production, and visits to tea processing factories can be arranged. The Ansariyeh Cave, one of the longest caves in Iran, lies within driving distance. The Caspian coast is a short drive to the north, with beaches and fishing villages offering a different perspective on Gilan's natural beauty. The UNESCO-listed Hyrcanian Forests cover the mountain slopes surrounding the city, providing world-class hiking and birdwatching opportunities.
Travelers exploring Lahijan and Gilan can book accommodation through Mehyar Hotels and manage payments with Mehyar Wallet for a seamless travel experience along the Caspian coast of Iran, facing the Persian Gulf's northern reaches.
