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Cover image: Armenia with a monastery overlooking the gorge

Armenia Travelogue — Yerevan, Monasteries & Hidden Treasures

  • Hot air balloon over Yerevan: one hour, up to 2,000 meters
  • Cascades: 118 meters tall stair complex with escalators inside
  • Zipline under the bridge: Start at 123 meters, 870 meters long
  • Garni is located about 23 kilometers outside of Yerevan.
  • Chess is a separate school subject in Armenia.
Contents of this post5 chapters

The 🔝 Highlights from Armenia

Yerevan

The International Hot Air Balloon Festival
On the Republic Square, early in the morning on October 14th, hot air balloonists from all over the world gathered 🗺. I had been looking forward to this day for weeks. At half past seven, it was finally time. The Brazilian hot air balloonist was already waiting for our arrival. In total, there were five of us, standing shoulder to shoulder. Shortly after, not only did the balloon rise, but so did our excitement 😁. It felt somewhat insecure. "So helpless, so unpredictable." Max even said he found it worse than paragliding 😯. But for me, it was the opposite. In the first half-hour, we ascended up to 2000 meters and enjoyed the incredible panoramic view 🥰. Then I felt nauseous for five minutes, and luckily I felt better afterwards 🤮 🤣. I don't usually have a fear of heights, but even for me, that was pretty high 😂! (By the way, the ride lasted an hour).
An experience that will probably stay in my memory forever. ✨
Several hot air balloons over the city in the morning mist.
Janet in front of a colorful hot air balloon at the balloon festival in Yerevan
View from a hot air balloon of the rooftops of Yerevan

Cascade Complex

One of the most beautiful viewpoints over the city of Yerevan is probably the 118-meter-high staircase complex, the Cascade. Don't worry: There are enough escalators available that slowly take you up through the interior of the Cascade 😁. Meanwhile, you can admire the artful exhibits and make a stop on the outdoor terrace at each level. ☺️
Fountain and sculpture at the foot of the cascades in Yerevan
View from the cascades over the avenue and the rooftops of Yerevan
Janet in a niche of the cascade staircase complex

Mother Armenia Complex

In Victory Park, you'll find the "Mother Armenia" monument, which consists of a mausoleum, military museum, and a large statue. 🤗
From there, you also get another impressive view over the city! 😇
Janet overlooking Yerevan from Victory Park
Statue of Mother Armenia on her high pedestal
Janet in front of the statue Mother Armenia

Modern Art Museum

Mashtots Avenue is home to the Museum of Modern Art, where you can find a wide variety of paintings and sculptures. The artworks are truly impressive, and you can let your imagination run wild. 🎭
Colorful landscape painting in the Museum of Modern Art
Painting of a seated woman in the art museum
Colorful painting with figures and animals in the art museum

Opening

A paradise for all souvenir buyers and shopping enthusiasts. ❤️
Here you'll find a good mix of knick-knacks and high-quality craftsmanship! At some stands, you can even see how the chessboards are made. Did you know that chess is a separate subject in Armenian schools? ♟️
A wall full of handmade wooden plates and clocks at the market stall
Hand-carved chess set at the Vernissage market
Stand with black and white paintings at the vernissage market

Dancing Fountains

In the evening, you'll find illuminated water fountains at Republic Square, presenting their water display with diverse music and changing colors 😯. Additionally, you'll have a view of the Marriott Hotel, the Post Office, the Government Building with Clock Tower, and former buildings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 🥰
Illuminated water fountains at Republic Square
Republic Square in Yerevan at night with illuminated buildings
Water feature with colored fountains in front of the illuminated building

Freedom Square

At this city square, you'll find the Opera and Ballet Theater. It's the most important and largest music theater! 🎶
Also, a cool spot to zip around in an electric car 🤙.
The circular building of the music theatre with a statue in the square
Yerevan Opera and Ballet Theatre with monument in front
Yellow electric car for rent at Freedom Square

Yerevan Zipline Airlines

A zipline that runs directly under the bridge! 😱
The first route starts at a height of 123 meters and is 870 meters long. The second one is slightly shorter, only 650 meters in length. You don't really need to worry about much since the track has an automatic stop system installed. That's why it was pretty easy. The only important thing is to ensure that the minimum weight is met, so you don't get stuck halfway 🤣.
Max and I rode together, which was pretty cool! 💨
Barren hilly landscape with bridge backlit
View from the zipline cable of the bridge over the gorge
High bridge over the gorge on the outskirts of Yerevan

Tours and activities: Yerevan

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Garni

The Symphony of Stones, Garni Gorge
This majestic natural monument is only about 23km away from the capital and is truly admirable! ✨
This majestic natural monument is located only about 23km from the capital and is truly awe-inspiring! ✨
Fan-shaped basalt columns of the Symphony of Stones up close
Basalt wall of the Garni Gorge above the green valley floor
Visitors in front of the basalt columns of the Symphony of Stones

Next stop: Back to Camperlife!

Armenia Travel: Entry, Visa and Health

Armenia is well-suited for a tour of the South Caucasus, and entry is straightforward for Germans. The following information comes from the Travel and safety advice from the Federal Foreign Office (As of October 15, 2026). Entry and customs regulations are subject to change at short notice.

Armenia visa and travel documents

  • German citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 180 days per calendar year, regardless of the purpose of travel.
  • Entry is possible with a passport, temporary passport, or child's passport, not with a national identity card. The documents must be valid beyond the date of travel.
  • Good to know: Entry will be refused with a damaged passport.
  • For stays exceeding 180 days or for gainful employment, an extension must be applied for at the Armenian Passport and Registration Authority in good time before the deadline expires.

Vaccinations and health in Armenia

No mandatory vaccinations are required for direct entry from Germany. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended, and vaccinations against rabies and hepatitis B are also recommended depending on individual needs. Standard vaccinations should be up to date.

Tip for route planning: The German Federal Foreign Office has issued a partial travel warning for parts of Vayots Dzor and Syunik. It is therefore advisable to check the current travel advisories before traveling south.

For tourism boards that want to present Armenia, Yerevan, and the country's monasteries with well-grounded content, information about possible productions can be found on the page for collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high and for how long does the hot air balloon fly in Yerevan?

We climbed to 2,000 meters in the first half hour; the entire trip took an hour. I felt nauseous for five minutes, even though I'm not usually afraid of heights. Max found it even more unpleasant than paragliding.

Do I have to run up the cascades?

No. The stairwell is 118 meters high, but there are plenty of escalators inside to get you up. Along the way, you'll see exhibits and can step outside on each floor.

How does the zipline in Yerevan work?

It runs directly under the bridge. The first section starts at a height of 123 meters and is 870 meters long, the second 650 meters. An automatic stopping system makes it easy—the only important thing is the minimum weight, otherwise you'll stop halfway through. We rode as a pair.

What is worth visiting outside of Yerevan?

Garni with the Symphony of Stones in the Garni Gorge. The natural monument is located only about 23 kilometers from the capital.

Do I need a visa for Armenia?

No. German citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 180 days per calendar year, regardless of the purpose of travel (Federal Foreign Office, as of October 15, 2026). A national identity card is not sufficient for entry; a passport is required.

Which vaccinations are recommended for Armenia?

There are no mandatory vaccinations for direct entry from Germany. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended; rabies and hepatitis B vaccinations are also recommended depending on individual needs.

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“Life is too short for ‘someday’.”

Janet Dannehl
About the author

Janet Dannehl

Travel Creator · Visual Storyteller · Camera Producer

With over 8 years of professional experience and more than 2.2 million followers, Janet is active as a travel creator on Instagram and YouTube. She specializes in authentic visual storytelling, luxury hotel campaigns, and collaborations with tourism boards and brands in over 72 countries.

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