Amberd Fortress, also known as Amberd Castle, is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Armenia, located in a picturesque mountain setting.
In this article, I will explain how to visit Amberd Fortress, Armenia, and what to know before visiting Amberd based on my experience. I will also provide helpful information for tourists visiting Armenia for the first time and wanting to see the fortress.
If youʻre booking your trip to Yerevan last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!
🇦🇲 Top Experiences and Tours in/from Yerevan:
- Group Tour to Amberd Fortress, Lake Kari, Mount Aragats, and More (best tour to Amberd!)
- Day Trip to Khorvirap, Noravank, and Areni Winery (top-rated day tour from Yerevan!)
- Garni Temple & Geghard Tour with Lavash Baking Day tour (also popular day tour!)
- Tsaghkadzor & Lake Sevan Guided Tour (wonderful nature tour from Yerevan!)
🛌 Top Hotels in Yerevan:
- The Alexander (luxury option + SPA, authentic dining venues, indoor pool!)
- Daniel’s Boutique Hotel (mid-range in excellent location!)
- 14th Floor (in the center with a wonderful view of Mount Ararat!)
- Grand Hostel (budget option in Yerevan!)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Armenia? Click here to check rental car rates for Armenia!
I’ve visited Amberd Fortress several times, and each time I can’t stop admiring the efforts of the people who built this historical landmark in such a remote area, using local massive rocks and other materials and transferring them up to the mountains.
How to Visit Amberd Fortress in Armenia
Amberd Fortress is one of those historical places in Armenia that is not accessible all year round. It’s quite difficult to visit it during the winter in Armenia due to the amount of snow that falls on the Armenian mountains.
I have visited Amberd Fortress both in the summer and in winter, and I will definitely recommend planning to visit it during the warmer season.
The History of Amberd Fortress
Amberd Fortress, founded in the 10th century, is located in the Aragatsotn region on the slopes of Mount Aragats at an altitude of 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level. It was built by the Kamsarakan Armenian Noble family.
From Armenian, Amberd means “fortress in the clouds” because of its remote location up in the mountains.
Amberd is a defensive fortress located on a 1,500-square-meter (16,000-square-foot) territory. The entire construction is made of basalt blocks and mortar.
Amberd was one of those advanced fortresses where a special 5-kilometer (3-mile) terracotta pipeline was supplying the fortress with fresh water from a specially made dam. There was also a royal bathhouse with a hypocaust heating system.
In the 11th century, at the territory of Amberd Fortress, on the edge of the gorge, the beautiful Vahramashen Church, also known as Surp Astvatsatsin, was constructed.
Amberd was included as one of the most endangered monuments and heritage sites in Europe by Europa Nostra in 2024. Since its existence, the Amberd Fortress was attacked by Arabs, Mongols, Ottomans, and Persians.
You can read more about the fortress’s history on Wikipedia.
How to Get to Amberd Fortress in Armenia
Amberd Fortress is located 52 kilometers (32 miles) from Yerevan, near the famous Byurakan village where the Byurakan Observatory is located.
After reaching the village, there is only one mountainous road that will take you to the fortress. If you are driving there, then you will reach Amberd Fortress within one and a half hours. Below you can find Amberd’s location.
- Location: Amberd Fortress
Tip: If you are visiting Ashtarak and planning to stay there Amberd Castle is a great day trip because it is located 50 minutes away.
There are other options to visit Amberd Fortress, for example, taking an organized tour that will also include sites like Mount Aragats, Lake Kari, Saghmosavank, and more.
>> Click Here to Book a Tour to Amberd Fortress
Amberd Fortress Entrance Fee and Working Hours
The ticket for visiting the Amberd Fortress can be purchased right at the entrance.
- Residents: 700 AMD ($2) per person
- Tourists: 1500 AMD ($4) per person
- Children: 100 AMD ($0.30) per person
The ticket for visiting Amberd Fortress can be purchased right at the entrance.
Amberd Fortress is open from 9 am to 8 pm.
Pro Tip: Try to visit Amberd Fortress in the daytime when it’s sunny because the road is narrow and the visibility on the way back is not clear.
What to Expect While Visiting Amberd Fortress
Amberd Fortress is a very old construction, and periodically some reconstruction works are happening in the area, so try not to stand on the walls or on top of any historical bricks or constructions.
On the territory of the fortress area, it is possible to find a toilet and a small cafe. You can also buy a small guided tour right at the entrance if it’s available.
Visiting Amberd Fortress can be quite challenging for tourists with limited mobility because there are a couple of staircases without special extensions for wheelchairs.
Useful Tip: Try to visit Amberd Fortress in the early hours so you can also drive to the interesting Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory on the way back.
How To Visit Amberd Fortress on a Map
More Articles About Historical Sites in Armenia
- How to Visit Khor Virap Monastery
- How to Visit Tatev Monastery
- How to Visit the Temple of Garni
- How to Visit Geghard Monastery
Pin How to Visit Amberd Fortress Castle for Later
