Untouched Nature and Ancient History
For centuries under the influence of the Persian and the Ottoman empire the Armenians still kept their own identity, culture, language and even alphabet. It is also the first country to have adopted Christianity as its state religion. The first church in the world was built in Armenia. Like Georgia it is one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world.
Armenian policemen guarding our motorcycle
Entering the country should be well planned
The Armenian border was one of the toughest borders to pass for us until then. We haven`t been to Turkmenistan or China yet. Every bag was opened and unpacked.
Border control when entering Armenia
Getting into Armenia on the road should be well planned because it is only possible to enter from Georgia. The borders from Turkey or Azerbaijan are closed.
Once inside the country it was already dark so we didn’t really see much of it on our way to Yerevan while driving on badly paved roads. Late in the night we arrived at a nice small hostel where we fell asleep immediately.
Good breakfast at the hostel in Yerevan
After a good breakfast at the hostel we felt ready to explore the city.
Yerevan – a city full of contradiction
There is the city center of Yerevan with beautiful buildings and expensive cars as well as poorer parts of the city. Instead of Mercedes there were Ladas so old they should be in museum and old-fashioned tea houses instead of modern bars and cafés.
Fountains of drinking water in the city center of Yerevan
Women selling local dry fruits
We enjoyed the great atmosphere with people playing music or dancing on the streets.
Children dancing in the streets
Street artist at work
On our way back to the hostel we passed the famous Republic square.
Republic square at night
Until the end of the Soviet Union there was a huge Lenin Statue. Nowadays tourists and locals come to enjoy the nearby cafés and bars as well as markets.
Motorcycle paradise in the mountains of Armenia
Riding next to Lake Sevan
The scenery was amazing as we were riding across mountainous regions. Curvy roads between lush green scenery and small rivers made this part one of the best motorcycle riding experiences so far.
Beautiful mountainous scenery
At the petrol station the attendant invited us for tea in his building and told us about his hard working situation. To support his family he had two jobs and no free time at all. Nevertheless he was a happy man being proud of his own house and his children being able to live abroad.
Friendly petrol station attendant not only invited us for coffee…
…but also gave Claudia a beautiful flower
Our stay in Armenia was much too short. There would have been many more places to visit. We would have loved to stay longer, but we were short on time because of our Turkmenistan visa. Nevertheless we enjoyed every moment and we are glad to have visited this interesting country.
Duration of stay
15 Jun 2018 – 17 Jun 2018
Flag
Borders
entered from Georgia
exited to Georgia
Visa
no visa required for Austrian citizens
Weather
about 25°, sunny, no rain
Best experience
A friendly attendant invited us for tea at the petrol station.
Worst experience
All the baggage was opened and even x-rayed at the border.
Population
about 2,900,000 people
Religion
The primary religious establishment is the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Interesting fact
Armenia has the world’s oldest national church.
Travel tip
If you are travelling overland, you should check which borders are opened. You can only enter and exit from Georgia and Iran, the borders to Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed
