Swan Lake
A serene artificial lake in Yerevan, named after Tchaikovsky's ballet, offering relaxation, swans, and seasonal jazz concerts or ice skating.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Open-air jazz concerts
Swan Lake
Best Time
Open-air jazz concerts
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene artificial lake in Yerevan, named after Tchaikovsky's ballet, offering relaxation, swans, and seasonal jazz concerts or ice skating.
"Swan Lake in Yerevan is a serene oasis amidst the bustling city, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm."
🎭 Understand the Ballet
Read up on the plot before watching ballet for better interpretation. :performing_arts:
🦢 Feed the Swans
Locals often feed swans lavash; watch them dunk it like tea bags! :bird:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Serene Lake
Central Yerevan
A picturesque artificial lake, a tranquil oasis offering relaxation and charming views of swans.
Summer Jazz Evenings
Central Island Stage
Experience open-air jazz concerts on the island stage during warm summer evenings.
Winter Ice Rink
Frozen Lake Surface
In winter, the lake transforms into a popular ice-skating rink.
Sculptures & Monuments
Around the Lake
Admire the 'Melody' sculpture and the monument to composer Arno Babajanian.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Atmosphere
Plotting Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Boyfriend bought me Swan Lake tickets- how should I prepare to utterly dissolve in the experience?
🎭 Understand the Ballet
Read up on the plot before watching ballet for better interpretation. :performing_arts:
🦢 Feed the Swans
Locals often feed swans lavash; watch them dunk it like tea bags! :bird:
Best Activities Around Swan Lake
Seeing swan lake at the ROH with Osipova in 2 weeks. Any tips?
☕ Coffee & Dining Nearby
Numerous coffee shops and restaurants surround the lake with mid-range to higher prices. :coffee:
⛸️ Winter Skating
Enjoy ice skating on the lake when it freezes over in winter. :ice_skate:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎭 Understand the Ballet
Read up on the plot before watching ballet for better interpretation. :performing_arts:
🦢 Feed the Swans
Locals often feed swans lavash; watch them dunk it like tea bags! :bird:
☕ Coffee & Dining Nearby
Numerous coffee shops and restaurants surround the lake with mid-range to higher prices. :coffee:
⛸️ Winter Skating
Enjoy ice skating on the lake when it freezes over in winter. :ice_skate:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Swan Lake is a beloved urban oasis in Yerevan, praised for its serene beauty and the charming presence of swans. Visitors appreciate its role as a relaxing escape and enjoy seasonal activities like summer jazz concerts and winter ice skating. While some note the surrounding cafes can be pricey, the overall sentiment is that it's a beautiful and worthwhile spot to visit.
"Beautiful venue. Would be even better if an orchestra was playing live, which was what ge shallow lake was built for. It's shaped after Sevan lake. A statue of Arno Babajanyan can be oun nearby"
Paul Toh
"Architect: Gevorg Musheghyan
In the 1960s, water areas were created in Yerevan's recreation zones to mitigate the city's hot and humid microclimate. The first of the planned artificial reservoirs was Swan Lake, built in 1963 according to architect Gevorg Musheghyan’s design.
Swan Lake is located at the intersection of Tumanyan and Teryan streets, in the southeastern part of the park surrounding the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. It was named in honor of P. I. Tchaikovsky’s famous “Swan Lake” ballet. The area of the lake previously contained old, dilapidated houses, and during the Soviet years, black and white swans lived in the lake.
Swan Lake is graphically a miniature version of Lake Sevan, constructed from stone and concrete. Its surface area is about 2490 square meters, with a capacity of 2400 cubic meters. During construction, the surrounding area was landscaped (about 3,400 square meters), and willows were planted. Concrete paths (about 2700 square meters) run around the lake and through the greenery. The lake has an island connected to the path by a small bridge.
Since 2005, part of the lake has been transformed into an ice-skating rink during winter.
In 1965, the “Melody” sculpture (by sculptor Sargis Baghdasaryan) was installed near the lake, and in 2003, a monument to the famous composer Arno Babajanian (architect: Levon Igityan, sculptor: David Bejanyan) was erected.
Swan Lake in Yerevan, Armenia, is a serene oasis amidst the bustling city, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm. The picturesque lake, adorned with elegant swans, provides a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation, leisurely walks, and photography. With boating opportunities, picnic spots, and cultural events, it's a favored destination for locals and tourists alike, making it a must-visit spot in Yerevan."
Monica Balakrishnan
"A small pond next to the opera. It's worth walking around it."
Janne Saarme
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Swan Lake is conveniently located in central Yerevan, at the intersection of Tumanyan and Teryan streets, near the Opera House. It's easily accessible by foot from many city center locations, or you can take a taxi or public transport to the nearby Opera Theatre stop.
Yes, Swan Lake is a well-known landmark in Yerevan, situated in the park surrounding the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Its central location makes it easy to spot.
Walking is the best way to explore Swan Lake and its surroundings. The concrete paths around the lake and through the landscaped greenery offer pleasant strolls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Swan Lake is a public park and a free-access area. You do not need tickets to walk around the lake or enjoy the atmosphere.
Swan Lake is accessible 24/7 as it's an outdoor public space. However, specific activities like ice skating or jazz concerts have their own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit Swan Lake. It's a public park designed for recreation and relaxation for everyone.
Yes, Swan Lake hosts open-air jazz concerts on summer evenings and transforms into an ice-skating rink in winter. Check local listings for event schedules.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can relax by the water, feed the swans (locals use lavash), enjoy the green spaces, walk the paths, and in summer, listen to jazz music. In winter, ice skating is a popular activity.
Yes, the lake is named after the swans that inhabit it, and you can often see them gracefully swimming.
Absolutely! Swan Lake offers picturesque scenery, especially with the swans and surrounding greenery, making it a great spot for photography.
Swan Lake was created in the 1960s as an artificial reservoir to mitigate Yerevan's microclimate. It's designed as a miniature version of Lake Sevan and was named after Tchaikovsky's ballet.
While the description mentions boating opportunities, current information suggests this may not be a regular offering. It's best to check locally if boat rentals are available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are many coffee shops and restaurants located around Swan Lake, offering a variety of dining options.
The prices for food and drinks in the cafes and restaurants around Swan Lake are generally in the mid-range to above.
While there are no designated picnic areas, the green spaces around the lake offer opportunities for a casual picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots include the lake with swans, the small bridge to the island, the surrounding greenery, and the nearby sculptures. Summer evenings and winter mornings offer unique lighting.
Yes, Swan Lake is an excellent place to photograph swans as they are a prominent feature of the lake.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing a softer glow. Summer evenings are also beautiful with the jazz concerts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎶 Music Lovers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Design of Swan Lake
The lake features a small island, connected by a bridge, which has historically served as a stage for performances. This design element is particularly evident during the summer months when the island transforms into an open-air jazz club, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Beyond its aesthetic and recreational purposes, Swan Lake also serves as a canvas for public art. The 'Melody' sculpture by Sargis Baghdasaryan was installed nearby in 1965, and in 2003, a monument to the renowned composer Arno Babajanian was erected, further enriching the cultural landscape around the lake.
Seasonal Transformations of Swan Lake
As winter approaches, Swan Lake takes on a magical, frosty charm. The water freezes over, and the area is converted into a popular ice-skating rink.
Even outside of these specific seasonal events, Swan Lake remains a beautiful spot year-round. Its design as a serene oasis means it offers a peaceful retreat regardless of the weather. Whether you're enjoying a summer concert, gliding on the ice in winter, or simply taking a quiet walk amidst the changing foliage in spring or autumn, Swan Lake provides a consistently charming experience.
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