Bahir Dar

Bahir Dar is a regional capital on the southern shore of Lake Tana in the highlands at around 1800 meters (5900 feet) in Amhara Region. The city spreads along wide palm-lined avenues, with access to waterways leading to island monasteries and communities across the lake.

The settlement grew from a small village in the early 20th century to an administrative center after gaining municipal status in 1945. Over the following decades it became the regional capital and developed into a hub for administration and commerce in northern Ethiopia.

The name of the city means "sea of the north" and reflects how locals perceive Lake Tana as an inland ocean. Residents often gather at lakeside parks in the evening to watch the sunset over the water and enjoy traditional coffee ceremonies.

The city has an airport with regular flights to Addis Ababa, and boats depart from the harbor to reach monasteries on Lake Tana islands. Visitors can explore the palm-lined streets along the lakeshore on foot or travel through the city using motorized rickshaws.

The Blue Nile flows out of Lake Tana nearby and plunges over a waterfall roughly 45 meters (150 feet) high about 30 kilometers downstream. This waterfall, known locally as Tis Issat, turns into a wide roaring curtain of water during the rainy season.

Location: Amhara Region

Elevation above the sea: 1,800 m

GPS coordinates: 11.59497,37.38823

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:37