The Astara border crossing between Azerbaijan and Iran is one of the busier land crossings between the two countries, handling both freight lorries and pedestrian traffic. Walking across the bridge over the Astara river into the Iranian side — itself also called Astara — is a surprisingly low-key experience for a border between two countries with such different political systems.
If you are entering Iran, make sure your visa is arranged before you arrive. The Iranian side of Astara is a mirror image of the Azerbaijani town in some ways — the same language spoken, similar food — but unmistakably different in atmosphere. The border area on both sides is busy with traders and shoppers taking advantage of price differences.