Overview

Nimrod’s Fortress National Park (Qal’at Namrud) is situated on Mount Hermon’s slopes overlooking the Hula valley and boasts a large and relatively intact 13th century fortress. Although legend has it that the Golan Heights is where Nimrod hunted, it was originally built by the Mamluk governor of Banias, Al-Maliq al-Aziz Othman to defend the route to Damascus during the Crusades.

Visitors can enter through the formidable gate, which has a giant lintel with an inscription about the Sultan Beibars and explore the three sections of the fortress, including the more fortified lower section. Climb three floors with the winding stone staircase, view guard towers, turrets, and an underground water reservoir.

Walk through the fortress’ many rooms, view a drawbridge with a moat and even enter a secret passageway that exits to a well concealed doorway outside the fortress. Notice the castle windows which are narrow on the inside and wide on the outside to allow the defenders to view their enemies while remaining concealed.

After a fairly strenuous climb to the top of the fortified tower, enjoy a beautiful view of the Hula valley, the Golan, the mountains of Lebanon and the Galilee.

Note: Combination ticket for Nimrod Fortress and Banias– Adult: 38 NIS, Child: 19 NIS, Seniors: 50% discount

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Overview

The Meshushim Pool and Trails is part of the Yehudiya Nature Reserve and has five hiking trails in the Meshushim stream area. The Lookout Trail is a family friendly, wheelchair and stroller accessible path leading to an observation point to view the reserve, the streams, Mt. Hermon and the Golan volcanic peaks. Another easy trail is  The Dolmen Trail which takes you to the dolmens (ancient burial stones from 2900-1570 BCE) and a view of the reserve.

Fit hikers will enjoy the Pool Trail that descends down to a canyon and the Meshushim pool named after the unusual hexagonal basalt pillars created by cooling lava. A gentle waterfall feeds the 20 x 30 meter pool in which swimming is allowed, but proceed with caution as the water is very cold and there is no lifeguard on duty.

Another way to reach the Meshushim Pool is the Stream Trail, a more scenic route that requires climbing down a 3 meter cliff with handholds and footholds.

The most challenging trail is from the Meshushim Pool to the Zavitan Stream and the Yehudiya campground. With steep descents and ascents, a very fit hiker will enjoy trekking through the heart of the Mount Tabor oak forest and seeing Ein Netef, a spring that creates a beautiful curtain of trickling water. More hexagonal pools await anyone energetic enough to hike the trail further up the Zavitan stream.

Don’t miss the plentiful wildflowers (Sept. – April, peaking in March) and wildlife in the reserve. Try to spot animals such as the mountain gazelle, golden jackal, wild boar, Indian crested porcupine and the carnivore grasshopper, some as big as 10 cm long. The reserve is also home to some nearly extinct raptors, such as Bonelli’s eagle, the Egyptian vulture and the Griffon vulture.

Note:

• In the summer, make sure to bring plenty of water (3 liters per person per day) and be aware of the heat stress index prior to embarking on a longer trail.
• In the winter, inquire about flood risk at the reserve’s visitors center.
• Be sure to register with reserve staff prior to embarking on the Zavitan stream trail. You will also need a vehicle to pick you up at the Yehudiya campground.
• Dogs on leashes are allowed at the reserve.
• Buy a ticket to the Meshushim Stream Nature Reserve and also get in free to the 

  Yehudiya reserve (only on the day of

   

  purchase).

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Overview

The Nahariya Municipal Museum is also referred to as the  Liebermann Heritage House.

Located on the upper three floors of the Nahariya Town Hall, the Nahariya Municipal Museum opened in 1971 and is made up of various sections displaying art, archaeology, malacology (study of mollusks), the Byzantine period and local history of Nahariya.

In the Art section, see the permanent exhibit of over 700 works of art by famous Israeli and international artists. In the Archaeology section, see over 800 archaeological finds from the Western Galilee with some dating back to the prehistoric era. View a huge collection of mollusks from around and nearby Israel and seashells from around the world in the Malacology section.

Learn about the history of Nahariya since 1934 and see an exhibit and short video portraying the story of the establishment of Nahariya. Explore the archive of photos, posters, original correspondences and announcements. Visit a Byzantine church, take a tour of the museum and of local significant sites.

Note:

• It is best to call before you go to the museum as opening times can change.
• Call in advance to book your group! The group price includes a guided tour.

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Overview

The Ben-Zvi Hut memorializes the second President of Israel, Yitzchak Ben Zvi, his family and his legacy. The hut was moved from Jerusalem to Kibbutz Beit Keshet in the 1950s in memoriam of his son that fell in the 1948 War of Independence defending the Kibbutz. Tour the restored building (2008) and marvel at the simplicity of the Ben Zvi family through the display of restored furnishings, pictures and a 15 minute film depicting the life of the Ben Zvi family.

 Note:

• The Kibbutz Beit Keshet is half way between Nazareth and Tiberias
• It is not open to individuals only groups of 15 people or more. To order a guided tour with Tamar call 04-676-7122

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Overview

Beit Vilkomitz is also known as the Haim Vilkomitz House, the Beit HaMoreh or the Teacher’s House.

Beit Vilkomitz was the former home of Chaim Vilkomitz, a teacher who helped institute Hebrew ( as opposed to Yiddish) as the language of instruction in the Israeli school system, an initiative that Baron de Rothschild avidly supported. Walk through the art gallery for local artists and tour the reconstructed two story house. Enjoy the southern view looking out towards the mountain that hte Rosh Pina Cemetery is located on.

Note:

• There are no set hours. Call ahead to reserve a time for visiting. 
• Call ahead to find out if there are exhibitions in the Galleries.

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Overview

Founded in 1941 by the Ein Harod kibbutz in memory of Chaim Shturman, one of the founders, Beit Shtruman museum educates about the  nature, history, archaeology and settlement of the Jezreel Valley and is one of the largest archaeological museums in Israel.  View a large selection of preserved (taxidermy) animals from the area, flora and fauna, a rich collection of fossils, archaeological artifacts (including 75 Roman era millstones), the story of the settlement of the Harod valley, the ammunition used to protect modern settlements and the various products manufactured in the area.  Watch a special light show demonstrating water sources and related issues, a film about the region and see the monument dedicated to the kibbutz members who fell in Israeli wars. View the temporary exhibits on scientific subjects and works of art by local artists , as well as peruse the library and archives. The museum offers guided tours, enrichment programs, lectures, training seminars for teachers, student workshops and activities.

 Note:

• Guides are free for groups if there are 10 people

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Overview

Beit Ha Oganim is also knows as The House of Anchors.

Founded in 1995 by Mendel Nun, a foremost authority on the Kinneret and an experienced fisherman, the Beit HaOganim museum contains fishing implements found in the Kinneret from Biblical to current times.  Specializing in ancient anchors, view anchors made of stone and iron of various shapes and sizes for a variety of boats. Also see fishermen nets, stones used to weigh down the nets, and mooring stones. See rare drawings of ancient harbors on the Kinneret, pictures of fish found in the Kinneret, and a model of a first-century wooden fishing boat. Watch a demonstration of ancient and current fishing techniques, take a fishing tour or a train ride around the kibbutz.

 Note:

• The Museum is open by request only. Call and book your visit 054-565-8025 Yoel Madrich. The best hours for tours are in the morning. The admission cost is 60 NIS minimum for 1-5 people. This includes a guided tour in English.

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