Top Scenic Lookout Points in Israel
July 14th 2013
A land beloved for its amazing vistas, Israel is dotted with astonishing natural and manmade scenic outlook points. Some serving as tourist destinations on their own, others better as worthy stops along a journey to other points, read on for our picks of the top lookout spots in Israel.
Sherover Promenade (HaTayelet) – This is a must-see destination for first-time visitors to Jerusalem. Located off a main road in the southern Jerusalem neighborhood of Talpiot, the Haas and Sherover Promenades afford views of the Old City of Jerusalem like no other. Beyond the Old City, it’s possible from here to appreciate the magnitude of sprawling modern Jerusalem, Mt. Olives, Mt. Scopus and lush Jerusalem pine groves. On a clear day, you can even see Jordanian hills peeking out from the far side of the Dead Sea.
Bahai Gardens in Haifa – One of the most visited attractions in all of Israel, the Bahai Gardens, located in the center of Haifa amidst the mountains of the Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea, are built on 19 terraces on the northern slope of Mount Carmel. Visitors can stand at the very top and gaze down into the glorious, carefully tended gardens of vibrant flowers, hedges and graveled paths, with the city and the sea below.
Rosh HaNikra – The spectacular natural wonder of the Rosh HaNikra grottoes, formed by Mother Nature over thousands of years, are located on the northern edge of Israel, at the border with Lebanon. Rosh HaNikra is ideal to visit in the winter, when the sounds and strength of the waves crashing into the grottoes are even more dramatic. A waterfront stroll along the promenade and a view of the entire northern coast of Israel from the Mitzpor Lookout round out a visit to Rosh HaNikra. Bring binoculars.
Mitzpe Ramon – Located in the Negev desert in southern Israel, the main attraction at Mitzpe Ramon is the view into the Ramon Crater (“Machtesh Ramon”). More than 23 miles long, four miles wide and a quarter of a mile deep, it’s believed to be the largest “erosion cirque” crater in the world. At the edge of the crater is a Visitor’s Center whose panoramic windows provides a magnificent scenic view.
Mitzpe Hashalom – The “Peace Lookout” in the Golan is an ideal spot to be able to appreciate the sparkling Sea of Galilee, the massive Arbel Cliff, the famous Golan Heights and the bountiful Jordan Valley in one panoramic site.
Nimrod’s Fortress – It’s not a casual hike, but the challenging climb to the top of Nimrod’s Fortress, built in the foothills of Mount Hermon in the 13th century, rewards determined hikers with striking views of the Hula valley below, the Golan Heights and the Galilee Mountains into Lebanon.
