Golan Heights Top 10 Sites!
December 6th 2011
Top 10 Golan Heights Sites & Activities:
The Golan Heights in the far north of Israel is a land of natural beauty. Standing high above the eastern shores of the Sea of Galilee, the Golan is packed with nature reserves and national parks, historic sites and religious centers, and amazing active experiences that will remain with well beyond you beyond your trip to Israel.
1: Tel Dan National Park
The Dan River is one of the main water sources of the River Jordan, and just before they merge is the Tel Dan National Park. Three hiking trails shaded by interwoven trees cut through the lush greenery and numerous streams, as well as the history this unique site has to offer: a disused flour mill and the ruins of the ancient city of Laish, a Canaanite city whose story dates from the time of the Book of Judges.
2: The Banias Waterfalls
Amid the forested slopes of the Golan snakes the Banias Spring. Fed by the snowmelt and runoff water from Mount Hermon, Israel’s tallest mountain, as this stream cuts through the slopes of the Golan Heights it flows for over 3 kilometers through a canyon cut away by the force of the water. This canyon gives way to the impressive Banias Waterfall. Whether you decide to go into the water, or just observe from the banks, once you visit, you will realise quickly why this is one of the most popular and iconic natural spots in Israel.
3: Mount Bental IDF Base Lookout
Some 1,200 meters above the Sea of Galilee, Mount Bental is one of a number of defunct volcanoes out of which the Golan Heights was formed. The amazing height affords amazing views over Israel, and across into Syria, and as such has been a strategic point throughout history, including as the site of a famous and fierce battle during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
4: Kibbutz El Romm & Valley of Tears (Yom Kippur War)
The site of a decisive battle in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the Valley of Tears was named for the large number of burning tanks which lay across the area. Today, at the only settlement in the valley, Kibbutz El Romm, visitors can, as part of their trips to Israel, see a film depicting this battle, and the amazing, inspirational Israeli victory over the Syrian forces.
5: De Karina Mountain Chocolate Factory Tour
Trips to Israel can include some amazing culinary activities, and visiting the De Karina Chocolate factory located in Kibbutz Ein Zivan in the Golan Heights is one of these. Established in the last ten years by a third-generation Argentinean chocolatier, this amazing factory produces totally handmade chocolate. Tour, taste, and enjoy!
6: Ein Zivan ATV TomCats Experience
You will cover hundreds of miles of paved road during your trip to Israel, so now experience some off-road miles. In a TomCat, an all terrain vehicle (ATV), venture off the highway into the depths of the rugged, rocky Golan Heights, beyond where car or coach could go, and have an experience that you will take you places others can only dream of.
7: The Golan Heights Winery Tour
Producing over 6 million bottles of top quality wine every year, the Golan Heights Winery is one of Israel’s largest and most prestigious makers of wine. In its beautiful setting in the Golan Height is a visitor center where you can take tours to experience the wine making process, and of course, taste the finished product!
8: Magic Golan Welcome Center
Step into the Magic Golan Welcome Center and you will only say “wow” when you see the incredible model of the Golan Heights. Giving an unrivalled overview of this land, its natural features, mountains, rivers, and streams, and man-made settlements, pretty villages, and kibbutzim that occupy its slopes, the Magical Golan Welcome Center is truly fascinating.
9: Ancient Katzrin Talmudic Village
The Katzrin Talmudic Village is a reconstructed village mentioned in the Talmud. Brought back to life in the same place it was located all those thousands of years ago, walk through reconstructed streets, lined with the same buildings and tools that would have been seen and used here all that time ago. The remains of Katzrin’s stately synagogue are today popular for weddings or could even be the setting for your Israel Bar Mitzvah.
10: Gamla National Park
Eagles nest in the hillsides at Gamla National Park, and once you have visited, you will instantly why they would make this their home. With amazing hiking trails through the rugged terrain and nature, and impressive ancient ruins, Gamla is somewhere that you could stop at on your Israel tour for one hour or one day.
