Hiking in Israel is a must when visiting this lovely country, especially the capital, Jerusalem. The nature, forests, deserts and mountains are some of the most pristine in the word have incredible landscapes and hiking trails. As Jerusalem is the Holy Land, the hikes here have amazing ruins and sites to see on the way. It is not just a basic hiking trail like you might be used to.
Nahal Katlav
3 – 4 Hours
This easy going green hike starts at the best place possible, the Bar Behar Ice Cream stand. Grab an ice cream and be well on your way for a lovely hike through the bush. The hike starts in the area of Bar Giora. As there is a lot of bush, it is very shady but be sure to take a bottle of water as there is no water points in the Nahal.
Hirbet Hanut to Ein Kobi
4 Hours
As you are hiking from one area to the next, it is advised but not mandatory to bring two cars for this hike. You’ll park the first car at Ein Kobi, the starting point of the hike, just past Begin Park. Once you see the sign for Begin Park, drive a bit further to Ein Kobi which is a spring and park your car there. In the second car, drive for another 8 kilometres until you reach Hirbet Hanut. Once you see a beautiful Byzantine church, pull over and park your second car. Now you can start walking back to Ein Kobi where your first car is parked. The area you will be walking through is where the battle took place between David and Goliath. If the day is scorching hot take advantage of the Kobi spring and jump in to cool down.
Har Eitan
2 – 3 Hours
The Sataf Forest is known to have the most hikes within the surroundings of Jerusalem. This 7 kilometre hike is reasonably easy even though the distance might be a bit daunting. This path circles the mountain which is Har Eitan. Park your car in the Sataf parking lot and back track a bit down the road of entry where you will see the path to the start of the hike. This path keeps on looping around in a circular motion and will eventually bring you back to the parking lot. There is not much shade on this hike so be sure to bring a hat and some water. The view from the top of the mount is absolutely incredible with a 360 degree view of a Moshavim and the city of Tel Aviv in the distance.
Sataf to Ein Kerem
2 – 3 Hours
Yet again, it is advisable to take two cars and park them at either ends of the hiking trail. Park one car at the Sataf parking lot and the second car at a lot you will see when you head down the hill towards Jerusalem at Ein Kerem Agriculture School. Spectacular views are seen around every corner as you are walking through a flat riverbed valley. This hike is part of the famous Israel Trail.
Ein Lavan
1 – 2 Hours
Looking for a natural spring to take a dip in? This hike is great for the family. Take the kids and let them cool off after a great day of outdoor hiking. Park your car at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo and follow the blue signs which will direct you to two lovely springs. Follow a winding road ahead of you until you come to a small parking lot. Look for the green signs and steps on your right. Follow these steps up and find two fresh water pools. If you are interested to head to another fresh water pool, descend the steps and head along the gravel road where the blue trail joins the black. Head along the black trail and look for the ruins of a stone building. This is when you will know that you have reached the final pool.
