Mapped driving route, Upper Galilee, Israel
[9] Manara Cliff (Zuk Manara)
Here you will find the longest cable car in Israel. Take it up the mountain for a superb view of the Hula Valley. The three stations on the ride up provide different attractions and activities, including rapelling, mountain biking, jeeping, wall climbing, roller coaster or omega swinging. My personal favorite is to hike down from the very top.
- Open daily.
- 9:30 – 17:00
- Entrance fee.
- T: 04.690.5830
Directions: Return to Rte 886 and turn left. Continue to the first right Rte 9997 to Tel Hai
[10] Tel Hai: Headquarters of Joseph Trumpeldor
At Tel Hai, find the monument of Joseph Trumpeldor. Next to the landmark statue of the Roaring Lion dedicated to the memory of Joseph Trumpeldor, learn about the history of Jewish settlement in the Galilee. In 1920, Commander Trumpeldor and his men were attacked and killed by a band of Arabs led by Kamal Effendi.
[11] Eli Lemberger Israeli Museum of Photography
Tel Hai is also the site of the Eli Lemberger Israeli Museum of Photography, established in 1992 by Israeli industrialist Stef Wertheimer.The permanent collection documents the history of photography from 1826 to the present and features photographs of the Holyland as taken by Maison Bonfils and other photographers from the late 1800s.
In contrast, the museum features exhibits works by new photographers as well as established contemporary photographers. Visit the car collection which demonstrates the development of motor vehicles from 1930, including 30 classic models located next to the museum.
The museum is located in Tel Hai Industrial Park, one of a series of nation-wide industrial parks established by Stef Wertheimer, founder of ISCAR Metal Working and Metal Cutting Tools. In May 2006, ISCAR was acquired by Warren Buffet, Berkshire Hathaway, for over $4 billion. ISCAR CEO, Eitan Wertheimer, was the key figure in the success of the transaction, the largest in Israel’s history to date.
Where: Tel Hai Industrial Park
T: 04.695.0769
Sun – Thurs: 8:00 – 16:00
Saturdays and holidays: 10:00 – 17:00
Closed Friday.
Directions: Continue to Rte 90 north (turn left onto Rte 90) and enter Metulla.
[12] Metulla (Metula, Mettula)
Metulla, Israel’s most northern town, on the Lebanese border was founded in 1896 by Baron Edmond de Rothschild on land he bought from the Druze owners; the original settlers were Russian Jews who were fleeing pogroms in Russia.
Apple capital of Israel: Metulla, Upper Galilee
Farmers in Metulla and the surrounding kibbutzim use the high altitude and cold climate to grow and export Israel’s best apples and pears. Be sure to taste the fruit up here.
The historic Good Fence was situated in Metulla whereby day workers from Lebanon would enter and leave Israel.
[12A] Canada Sports’ Center
The Canada Sports’ Center, headquarters of the Israel Ice Hockey Federation, is located in town: ice skating, swimming pool with water slides, sauna, bowling alley, squash courts, gym facilities. Local residents and soldiers stationed along the border are frequent visitors to the center.
Save money by buying a daily pass.
Guests of local lodgings in Metulla are given the privilege of longer hours at the Center, the same as Metulla residents. Be sure to inquire.
T: 04. 695.0370
[13] Nahal Iyon (Ayoun) Hike
Hike: Nahal Iyon (Ayoun) to Tanur waterfalls . Wonderful hike of medium level difficulty. Highly recommended. There are four waterfalls in this canyon, but the most spectacular is the Tanur Waterfaills. The best season to take this hike and see the waterfalls at full capacity is in the winter and spring. During the summer months, the waterfall is less powerful.
- Good signage along the way.
- Open 8:00 – 17:00. Entrance to the reserve until 16:00.
- Fridays and holiday eves: until 15:00.
- Hike length: 1.5 hours
- Fee
Directions: Return to Rte 90 (south). Turn left onto Rte 99 at HaMetzudat Junction. Pass Kibbutz HaGoshrim. Turn right onto Rte 9892. Horshat Tal is on the right.
[14] National Park Horshat Tal
Our family’s favorite camping reserve in the north, Horshat Tal is graced with huge old trees, grassy lawns, and an ice cold spring fed swimming pool.The camping area is located along the burbling brooks of the Dan River – the perfect lullaby to hear from within your tent . Mini-market on premises. Central toilets and shower facilities.
Open all year.
T: 04.694.2360
Horshat Tal Nature Reserve
Directions: Return to Rte 99 and turn right. Travel past Kibbutz Dafne on the left.Look for signs to Kibbutz Dan on the left.
[15] Kibbutz Dan
Fish Farm: See trout being raised at this ever-expanding fish farm. Fresh fish can be bought here. Buy fresh trout, salmon, pink trout, and grill the fish at Horshat Tal picnic grounds. If you prefer to let others do the cooking, head for Dag Al HaDan (see below) and dine in splendor alongside the burbling brook under cool leafy trees.
Directions: Off Rte 99 on the left. Look for signs.
[16] Tel Dan Nature Reserve
A total treat in nature, the Tel Dan Nature Reserve is set along the sometimes rushing waters of the Dan, and sometimes quieter streams. Follow the marked route which takes you over bridges sand under large tree canopies.
Bring water to drink – lots of water around, but none to drink or dunk. In the summer it is hot – so drink plenty, and look for a swim hole outside the park.
- Rushing waters of Dan River, Galilee, Israe
Directions: Off Rte 99 on the left. Look for signs.
[17] Beit Ussishkin Museum
Small museum in an old mill with dioramas depicting the story of the Hula Valley, local flora and fauna, and animal life, as well as archeological evidence of when the tribe of Dan populated this area.
T: 04.694.1704
Sun-Thurs: 8:00 – 16:30
Fri: 8:00-15:00
Sat and holidays: 9:30-16:30
[18] Dag Al HaDan Restaurant
Map to Dag AlHaDan Fish Restaurant, Upper Galilee, Israel
This is trout country. Situated among the trees and streams of the Dan River, the rustic wooden tables and tree canopy enhance the flavor of fresh trout, the main attraction on the menu.
Reservations advisable.
T: 04.695.0225
the left side of the road. Remains of a Jewish village, complete with the ruins of a synagogue and the original Torah scroll, from over 250 years ago were found here. The Jews who lived here kept their identity and religion a secret from their Arab neighbors. Much like the Marranos in Spain, they dressed, spoke and behaved like the rest of the population in order to hide their true identity. In later years, David Ben-Gurion established the HaShomer Movement here, and later these headquarters housed Israel’s first State Department. Golda Meir frequented the site and held State meetings here. Original archives fill the lower level museum which can be entered by prior appointment only. The upper level houses a fine kosher restaurant.
