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The Golan Heights is a volcanic region, evident in the large basalt rocks that are typical Golan Heights scenery.

Hike Suggestion:
[1] Yehudiyya Forest Nature Reserve
Yehudiyya Forest Nature Reserve features cliff climbing, and then ladder climbing into pools of water where you swim across, climb out, and continue hiking. Great fun. Wear shoes with good traction. Yehudiyya is next to hike through water, Nahal Zaki.
- The hike begins in the parking lot of the reserve, located about 7 km up the road from the Yehudiyya Junction.
- April - Sept: 8:00 - 17:00
- Oct - March: 8:00 - 16:00
- T: 04.696.2817
- Fee
Overnight suggestion: Camp out under the stars at the Yehudiyya Campgrounds.
Hike Suggestion:
[2] Hexagonal Pools & Waterfall
Breichat HaMeshushim
Rte 888
Enter the park, don swimming shorts or whatever you swim in, and keep on sneakers or hiking shoes and a sun hat. The hike down to the natural pools is approximately one half hour. Take drinking water! Hike down. When you get to the bottom, jump in and swim to the waterfall! Refreshing, cool. Little kids love it (but will need supervision). The Hexagonal Pools are so named due to the 6-sided vocanic rocks which are suspended over the water hole.
[3] Moshav Ani'am
Rte 808
Continue on Rte 87, past Katsrin and turn right onto Rte 808. Ani'am is on the right side of the road.
Established in 1974 by a group of new immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Moshav Ani'am is a technology-based moshav. Unlike most of the other settlement communities in the Golan Heights, Ani'am decided to build an infrastructure based on engineering services (building, electrical, machinery) and computer services.
The Artist Colony at Ani'am is a new venture that has been expanding over the last five years. With a growing selection of handmade crafts ranging from gold jewelry to paper crafts, friendly artists who open their doors and chat willingly, and two good restaurants, a visit to Ani'am is a way to explore and to meet the local population.
[3A] Artist Colony on Moshav Ani'am
Handpainted Tiles
Golan Hts: Moshav Ani'am Rte 808
If handpainted tiles, mezuzot, hamsa (good luck amulets) are your type of thing, visit the studio of Osnat Rotman.
Frames and Pictures
Golan Hts: Moshav Ani'am Rte 808
Yifat Peled's handmade picture frames, and pictures, delight the eye.
- By appointment only.
- T: 052.447.2798
Mirar Ani'am
Golan Hts: Moshav Ani'am Rte 808
Handpainted glassware, ceramics, wooden objects and other unusual items fill the gallery of Miriam Yakovitsky.
- Closed Sundays.
- By appointment only.
- T: 054.522.8140
Jewelry Studio of Handmade Gold and Silver Jewellry
Golan Hts: Moshav Ani'am Rte 808
Precious stones and semi-precious gems set in handmade 14K, 18K and 22K gold mounts, as well as sterling silver settings, are on display in Joel Friedman's jewelery studio on Moshav Ani'am. Originally from New York, Joel learned the art and craft of jewelry making from the family business of his father and grandfather.
Among Yoel's specialties are braided rings - be sure to see them.
- Open daily.
- By appointment.
Yotzrim Silversmith Jewelry, Wood Creations, Ceramics
Golan Hts: Moshav Ani'am Rte 808
Dafne creates large size unique silver jewelry pieces you won't find anywhere else.
The wood furniture and furnishings are the creation of her husband/partner, and are for sale as well.
Unique handmade ceramic articles for sale.
- Open daily.
- By appointment.
[3B] Restaurants on Ani'am
Suzanna Bistro Bar
Golan Hts: Moshav Ani'am Rte 808
Set in a rustic log cabin, Suzanna Bistro Bar is an atmospheric meat restaurant for couples and families.
- Kosher
- Sunday - Thurs: 12:00 until the last customer leaves
- Friday: 12:00 - 15:00. Closed Friday night
- Saturday: From the end of shabbat until the last customer leaves
- Handicap access
- Child friendly
- Indoor and Outdoor seating
- Smoking area
- T: 04.699.9855
Good Deal: Business Lunch from Sunday - Thurs between the hours of 13:00 - 17:00
Protea Dairy Restaurant
Golan Hts: Moshav Ani'am Rte 808
- Dairy.
- Open Friday, Sat.
- T: 04.682.1855
Protea Flower Tour
Golan Hts: Moshav Ani'am Rte 808
Protea is the national flower of South Africa. Ilan Halif of Moshav Ani'am grows these beauties for export. The flowers bloom from October to March. From April to September the Protea flower is in pre-bloom state, but worth a look see. Contact Ilan for a tour of his Protea fields and the story behind the crop.
[3C] Holistic Treatment Workshops
Pania Center
Golan Hts: Moshav Ani'am Rte 808
Center for alternative treatments and Chinese medicine for groups, large and small, by appointment.
Onsite store offers original natural health products, meditation music, accessories.
Tai-Chi, Yoga, Chi-Kong, Movement, Meditation workshops: Guided imagery, healing. Shiatsu, Reflexology, Acupuncture, Healing.
T: 04.699.9107; 050.250.1834; 050.406.0456
[3D] Lodging
Elias Cabins
Golan Hts: Moshav Ani'am Rte 808
For couples only. Two romantic cabins set in nature, wtih indoor jacuzzi, and an outdoor hammock.
Shambala
Golan Hts: Moshav Ani'am Rte 808
For couples and families. Two wooden cabins set in nature, with indoor jacuzzi.
[3E] Nature Spot
Golan Hts: Moshav Ani'am Rte 808
Eagle Canyon and waterfall. Just down the road from Moshav Ani'am, find Ein Ayet, with an easy to walk path leading to a winter waterfall. But even in summer months, this walk calms the soul and feasts the eyes.
[4] Katzrin (Katsrin, Qatzrin)
Rte 87
ATM Machine: Katsrin Commercial Center at Bank Leumi
Continue on Rte 87 to Katsrin South Junction and turn left onto Rte 9088. See the Katrzin Industrial Center on the right side. Two major suppliers of drinks are located here and offer onsite tours.
[4A] Golan Winery
On the left side, see Golan Winery which produces award-winning wines that are recognized around the world. Under the guidance of vintner Victor Schonnenfeld, the winery has grown in output and reputation since its establishment in 1983. The visitor center offers a film about the wine making process and a tour of the winery.
- Open daily except Sat.
- T: 04.696.8420
[4B] Mey Eden Mineral Water Bottling Plant
A drink of a different kind awaits you down the road on the right side. Mey Eden bottles mineral water from a source in the Golan Heights. The visitor center offers tours and some samples. Advance booking necessary!
- Open daily except Sat.
- Sunday - Thurs: 8:00 - 17:00
- Friday: 8:00 - 13:00
- T: 04.696.105; 04.696.2825
[4C] Golan Archaeology Museum
Besides the archeological finds on view, learn the story of Gamla .
Like the Jewish people of Masada in the south who rebelled against the Romans, so did the Jewish town of Gamla in the north rebel. See an excellent audiovisual presentation (available in nine languages).
- Sunday - Thursday: 9:00 - 16:00
- Friday and Festival eves: 9:00 - 14:00
- Saturdays and Festivals: 10:30 - 13:30
- Katzrin Industrial Area
- T: 04-696.1350
- Fee (combined ticket for Katzrin Talmudic Village available)
[4D] Katzrin Talmudic Village
Situated on the site of a partially reconstructed synagogue and village from Talmudic times, the site comes alive with customed villagers who go about their daily tasks, and guide visitors. Audio Video presentation discusses a Talmudic tractate in clear, understandable language. Recommended.
- Sunday - Thurs: 8:00-17:00
- Friday: 8:00 - 15:00
- Sat & holidays: 10:00 - 16:00
- Katzrin Industrial Area
- 04.696.2412
- Fee (combined ticket for Katzrin Talmudic Village available)
When you leave Katzrin, continue down Rte 9088 to the northen exit.
[4E] Golan Olive Oil Mill
Founded by Russian scientist, Dr. Pipco, the olive farm specializes in superior quality olive oil pressed with a technologically advanced olive press to insure the highest standards of sanitation. Dr. Pipco develops natural health care products based on olive oil. Visit the center to tour, taste, shop. The visitor center offers fresh juice, cafe, olives.
The line of personal care products, Olea Essence, without any synthetic preservatives, is available at the visitor center. No animal testing.
Anti sun moisturizing cream
- Nourishing cream enriched with grape pip oil
- Moisturizing cream with silk protein
- Moisturizing cream with jojoba oil
- On Tuesday and Friday, a marketplace is held on the grounds of Capernaum Vista Farms.
- T: 04.685.0023
[5] Kidmat Zvi (Tzvi)
Rte 9098
[5A] Boutique Winery: Bazelet ha-Golan Winery
Free winetasting tour including the wine cellars. Vintner Yoav Levy studied the art of winemaking in Israel. The landscaped visitor center has outdoor seating. Cabernet Sauvignon wine is produced from vineyards in the Golan Heights. Wines are exported, mostly to the U.S.
- Sun - Friday: 8:00 - 15:00. For a later visit, call to inquire.
- Saturday: Closed
- T: 04.682.7223; 050.848.5010
- Kosher
[5B] Boutique Winery: Ein Nashut
Wines are produced from grapes grown in the onsite vineyards. The bottled Cabernet Savignon and Merlot is stored in an authentic Syrian bunker.
- Restaurant.
- Jewelry studio: workshops offered. By prior arrangement.
- Petting zoo for small children
- T: 04.696.2150; 052.279.1457
[6] Kibbutz Ortal Horse Ranch
Rte 91
The horseback riding ranch at Kibbutz Ortal offers guided tours on horseback for children and adults. Outdoor meals may be arranged as part of the tour.
Honeymooning couples, or any other romancers, will appreciate horseback riding tours for two!
All horseback riding tours are by prior arrangement. Helmets provided. Insurance included.
- T: 04.696.0702/808; 052.561.2326
[7] Kibbutz Ein Zivan
Rte 91
[7A] Boutique Chocolates
On the left side, stop at Kibbutz Ein Zivan to visit and tour the handcrafted chocolates of Karina. Established by a 3rd generation chocolatier from Argentina, these handcrafted Belgian chocolate bonbons come as a surprise in the wilds of the Golan. The tour includes tastings!
- Chocolate making workshops available. Inquire
- Sunday - Thurs: 9:00 - 17:00
- Friday, holiday eves: 9:00-15:00. Closed Sat.
- T: 04.699.3622
- Kosher certificate.
[7B] Bustan HaGolan Self-Picking Fruit Orchards
Ein Zivan also has berry and cherry picking fields, but not on the kibbutz itself. Continue onto Rte 98 and find Bustan HaGolan on the right side. Self-picking of a large variety of berries and fruit.
- Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Until 4 PM on Friday and Saturday.
- Bustan HaGolan in Kibbutz Ein Zivan, Route 98 in the Golan Heights.
- T: 050.725.4912; 04. 699.3610
[8] Golan Fruit Sorting Center
Merom HaGolan: Off Rte 959
Look for Golan Fruit Sorting Center on right side of road.
The Golan Heights is a prime fruit-growing region: apples, pears, plums, cherries. Visit the Golan Fruit Sorting Center to learn how fruits are sorted by robots incorporating the latest technology to sort by color and size. Visit the huge cooler rooms (great on an August day). See a film which explains the process.
- By appointment only: Sunday - Thurs: 8:30 - 15:00
- T: 04.696.1988; 050.533.3267
- Kosher restaurant on premises
To visit the horse ranch at Kibbutz Ortal, continue on 959 (north) and turn right on 9881. At the junction with Rte 91, turn left (south) to the entrance to Kibbutz Ortal.
[10] Shaal Fruit Picking
Pick cherries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries. The season starts in June and ends by mid-October.
- Open daily 8:30-15:00, except Saturday. Closed on Saturday.
- T: 052.460.0465
- Overnight suggestion: Camp out in Shaal camping site. Grass roofed huts for families. Central showers, toilets. Mattresses provided. Refrigerators. BBQ grills. Breakfast / dinner can be ordered. Open all year.
[11] Kibbutz El-Rom
Rte 98
[11A] El-Rom Berry & Cherry Picking
The berry and cherry picking fields of Kibbutz El Rom are on the right. Follow the signs down the country road.
[11B] Story of the Yom Kippur War
Thirty minute film describing the battles in the Golan, specifically of Emek HaBacha - Valley of Tears. Hebrew with English subtitles. No reservation necessary. Open daily 9 - 4 PM.
[12] Moshav Odem
Odem Mountain Boutique Winery
Rte 9799
Just south of Kibbutz El-Rom on Rte 98, turn left onto Rte 9799. At the junction with Rte 978, turn right (north) and proceed to Moshav Odem.
Visit the boutique winery established by the Alfasi family, Michael and Edit, and their four children. One of the first families to settle in Odem, the winery is a culmination of their dream. The Alfasi family invites you to a tour of the facilities, and a wine and cheese tasting. On weekends (see below), no prior arrangements necessary.
- Friday, Sat, holiday eve, and Holidays: 10:00 - 18:00
- For visits on other days, please telephone to make arrangements.
- T: 04.687.1122; 050.522.0248; 050.564.1050
Overnight suggestion: Camp out under the stars at the Deer Park Campgrounds on Moshav Odem.
[13] Mas'ada Druze Village
Rte 98
Continue on Rte 98, and pass through the Druze village of Mas'ada. The Druze in the Golan lived in Syria until the lines were redrawn in 1967. The people are friendly and grow the best apples in the country - in season.
Authentic Druze restaurant: Nidal Restaurant serves authentic Druze foods. Not kosher.
- On the main road of Mas'ada.
- Tip: Call to be sure the restaurant is open
- T: 04.698.1066; 050.578.6779
At Yaar Odem Junction, turn right following Rte 98. Look to the right to see Birkat Ram, a natural lake. There is a restaurant on the shore.
[14] Baniyas Park and Waterfall
Continue to the end of Rte 989 and turn right onto Rte 99. Follow the signs to the Hermon Nature Reserve . At the foot of Mount Hermon, Baniyas Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Israel. Hike along the route until you reach the waterfalls. In addition, be sure to hike the trail to the remains of an ancient synagogue and the arches of the Roman city.
- T: 04.690.2577
- Open daily from 8:00 - 17:00
- Swimming prohibited.
- Fee
[15] Nimrod Crusader Fortress
Rte 9898
To reach the fortress, continue down Rte 9898 and turn left at the junction with Rte 989. Traverse the windy road until you reach the fortress on the left side.
Nimrod Fortress sits atop the mountain with a view that crosses borders. Climb up to the fortress. Built in the 1200s, the fortress was impregnable. Do not miss the Secret Passage.
Tip: On the Intermediate Days of Sukkot (usually in October), there is a Medieval Festival at Nimrod Fortress. Call the number below to inquire.
- Open daily from 9:00 - 17:00.
- T: 04.694.9277
[16] Nimrod Settlement
Rte 9898
At over 1100 meters, Nimrod is the highest settled mountaintop in Israel. In the last decade, seven families have established their homes on this mountain top.
Art Studio of Diego Goldfarb
Visit the art studio of former Argentinian, Diego Goldfarb. Diego offers 2-hour long introduction to oil painting workshops, as well as workshops for the more experienced painter.
- By appointment only.
- T: 04.687.0763; 057.432.2999
Diego's art is for sale at his studio and at the Diego Goldfarb online studio.
The Witch and the Milkman: Award-Winning Mountaintop Restaurant
Serves locally grown produce, herbs, cheeses, meats. Panoramic view.
- By reservation only.
- T: 054.224.4669
- Not kosher.
Mountaintop Lodging
Lodgings for couples and families. Some with jacuzzi; all with spectacular view and crystal clear air.
Rom 1125
- Families/Couples
- 1 unit
- T: 04.687.0763
Shiahar
- Couples only.
- 2 units
- T: 04.687.0888
Hermon Magic
- Families/Couples
- 2 units
- T: 052.894.8721
Cabins in the Fog
- Families/Couples
- 6 units
- T: 04698.4218; 050.532.3483
Windy Tower
- Couples only.
- 2 units
- T: 054.224.4669
[17] Majdal Shams Druze Village
Continue climbing with the road and drive through the Druze village of Majdal Shams. Fresh pita is sold on the side of the road. Again, people are friendly.
ATM Machine: Center of town at Bank HaPoalim
[18] Mount Hermon Ski and Cable Car Site
Rte 98
Israel's only ski site, Mt. Hermon is the highest mountain in Israel. In winter, skiing, tobagonning, sledding are all available on the site. The rest of the year, the cable car continues to run, and alpine slides are open as well.
Rte 98 takes you to the top of the mountain - or at least where the cable car begins. Enter the ski area which is open all year round. Take a cable car to the top, or hike to the top, ride down. Alpine slides are also on site. On an overcast day, you will be above the clouds! The air is cool, and the view is unobstructed.
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