Project Description
The only ski resort in Israel, a crusaders’ fortress and a mysterious forest – the Hermon and its surrounding area make for a wonderful day out, not only in the winter, but all year around
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Us Israelis love to brag and boast about the Hermon Mountain, probably because it’s one of the only places that lets us pretend we’re wintering in Europe rather than the Mediterranean. But there’s more to the Hermon than winter time snow, and it’s not just the mountain in northern Israel that’s worth a visit. The area is known for its multitude of trails for amateurs and seasoned hikers alike, as well as babbling brooks and streams. If you’re looking for something a little more specific, check out these great ideas for a good day in Israel’s northernmost peaks.
Mount Hermon – so much to do all year around
Mount Hermon ski resort
Welcome to the main attraction! Israel’s highest mountain stands tall at 2,814 meters above sea level and offers glorious views of Israel and neighboring Lebanon and Syria. The site is open year-round – winter is peak time for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and a chairlift, whereas summer is the time for hiking, cable car rides and tobogganing. Guided tours take place daily throughout the year and are the perfect opportunity to learn more about the region’s flora and fauna, as well as distant and near history. Entry to the site is free, but you will have to pay for ski passes and cable car rides.
Nimrod Fortress in Golan Heights
Nimrod Fortress (Qalat Namrud)
This impressive thirteenth century fortress sits at the foot of the Hermon Mountain, overlooking the strategic medieval road which used to connect between the Hula Valley and Syria. Previously known as Castle of the Great Cliff, the fortress earned its current moniker from the Druze people, sometime during the nineteenth century. The self-guided tour sets off from a massive gate at the northwestern end of the site, besides the ruins of the watchtower that crumbled during an eighteenth century earthquake. Proceed through the secret passageway and up a stairwell, leading to a cistern and latrines. Around the fortress you will notice elaborate inscriptions in Arabic. The grand halls and rooms are meticulously kept, and the four-story tower offers magnificent views of the region.
The national park is open weekdays from 8:00-16:00, entrance fee is 22ILS for adults and 10ILS for children. Check website for up-to-date information: [link]
Blueberries at Odem forest
Birkat Ram (Lake Ram)
This awe-inspiring lake formed inside the crater of a now-extinct volcano, but we much prefer the Druze legend that explains its origin – it is the eye of an elderly woman, watching over her mischievous husband, Mount Hermon. Ram Lake is a natural water reservoir that supplies water to the nearby Druze villages of Majdal Shams and Mas’ade. There is a short and relatively easy circular hikes that connects to Between the lake, Mount Odem and Nimrod Fortress. Spring and summertime are great for independent cherry picking and leisurely strolls through the local farmers’ market where you can stock up on fresh-pressed olive oil and ground spices.
Odem Forest
As if a two kilometer hike amidst lush oak trees is not enough, this natural forest hides a fascinating geological secret: twenty-three volcanic craters, remnants of the region’s lively volcanic past. A visit to Odem forest can take up to a whole day, but be assured – there’s plenty to see and do. The archeological site Bab El Hawa was home to Bronze and Iron Age artifacts, but little remains of the past structures. What does remain, however, is an ancient oak tree that has been designated as a Wishing Tree, and promptly decorated with assorted ribbons. The forest is criss-crossed with paths that will take you all over the area, and lucky trailblazers may get a glimpse of deer, fox, hedgehogs and other furry friends. The adjacent Deer Forest compound is an open-air enclosure with guided tours for anyone craving a closer encounter with these majestic animals. In addition, children can enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo and a gymboree.
