This high planes of the Golan plateau are located at an average 1000 meters high between Israel, Syria and Lebanon. Captured by Israel in the 1967 war most of it’s territory is under Israeli law. Places of interest exist there dating from the Paleolithic era, and raging through ages of the bible, Babylonians, the Romans, Greeks (Byzantine), Syrian and now Israel.
Driving up and down the Golan Heights it’s a wonderful experience, the winding, Cliffside roads with an outstanding view of the Sea of Galilee laying down 200 meters under the sea level, the hills and the valleys of the Jordan river. Along the road abandoned trenches, bunkers, tanks and ruins of villages and mosques reminds of the violent recent past, including various sites plagued with landmines. But the beauty of the place is still worth the visit, excellent trip for nature lovers, families, sightseeing, adventure and archeology.
This are some of the things worth to do:
- Israel Road hiking trail, beginning in kibbutz Dan, the trail zigzags around the northern part of the Golan, taking you into nature reserves, waterfalls and amazing views of the green pastures.
- Mt. Hermon, located at 2810 meters above sea level is the highest point in the area, the entrance to the mountain features activities for winter and summer.
- Mass’ade, a little Druze town serving cheap and tasty local foods.
- Nimrod Fortress, a crusaders castle overlooking the Golan
- Tel Dan Nature Reserve, visit one of the most charming places in Israel, hiking trails go around rivers, waterfalls and a lot of nature
- Qatzrin, the ancient city and the musseum are an interesting and educative site. Houses are recreated in the ancient city to show how people lived in biblical times.
- Gamla, both a nature reserve and an archeological site it also host a family of vultures.
- Rujum al Hiri, Israel’s own Stonehenge is located 12 km walk from the Junction on the Golan trail.
- Hamat Gader, Roman Baths ruins and hot pools of water, with a crocodile farm. Makes I the ideal place to relax after the walks.
- Hippos (Susita) ancient roman and byzantine city located atop of a hilltop, overlooking the Kinneret.
- Jordan River Park, walk in the jordan river water trails, ideal for camping with the family.
- Golan Winery, the biggest winery in the golan producing great wines.
