The Golan Heights is a plateau of rolling plains along northeastern Israel that descend to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, making it the perfect destination on your visit to the Holy Land. Ripe with history, rivers, trails, outdoor activities, and amenable soil, the area is a popular destination for outdoors enthusiasts, campers and wine buffs.
The area came under Israeli control as a result of The Six Day War in 1967. Stretching 40 miles from the southern base of the Galilee and extending north to Mount Hermon, the Golan Heights represent a strategic location on the eastern side of the lake. The average altitude of the Golan is about 3,300 feet. While the southern Golan is dry, the Mt. Hermon area receives rainfall and snow in the winter and attracts skiers to its slopes. The Jordan river’s water source lies in the Golan, making it an important freshwater source. Additionally, half of Israel’s mammal and reptile species can be found on the Heights.
After the War of Independence in 1948, the Golan Heights was under Syrian control until the the 1967 Six Day War when Israel captured the Golan Heights. There are approximately 17,000 Druze inhabitants on the Golan Heights along with 27 kibbutzes and moshavim, 5 communal settlements and the town of Katzrin.
The Golan Heights was referred to in the Bible as Bashan – “Golan in Bashan for the Manassites” (Deuteronomy 4:43. It is also mentioned as Golan in Bashan in Joshua 21:27. Bashan was known for cattle and oak trees as seen in these scriptures: Amos 4:1 – “Hear this word, you cows of Bashan;” Zechariah 11:2 – “Wail, oaks of Bashan; the dense forest has been cut down!” Psalm 133 also gives an image of the lushness of Mount Hermon, speaking of the dew from this northernmost mountain falling onto Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
Places to visit:
Banias- This is the likely location where Peter received the revelation that Jesus was the Messiah. At Banias hiking trails are replete with shade from the rich vegetation in the area. Several trails, archaeological remnants, a waterfall and rivers are all highlights of this reserve.
Tel Dan- Steeped in history, it holds remnants of ancient civilizations that once thrived in the area. One of the most significant aspects of Tel Dan is its association with the biblical city of Dan, mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. The site boasts impressive ruins, including a monumental gate from the time of the Israelite monarchs, as well as remnants of Canaanite and Egyptian settlements. Beyond its historical significance, Tel Dan is surrounded by lush landscapes, with the Dan River flowing through the area, creating a serene and setting that beckons both history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Katzrin- This modern Jewish city is home to an archaeological site of ancient Katzrin with a synagogue uncovered along with other structures.
Gamla was a fortified city built on an isolated hilltop in the Golan Heights during the Roman era. It was one of the last Jewish towns to fall during the revolt against the Romans in 66 AD. The Roman army eventually breached the city and the people in the city committed suicide by throwing themselves off the cliff to their death rather than surrender to the Romans. Remnants of homes and a synagogue are adjacent to a nature preserve that contains waterfalls and a natural habitat for eagles.
Tel Hatzor- Hatzor National Park in Israel is a captivating blend of history and nature, offering visitors a unique journey through time. This remarkable park encompasses the well-preserved ruins of the ancient city of Tel Hatzor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back thousands of years.
Golan Heights Winery-One of Israel’s largest and most prestigious wineries, the Golan Heights Winery visitors center is a big attraction in the Golan Heights. From grape selection to bottling, the process is demonstrated at the winery.
Ein Zivan Chocolate Factory-Ein Zivan is a kibbutz located in the northeastern Golan Heights. The kibbutz offers numerous on site activities including a specialty chocolate factory known as De Karina. The shop has classes and demonstrations open to visitors. Also, depending on the season, visitors can pick their own fruit, be it apples and peaches or berries at the nearby “Bustan”.
Yehudiya National Reserve-This park offers two hikes, Nahal Yehudiya (up to 4 hours) and Nahal Zavitan (up to 3 hours), both crossing through fresh water pools. On the Nahal Yehudiya trail, hikers will have to swim across a natural water pool in order to pass.
Nimrod’s Fortresswas built by Muslims in the 12th century. It changed hands many times throughout the centuries and its remains survive today. Situated on a 2,600-foot high summit, the fortress affords amazing vistas and shows it strategic location. The fortress and castle are not actually associated with the Nimrod mentioned in Genesis 10:8-9.
Mt. Hermonis the northernmost point of Israel. The highest point of the mountain inside Israel’s borders is at 7,295 feet high. Hermon, on average, gets 60 inches of precipitation a year and is the ski destination for Israelis. It is possible that the Transfiguration took place on the Hermon.
Mount Bental has a view into Syria from Israel and a panoramic view of the Golan plateau and the Galilee below. From Right below the visitor can look into the Syrian ghost town of Kuneitra, which was evacuated when the Israeli-Syrian border was drawn in its middle. Remnants of the Six Day War are still on the mountain, trenches and the tanks displayed.
Gilabon-A bit off the beaten path, the hike through the Gilabon River and its nature reserve also reveals the Devorah Waterfall and concrete buildings, bunkers, trenches and pillboxes built by the Syrian military in preparation for war against Israel. The Gilabon Fall is Israel’s second largest continuously flowing waterfall some 40 meters high. Here you can swim behind the falls and explore the cave behind the pool.
Kol Shofar Factory- This family run shofar factory is located in the moshav of Givat Yoav, in the southern part of the Golan Heights. The small factory is located at the entrance of the moshav. The owner , Shimon Kenon, gives tours and workshops on the history and manufacturing of the ram’s horn.
The tour and workshop is a family-friendly activity, ideal for bar and bat mitzvah celebrations, Christian tour groups seeking to learn about Jewish traditions, and the roots of Christianity. as well as others interested in learning about culture. Kids and adults alike can make their own shofar or even buy a ready made one at the conclusion of the workshop.
