Nature near Jerusalem
Jerusalem Trail
The trail, about 30 kilometers long, is circular, beginning and ending at
Sataf Springs and passing through the city of Jerusalem. Part of the route is
intended for serious hikers.
Peace Forest
Located at the foot of the Armon Hanatziv Promenade, this forest was planted
after the Six-Day War in the land between the western and eastern sections of
the city. The forest has shade pavilions, rest corners, gardens, and magnificent
observation points. The forest spreads over 400 dunams (99 acres) and its name
symbolizes the hope for peace for all of Jerusalem’s residents.
Abu Gosh
Abu Gosh is a Christian-Arab village that was founded in the Ottoman period
by the Abu Gosh family, and the majority of the 5,000 people residing in the
village are descendants of that family. Although the village is home to notable
structures such as the Benedictine Monastery (one of the most beautiful buildings
preserved from the Crusader period), it is best known for its authentic Middle
Eastern restaurants. People from all over Israel come here to enjoy a traditional
meal of hummus, 9 lots of salads and a large variety of meat on the grill. Almost
every Israeli traveling to Jerusalem makes Abu Gosh a pit stop for lunch or
dinner, and we suggest you do the same.
Gush Etzion
Just 10 minutes from Jerusalem, the region of Gush Etzion offers attractions
ranging from walking trails to high-adrenaline adventures, making it a great
day-trip destination.
Deer Land Ranch
Nestled in the heart of the forest, the Deer Land Ranch is a huge wildlife
reserve home to deer and other animals from parrots to ostriches. For action
and adrenaline lovers the ranch offers a wide variety of extreme activities:
a rope park, climbing walls and one of the longest zip lines in the world.?
Gush Etzion Winery
The Etzion bloc is perched among Israel's highest hilltops and enjoys optimal
conditions for grape growing and wine production. The many ancient wine presses
discovered in the area testify to the flourishing wine industry in the region
since ancient times. In the mid 1990s, wine making in the Etzion bloc gathered
momentum. Since then, some 125 acres of vineyards have been planted. In 2004
the new and modern Gush Etzion Winery was dedicated, in cooperation with the
Tishbi Winery, and features a visitor's center and kosher dairy restaurant.
The winery aims to maintain the region's longstanding agricultural tradition
and link the vineyards and winery to ancient tradition.
Light and Sound Show
Come hear the battle story of the Etzion bloc, Jerusalem's southern guard, during
Israel's War of Independence, as depicted in a multi-sensory sound and light show.
Screened in six languages. 30 minutes. Entry fee; reservations must be coordinated
in advance.
Walking Tours through the Etzion Bloc
Enjoy a variety of hikes and guided walking tours for the whole family. Wander
through breathtaking landscapes, ancient sites, historic settings, springs and
tourist sites. Pick up a free map at the Tourist Information Center or at the
Kfar Etzion Field School.
Latrun
Latrun is a scenic hilltop 20 kilometers west of Jerusalem and the site of
many famous battles. Today, Latrun is a blend of old and new and is especially
favored for its Mini Israel theme park.
Trappist Monastery
Amidst olive trees and vineyards lies the Trappist Monastery. It was built
in 1890 by French Trappist monks who took a vow of silence. Today, monks still
live and work in the nearby vineyards and olive groves. The monastery produces
a fine variety of wines and olive oils that are sold at a store inside.
Mini Israel
Classic I Family I An entertainment theme park and one of Israel's leading
attractions. Mini Israel recreates some of Israel's most important landmarks
in amazing detail through hundreds of miniature models. Everything you see here
is an exact replica of a structure. The park is a thrill for all ages and the
best part is that, besides feeling like a giant, you get to see all of Israel
in just a few hours. Attractions
The Mateh Binyamin Regional Council is Israel's largest, numbering over 54,000
residents and sprawling across extensive territory, which includes enchanting
landscapes, natural springs, exciting sites, hiking trails and attractions for
the whole family.
Binyamin Visitor's Center
In the heart of Israel, amidst a biblical landscape between Jerusalem and
Shiloh, sits the Nahalat Binyamin Visitor's Center. A mere 20 minutes from Jerusalem,
visitors can enjoy an exciting tour of the Binyamin region, a place that mingles
old with new in an enchanting atmosphere. Located above the Psagot Winery, the
visitor's center entertains guests with an intriguing film, a sound and light
show in the winery's barrel room, and an interactive trivia game on the balcony
overlooking vistas pulled straight out of Genesis.
Ancient Shiloh - Tours
The site represent fascinating archeological and historical treasure. Visitors
of the site wil be rewarded by an inspiring panorama primal landscape of the
bible. A variety of tours offered at ancient Shiloh in variety of languages.
Psagot Winery
Psagot has grown steadily since its establishment in 2003 and currently offers
seven different types of wine. In 2009, the winery produced 80,000 bottles,
most of which were exported. The winery's quality vineyards are planted on picturesque
limestone terraces 900 meters above sea level at the community settlement
of Psagot.
Tanya Winery
Located in the settlement of Ofra, 900 meters above sea level, sits the Tanya
Winery, a family winery opened by Yoram Cohen in 2001 (and named after his daughter).
Wine-making at the site dates back thousands of years (3,000-year-old winepresses
were discovered nearby). The grapes grown on Tanya's vineyards are treated by
hand using traditional methods.
Anatot Winery
This boutique winery is situated on the Anatot settlement. Anatot Winery was
opened in 1998, when a pair of wine enthusiasts decided to take their hobby
more seriously. The winery produces 10,000 bottles a year and has been awarded
many prizes.
Gvaot Winery
The winery opened in 2005, on the cliffs above the Shiloh River, 800 meters
above sea level. The boutique winery produces about 12,000 bottles a year to
ensure the proper level of attention to each and every bottle. The winery continues
the ancient tradition of wine-making on the rocky hilltop, confirmed by the
hundreds of ancient wine presses scattered among the vineyards. |
