- Israel Nature Parks

Israel Nature & Parks Authority

Always Something New to Discover.
Discover, Enjoy, Connect – Today.
A World of Experiences.

Israel Nature & Parks Authority

Always Something New to Discover.
Discover, Enjoy, Connect – Today.
A World of Experiences.

Introducing New Sites, Exciting Activities & Interactive Experiences

One by one, we are bringing unique audiovisual experiences and visitor centers to national parks and nature reserves all over Israel, breathing new life into the stories of the past and creating tangible interactive activities. You are invited to come, discover these fascinating stories, and feel the magic.

Alongside these experiences are many wonderful sites that have recently been launched or renovated, all offering a chance to connect with the natural world and our own roots. And of course we have to mention the range of exciting new products that have already become incredibly popular.

New and Renewed Sites

Sussita (Hippos) National Park

A district capital in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Sussita National Park combines archaeology, heritage, nature and scenery. The site, which is located east of the Sea of Galilee, is surrounded by primordial landscapes. Remains were unearthed at Sussita of a Hellenistic city, one of cities of the Decapolis, which is mentioned in the New Testament.

Tel Lachish National Park

Tel Lachish is the site of the biblical city of Lachish, second in the Kingdom of Judah only to Jerusalem. Extensive remains were unearthed that correspond to the biblical descriptions and to the famous Lachish Reliefs discovered in the palace of the Assyrian King Sennacherib in his capital, Nineveh. A new visitor center will soon open at the site.

Migdal Tsedek National Park

The park features abundant trails for the family to enjoy in the heart of nature, with an ancient fortress and the unique story of the modern quarry industry and the heritage of Jewish stonecutters. It is also an enormous green lung in the center of the country. In the midst of it is a hill that controlled the biblical Afek Pass, part of the ancient Way of the Sea. The top of the hill reveals magnificent views in every direction. Some of the trails are handicapped accessible.

Tel Dor National Park

One of the most beautiful stretches of beach in
Israel with a winning combination of breathtaking
scenery, a variety of natural treasures and rich history. The national park presents a whole range of fascinating subjects: the sea and the people who chose to live next to it, the importance of
conserving the past and the task of protecting the
marine and coastal environments. Walk among
charming inlets and discover the intriguing history of the port city of Dor. Some of the trails are handicapped assessable.

Herodium (National) Park

King Herod built Herodium as an engineering marvel that challenged the very forces of nature, and it was at Herodium, simultaneously a palace and a fortress, where Herod chose to be buried. New interpretive elements have recently been added that bring the past to life. Among the most outstanding is a presentation in the royal chamber of the ancient theater, which uses cutting-edge video-mapping technology. And don’t miss the opportunity to visit the monumental arched corridor.

Khan Sha'ar HaGai

Khan Sha’ar HaGai, also known as Bab el-Wad, is a national memorial site where a stirring heritage center is dedicated to the those who broke through the road to Jerusalem during the War of Independence. At the site you’ll “meet” the people who blazed the road and interactively experience what it was like to make fateful decisions and feel part of an armored convoy. After the visit you can see actual armored vehicles installed at the site.

Enot Tsukim Nature Reserve

This oasis, situated between the Dead Sea and the mighty Ha’Etekim Cliff, features fresh water streams and charming pools, abundant vegetation and a rich world of wildlife. An innovative visitor center will soon be built here that will add new and thrilling layers to visitors’ experiences. The center will not only tell the story of one of the most beautiful and interesting nature reserves in Israel, but also the environmental and historical saga of the entire Dead Sea.

Tel Megiddo National Park

A spectacular journey into the past awaits at one of the most powerful and important cities in Canaan. The visit to the remains of palaces, temples, huge gateways and the amazing water system hewn in the belly of the mountain is even more impressive thanks to the innovative new visitor center that reveals the treasures of Megiddo in an original light.

En Hanya

After careful rehabilitation, restoration and conservation, En Hanya is now open to the public – a charming spot that integrates a picturesque spring, an archaeological site and a traditional farming cultural landscape, with trails the whole family will enjoy – all only a short drive from Jerusalem. Here you’ll also see one of the most impressive water systems in Israel: two pools from the Byzantine period and a nymphaeum (fountain) from the Roman period.

“The Journey of the Menorah”
Bet She‘arim National Park

In the heart of a cistern from the Roman period in the ancient city of Bet She‘arim, an exciting audiovisual presentation reveals the intriguing story of the menorah – from the time of the destruction of the Temple to its transformation into the symbol of the State of Israel. All of this comes against the backdrop of the fascinating burial caves at the site.

Experience the City of the Mishnah
Zippori National Park

The antiquities of Zippori, capital of the ancient Galilee and known as an international mosaic capital, are the backdrop for imaginative digital imagining and compelling multisensory interpretive elements. This is the place to meet spiritual giants such as Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, to learn experientially about ancient rabbinic sources and more, making the visit to Zippori unforgettable.

The Story of the Synagogue and the Healing Springs
Hamat Tiberias National Park

A splendid audiovisual experience awaits you in the ancient synagogue in the old city of Hamat Tiberias. The presentation breathes new life into one of the most spectacular mosaics of its kind in the country, featuring inscriptions, illustrations and decorations, and reveals the remarkable story of ancient Tiberias. To round out the picture, you’ll see thermo-mineral hot springs to which generations of believers flocked for their healing powers.

Tower and Stockade “Pioneers for a Day” Gan HaShlosha (Sahne) National Park

When was the last time you felt like pioneers? The stirring presentation “Founding Journey” simulates the day Tower and Stockade settlement was born. Join a group of pioneers heading out to establish a new Tower and Stockade settlement and discover the challenges of those times. You’ll climb the tower for a wonderful view and experience washing clothes the way they did in the old days.

Innovative Visitor Center Caesarea National Park

As part of the extensive conservation and reconstruction of the ancient harbor vaults at Caesarea National Park, a new visitor center has been established featuring advanced interpretive elements, surprising archaeological treasures and an especially dramatic and original presentation of the life of the mysterious King Herod.

The Bell Caves Gallery
Bet Guvrin National Park

The Bell Caves of Bet Guvrin have become extraordinary exhibition space for video art and sculpture. The visitor trail in the caves is illuminated with non-polluting focused lighting, and the contemporary material art integrates naturally with the art of rockcutting, highlighting the joint creation of humans past and present. This is a changing exhibition, open in the evenings from May to October.

New products

Mosaic: Family Ceremonies

Are you seeking a memorable and original way to mark a special occasion, an experience with the added value of a bond to nature or tradition? Hold your ceremony at one of 22 heritage and nature sites in Israel that offer an unforgettable family
celebration.

“Touching Time” Conservation activity at Zippori National Park

Zippori, the city where the sages of the Mishnah lived and worked, first and foremost Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, was also the capital of the Galilee and is known as “the city of mosaics.” Many generations left their mark here, in the public buildings, the streets and markets, as well as in the realms of intellect, culture, and heritage. The activities of “Touching Time” will introduce you to the fascinating story of Zippori and the challenges of conservation in the national park. You’ll tour the streets and buildings and see how the past is conserved. You will participate in guided conservation work at the Wall of the Generations on Zippori’s fortress hilltop.

Digging Through Time

Do you want to be an archaeologist for a day? Digging Through Time will take you on a tour and an excavation led by an archaeologist. You’ll discover the past in a new and exciting way at the ancient Jewish village at Korazim National Park, which dates from the time of the Mishnah and the Talmud, in the heart of which is one of the most beautiful ancient synagogues of its kind. The activities are geared to families and groups, and are led in Hebrew and English.

Mary’s Trail
Zippori National Park

Zippori is not only an international city of mosaics; according to Christian tradition it is the birthplace of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Join a tour (evening lamplight tours are also an option) in the footsteps of Mary. You’ll
visit a water cistern from the time of Jesus, the Roman theater, the Jewish quarter and the mosaic floor featuring the “Mona Lisa of the Galilee.” The tour ends with a visit to the Crusader Church of St. Anne.

Volunteer at a national park or nature reserve –
a great opportunity to enjoy the open air and the beauty of nature

Roll up your sleeves and get ready!
Weeding out invasive species to make room for local plants. Trimming and pruning shrubs and trees. Preparing visitor paths. Cleaning up the beach.

Meet the Ranger

Visit and enjoy special activities led by a ranger at some of the most beautiful and fascinating sites in Israel. How are birds banded? What natural treasures await at the lowest nature reserve on earth? What secrets are hidden in the ancient fortress at the foot of Mount Hermon? You’ll find out all of this and more at En Afek Nature Reserve, Enot Tsukim Nature Reserve and Nimrod Fortress National Park, and coming soon at more sites.

Open Space –
Workplace in Nature

Open Space provides outdoor spaces for work or study in nature reserves and national parks. Ten sites have set aside special areas for this purpose: En Afek Nature Reserve, Bet She‘arim and Yarkon (Tel Afek compound), En Hemed, Tel Be’er Sheba, Tel Dor, Megiddo, Migdal Tsedek and Yehiam Fortress. The sites have everything you need to work or study – a Wi-Fi network and electrical outlets as well as work tables and toilets.

Book Ahead Reserve your visit

For assured entry and to receive updates Make a Reservation and Your Visit is Assured The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has launched a digital system to reserve visits ahead of time at its sites. Reservations are not required (except for the sites listed below) but they will assure your entry to the site if it’s full, and will allow us to let visitors with reservations know of any unforeseen changes. The system can also make reservations for large groups by agent. Sites where reservations are required all year round, for any number of visitors: Masada National Park, En Gedi Nature Reserve, Khan Sha’ar HaGai, Ramon Visitor Center and the Stalactite Cave. There is no entry to these sites without a prior reservation. For agents: We recommend prior reservation on vacations and holidays to all water sites, to ensure you group’s entry.

Zoom-in to Nature

This is your opportunity to literally see nature in a different light: A number of nature reserves and national parks offer special photography tours and experiences for both professional and amateur shutterbugs. The tours are held at dawn or dusk, when the scenery is at its photogenic best. Tours are held at the nature reserves of En Afek, Arbel
and Hula, and the national parks of Migdal Tsedek, Yehiam Fortress and Nimrod Fortress.

Trip Talk

Audio guides Archaeological sites, as fascinating as they are, still need a way to convey information that will bring the past alive and make them even more fascinating.
Free audio guides – available by means of scanning a QR code and listening on your phone – will soon be installed in many national parks to enrich your visit.
Audio guides

Barefoot Trails

Barefoot Trails will give you the literal feeling of experiencing the land through the soles of your feet. The paths feature segments made of a variety of natural materials, each providing a different sensation. These trails await you at the nature reserves of Nahal HaMe‘arot, Gamla, Taninim Stream, Hai-Bar Carmel, and at Yehiam Fortress National
Park as well as the Sensory Park at the Snir (Hatsbani) Nature Reserve and Hamat Tiberias National Park, where a “reflexology trail” has been created.

Matmon

A treasure of experiences

A Matmon membership allows you to enjoy a number of benefits: go on thrilling discovery journeys in nature, alone or with your family, travel among the protected natural landmarks of the entire country, and get to know a rich world of flora and fauna, as well as gems of historical heritage.

We all have pleasant memories and exciting experiences from family outings in nature: a secret spring, a mountain peak, or spending the night in the family’s tent in the heart of the desert. There is even scientific proof! Studies show that spending time in the nature sparks joy and unites the family. The Matmon membership grants you not only discounts and free entry to national parks and nature reserves, but also a connection to nature, to the family, and to yourself.

The membership affords free unlimited entry to approximately 60 national parks and nature reserves for a year, a 25% discount on campsite use, and special discounts on activities, trips, and private tourism sites.

Special Night Illumination

Ecological illumination has been installed in a number of national parks, shedding new light on the ancient remains without polluting the darkness, and allowing visitors to remain on the site during the evening hours in summer.

On Passover, Sukkot and during the second half of August (Sunday–Thursday),
dozens of sites remain open until 6 P.M.