Golan Heights Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, hike, eat and stay in Golan Heights. Learn about local culture, customs, safety and transportation options.


Introduction to Golan Heights

Golan Heights, located in Northern Israel, is a region known for its scenic landscapes and historical significance. The area borders Syria to the east and Jordan to the south, making it a strategic location during wartime. Today, the area is known for its natural beauty, outdoor adventures, historic sites, and delicious food. This comprehensive tour guide to Golan Heights will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip.

List of Places to Visit in Golan Heights

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Quneitra Museum: This museum showcases the history of the Golan Heights, covering the prehistoric era up to the present day. It has exhibits on the region’s natural history, the Golan Heights’ significance in the Bible, and the region’s political history.
  • Bental Lookout: From this vantage point, you can see Lebanon, Syria, and Israel all at once. It was once a military bunker, but it now serves as a lookout point for tourists.

Natural Attractions of Golan Heights: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Hermon: This mountain is the highest peak in Israel, and it provides stunning views of the surrounding region. It is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
  • Banias Nature Reserve: This reserve is known for its beautiful waterfalls and greenery. It is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.

Hiking/Biking Routes in Golan Heights

  • Mount Bental Trail: This trail takes you to the top of Mount Bental, where you can see panoramic views of the surrounding region. It is a moderately challenging hike that takes about two hours.
  • Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve Trail: This trail is located in the Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve, a beautiful area with waterfalls, streams, and natural pools. The hike is about three hours long and has several steep parts.

Best Things to Do in Golan Heights: Activities and Tours

  • Golan Heights Jeep Tour: This tour takes you through the rugged terrain of the Golan Heights, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and historical significance.
  • Winery Tour and Tasting: The Golan Heights is known for its wine, and there are several wineries in the area that offer tours and tastings.

Week-Long Itinerary for Golan Heights

Day Activity
1 Explore Quneitra Museum and Bental Lookout
2 Hike the Mount Bental Trail
3 Visit Banias Nature Reserve and nearby waterfalls
4 Take a Golan Heights Jeep Tour
5 Go skiing or snowboarding on Mount Hermon
6 Visit a local winery and take a wine tour
7 Relax at a local spa and enjoy the scenery

Food and Drink Scene of Golan Heights

Must-Try Dishes

  • Shakshuka: This popular breakfast dish is made with eggs, tomatoes, and spices.
  • Maklubah: This is a traditional Arab dish made with rice, chicken, and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: The Golan Heights is home to several wineries that produce high-quality wine.
  • Arak: This anise-flavored drink is popular in the Middle East and is often served with meze dishes.

Where to Stay in Golan Heights: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Spa Hotel Maagan: This hotel offers stunning views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. It has an outdoor pool, spa, and restaurant.
  • Katzrin Inn: This cozy guesthouse is located in the heart of Katzrin, the largest town in Golan Heights. It has comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast.

What to Buy in Golan Heights: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Olive Oil: The Golan Heights is known for its high-quality olive oil, which makes a great souvenir.
  • Crafts: There are several shops in Golan Heights that sell handmade crafts, such as pottery and woven items.

Local Culture and Customs of Golan Heights

  • Language: Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages of Israel, and both are spoken in Golan Heights.
  • Religion: Judaism is the dominant religion in Israel, but there is also a significant Arab Muslim population in Golan Heights.

Best Time to Visit Golan Heights

The best time to visit Golan Heights is between March and May, or between September and November. During these months, the temperatures are mild, and the crowds are smaller. Avoid visiting in July and August, as these months are extremely hot and crowded.

Do’s and Don’ts of Golan Heights

Do:

  • Respect local customs and dress modestly.
  • Try local food and drinks.
  • Hike with a local guide.

Don’t:

  • Deface or damage historical sites or natural areas.
  • Photograph individuals without their consent.
  • Visit restricted areas without proper approvals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Golan Heights

Golan Heights is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings, especially when hiking or exploring remote areas. Visitors should avoid areas close to the Syrian border, as there is a possibility of hostile actions. In addition, visitors should be aware of minefields in some areas.

Health in Golan Heights

Visitors should ensure that they are up to date on their routine vaccinations before traveling to Israel. It is also advisable to have a hepatitis A vaccine, as there is a risk of hepatitis A transmission in Israel.

Getting to Golan Heights: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Golan Heights

The nearest airport to Golan Heights is Ben Gurion International Airport, which is located near Tel Aviv, about 150km away.

Bus Stations Near Golan Heights

There are several bus stations near Golan Heights, including those in Tiberias, Safed, and Kiryat Shmona. Buses run regularly between these areas and Golan Heights.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or hire a private driver to get to Golan Heights. It is important to note that some rental car companies do not allow travel in certain areas of Golan Heights.

How to Get Around in Golan Heights

The best way to get around Golan Heights is by car. Visitors can rent a car at the airport or in nearby towns. There is also a bus system that runs throughout the region, but it may not be as convenient as having a car.

Where to Go Next from Golan Heights: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Nazareth: This historic city is located in the northern part of Israel and is known for its religious significance.
  • Haifa: This coastal city is located about 80km south of Golan Heights and is known for its beautiful gardens and beaches.

Conclusion

Golan Heights is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and historical significance of the region. With a variety of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and delicious food and drink, there is something for everyone in this incredible destination. Use this comprehensive tour guide to help plan your perfect trip to Golan Heights.

Golan map with shaded relief for elevation Golan map with shaded relief for elevation Winter view of the Golan Heights from the Galilee Winter view of the Golan Heights from the Galilee Gamla Nature Reserve aerial view Gamla Nature Reserve aerial view The western part of the Nimrod Fortress as seen from its top tower The western part of the Nimrod Fortress as seen from its top tower The ski resort during the winter The ski resort during the winter The resort in the summer The resort in the summer Mine warning sign Mine warning sign