18/07/2024
Nature trips in Jerusalem: a refreshing family experience
Green Jerusalem - magical nature trips for the whole family
Jerusalem offers much more than it seems at first glance. Beyond the main sites, the ancient buildings and the intoxicating smells of the markets, there are also hidden green and peaceful corners that are perfect for family nature trips. No matter how long you come there, whether for two short days or for a longer period, a visit to this lesser-known and pastoral side of Jerusalem is an opportunity for a unique family experience and also a wonderful way to refresh the vacation. So take a deep breath of mountain air clear as wine, and come discover Jerusalem through its charming nature.
Credit: Shlomo Rodad, from the pikiwiki website
Hamsila Park - Neh Desert Green in the middle of the city
The Rail Park is a perfect meeting point between the historic city and wild nature. This long and well-maintained linear park stretches along the route of the old Ottoman railway, offering a magical walking and cycling route between pine trees, stone bridges and shaded seating areas. Playgrounds for children, refreshing water fountains and pleasant paths for walking with strollers are scattered throughout the park. On weekends, the place is filled with families who come to enjoy fun picnics, concerts and special events. Renting a family car is a great solution for those who want to get to the park with all the necessary equipment for a fun time in the park and then continue to other destinations in the city as part of a family vacation of a few days. You should prepare a light meal for the road, wear comfortable shoes and take advantage of the opportunity to spend quality time with the people you love the most.
The Valley of the Cross - a hidden treasure in the heart of Jerusalem
Emek Matzalaba is a green gem hidden among the crowded neighborhoods of Jerusalem. This is a one-of-a-kind urban nature reserve, with an orchard of ancient olive trees, bubbling springs and shady walking paths among the thickets of Mediterranean vegetation. The valley is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for a quiet family picnic, or just a leisurely stroll among the wonders of nature. In the spring months, the valley is filled with a multitude of colorful flowers, and in the pools of water you can find frogs and amphibians, and in the summer, thanks to the comfortable weather that characterizes the city, you can have a pleasant time while in other places it is hot and oppressive.
Credit: Zalmanson Zeller, from the pikiwiki site
The Jerusalem Forest - a huge green lung
Just outside the city stretches the mighty Jerusalem Forest, expanses of natural woodland and planted groves that invite hours of hiking, cycling and relaxing in nature. In the forest you will find a wide variety of hiking trails, breathtaking birdhouses and organized picnic areas. Those who like challenges are offered quite a few bike paths between the rocks, which cross the forest along its length and width. If you and all the family members have bicycles, now is the time to load them on the vehicle if possible and take advantage of the opportunity to experience the forest, and the city in general, from a slightly different angle.
Ein Kerem - between orchards and picturesque hills
The beautiful area of Ein Kerem lies in the lap of the green Jerusalem mountains, and preserves an atmosphere of rural vacation and peace. This is a whole world of possibilities for a magical time in nature. For example, you can walk among the olive groves and the ancient vines, meet the animals on the farm, and qualify on foot or by car (renting a car, for example, in this case is a great solution) to the impressive monasteries and the endless views of the landscape. At the end of the day, a delicious meal awaits you at one of the authentic restaurants of the area, which you should not miss either.
Credit: Davidi Vardi, from the pikiwiki website
Nahal Rafaim - a route for the whole family
Nahal Rafaim is a great and accessible hiking trail for the whole family, located just outside the city limits. The route passes through the beautiful river channel with impressive rock cliffs on both sides, and spectacular Mediterranean vegetation. The ideal place to start the route is "Ein Laban", an abundant spring that flows into a magical natural pool in the shade of fig and aloe trees. From there, continue down the stream on an easy and pleasant path, with options for shortcuts that are also suitable for small children. In the hot summer months quite a few families with children come there, enjoying the cool spring water. Do not forget to equip yourself with a bathing suit, a change of clothes and a towel.
The rose garden - pleasant aromas and lovely nature
Right next to the Knesset building, there is this charming place, which offers you hundreds of varieties of roses and some claim that there is the largest amount of roses in the country. You don't need too much energy to take a tour there, and if you come with small children and are looking for a nice and pleasant place with an easy walk, it is definitely suitable. It is highly recommended to come between the months of May and June, the peak of flowering.
Credit: Zeev Stein, from the pikiwiki website
Mount Herzl - a national site, a natural forest
Mount Herzl, named after Benjamin Ze'ev Herzl, is known mainly as an important national site, but it is also an impressive urban nature reserve with dozens of acres of natural woodland and an original Mediterranean Sea. The national park that surrounds the monuments and historical sites is also studded with shady walking trails, magical gardens and lovely corners for a family picnic. A short walk among the pines and oaks will reveal to you a whole world of seasonal wildflowers, ancient fruit trees and an abundance of winged and living creatures.
