28/05/2024
Tiberias and its landscape: an experience for all the senses
Nature and landscapes in Tiberias - all options are open to you
A trip to the north is a trip to nature and landscape, that's almost the concept. For those who do not live in these areas, just the thought of the spaces, the green, the mountains, the water - makes the heart feel good. The fact that in such a small area one can find so many opportunities to experience nature and what it has to offer is what makes the trip to Tiberias and the surrounding area exciting. But not all the places are known, and not all are suitable for every type of traveler, and here the goal is to make some order. So take the car, or find a car rental agency in Israel, and go for a walk. Of course, the list below is only a sample of the many options available to you in the nature tourism of Tiberias and its surroundings. There are countless other routes, viewpoints, springs and attractions that have not been listed here, and which you can discover for yourself, which in itself is great fun. So if you thought that Tiberias is just Kinneret and nothing else (without detracting from the Kinneret's dignity), think again. Because the area has a lot more to offer.
Credit: Shlomo Rodad, from the pikiwiki site
Arbel Reserve - a variety of routes and a breathtaking view
Mount Arbel Reserve is a few kilometers north of Tiberias, and is one of the favorite travel destinations for visitors to the region, and for a very good reason. The reserve contains a variety of excursion options suitable for every type of traveler, and the view from it will not be forgotten. The basaltic Mount Harbel rises above the Sea of Galilee, breaking into it in a dramatic way that is hard to miss. At its peak, it reaches about 400 meters above the Sea of Galilee, so you can understand for yourself what a good vantage point of the area it provides to its travelers.
It is important to note that the reserve is under the management of the Nature and Parks Authority, therefore the entrance is paid (or free for cache subscribers). In addition, as in any trip, but especially here, Mount Harbel is exposed to the sun and in the summer the temperature can rise very much, so it is very important to be careful to use a hat and sunscreen, as well as drinking plenty of water.
Ein Nun - the perfect spot for refreshment on a hot day
If you have hiked in the previously mentioned Harbel Reserve, or if you just happened to have a particularly hot day and want to refresh yourself with the whole family, it is highly recommended to visit Ein Nun, a (relatively) spacious spring located a little north of Tiberias, near the Migdal settlement. The spring is right on the edge of the Kinneret, and around it there are picnic tables and shade from the trees, which can be a real life saver. In addition, those interested can take a short walk in the park area, then enter the (relatively) cool water. Getting there is very simple - write "Ein Nun" in WAZE, and it will already lead you to happiness.
Credit: Dr. Avishai Teicher, from the wikiwiki website
Swiss forest - all travel options in one place
The Swiss Forest is adjacent to Tiberias in the upper part, between it and the colony of Furia. It is a planted forest overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the Golan in all their glory, as well as the Jordan Valley in the south and the Galilee Mountains in the north. The forest contains many hiking trails, bicycles, picnic options and what not. In addition, after you've decided what you're doing in the forest and you've worked up a fair sweat, you can jump to the nearby Ein Furia, to refresh yourself in the cool water and have a coffee in front of the gorgeous view of the Golan.
Credit: Hazi Cohen Gelman, from the pikiwiki website
The Jordanian - the celebrity of the water points in the north
If you haven't heard of the Jordanian yet, you probably haven't lived here in the last few years. This is a water site that is particularly popular with travelers of all kinds and shades, located near the mouth of the Jordan to the Sea of Galilee, near the historic Kibbutz Kinneret (which is worth a visit in itself). Along the Jordanian you can find countless places to access the water, so you can bring mats and lunch with you and enjoy the shade of the trees, the coolness of the water and the peaceful atmosphere. Make sure to pick up the trash with you, and leave the place clean for those who come after you. For those interested, you can visit the holy Jordanian site for Christians, enjoy kayaking for a fee on the spot, and even visit the famous eucalyptus grove from Naomi Shemer's song.
And for dessert - the Sea of Galilee
So yes, if you visit Tiberias there is no possibility of giving up a visit to the Sea of Galilee. It can be a quick dip, an afternoon outing, or a week-long vacation. Either way, the beloved lake (which we all insist on upgrading to the status of a sea) is an inexhaustible source of fun on a trip to the northern region. You can choose for yourself one of the dozens of beaches scattered around the Sea of Galilee, and simply indulge yourself. There are more regulated and less regulated beaches, some with lifeguard services and some without, some noisy and some quiet. Choose the place that suits you best, and relax on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, which has been waiting for us patiently and with a beautiful and warm welcome for years and years.
