Tourist Israel is Israel’s "cool" travel guide.Tourist Israel provides ideas for what to do in Israel, Israel tours, hotels in Israel, and events. It aims to be a resource for everyone whether they are planning their first visit to Israel or are a seasoned resident.Every year, thousands of Israelis make the journey to the far northern corner of Israel to enjoy the beautiful scenery and hiking trails which the region has to offer. Whilst the reserve encompasses a number of different aspects, it is also the site of Caesarea Philippi, a city dating from the Herodian period. Its main draw continues to be the amazing walks it offers, particularly in the hotter months (the water and dense shaded tree cover really cools down the air).
The Banias Spring was formed from the run-off water from Mount Hermon, Israel’s tallest mountain. Flowing through a spectacular canyon for almost 4km until the Banias Waterfall
– where the water has eroded away the rock
– it produces what is widely regarded to be Israel’s most impressive fall.
From the parking lot, there are two trail options: A 45-minute loop trail passes Roman and Crusader-period sites, but for the full experience, it’s the marked trail to the waterfall which takes about 90 minutes, that you should take.
The two trails begin together, passing through ancient ruins – a remnant to the Temple of Pan, a Roman bridge, the reconstructed Matroof flour mill and the modern, a hydroelectric power station. The Officers Pool, which is passed on the way, was used by Syrian officers who ate its fish before the Golan Heights was captured by Israel in 1967.
From the pool, either continue on the circular path back to the beginning passing Agrippas Palace, or choose to head towards the waterfall (about 45 minutes each way – there is another car park here so it is a good idea, if possible, to leave one car here). Alternatively, there is a parking lot at the waterfall and a loop trail which takes about 30 minutes.
Visiting the BaniasThe reserve is open year round and while each season brings with it different characteristics, it is a good hike all-year-round.
Entering the water in the reserve is forbidden.
Opening Times: The reserve is open in the summer months (April to September) between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the winter months (October to March) between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last entry is one hour before closing, and the site closes one hour earlier on holiday eves and Fridays.
Entry Fees: Adults: NIS 27; Children: NIS 14. Special rates are available for groups of over 30 people, and for combined entry to the Banias and Nimrod Fortress. You can reuse your entry ticket if you decide to explore the park at both entrances,
Telephone: 04-690-2577 (spring), 04-695-0272 (waterfall)
Getting there: The Banias Waterfall is about 2km east of Kibbutz Snir on Road 99. The Banias Springs is 1km further.
Tourist Israel is Israel’s "cool" travel guide.
Tourist Israel provides ideas for what
to do in Israel, Israel tours, hotels in Israel, and events. It aims to
be a resource for everyone whether they are planning their first visit
to Israel or are a seasoned resident.