From the Sataf to the Jezreel Ruins: KKL-JNF's Family Spring Tracks

Photograph: Inbar Shlomit Rubin, KKL-JNF
KKL-JNF invites the public to celebrate the spring with special trips in beautiful tracks. The trips include a unique overlook, a family track and lots of history.

Sataf

At the Sataf Site, in the heart of the Jerusalem Mountains, KKL-JNF preserves the agricultural landscapes that existed in Israel since the dawn of history. As in the times of the ancient Israelites, watered vegetable gardens and orchards that require no watering – olive, almond and fig – are grown here, giving the landscape a fresh and green look all throughout the year.
 
The site offers a wide variety of tracks in different difficulty, that bring the public closer to important spots. Two streams at the heart of the site – Ein Sataf and Ein Bikura – are for travelers who wish to freshen up.
 
When? The site is open all throughout the week
Cost: Entrance to the site is free
 
For additional details click here
Ein Bikura Cave at the Sataf. Photograph: Bonnie Sheinman
Ein Bikura Cave at the Sataf. Photograph: Bonnie Sheinman

Biriya Fortress

The Biriya Fortress is a heritage site in the Biriya Forest. It tells one of the most glorious stories in the history of the state and the people of Israel.
 
The fortress was built by a group of the religious section of the PALMACH organization in 1945. In 1946, a stash of weapons and papers connecting the residents to it was found. 24 members of the PALMACH, and on March 14, 1946, about 3,000 men came to bring Biriya back under Jewish regime. Today, the fortress is the starting point for different tracks in the forest.
 
When? Sunday-Thursday, from 08:00 to 15:30. With pre-registration, visits in the evening and on Friday can also be made.
Cost: Entrance to the site is free.
 
For additional details click here
Biriya Fortress. Photograph: Eitan Vitkon
Biriya Fortress. Photograph: Eitan Vitkon

Ein Israel

The small pool at the shade of eucalyptus trees collects the water of Ein Israel. The stream originates in the west of the grove, from carved rock tunnels that carry the water. The structure in the middle of the lake hosts pumps built by the Jezreel Kibbutz in the early days.
 
At the top of the hill is Jezreel ruin, with the remains of a large structure from Biblical times, which is believed to have been built by the kings of Israel. Jezreel was a strategic point at the time. The site is located on the Sea Road, in the junction from which it forked to the city of  Samaria, the capital of the Kingdom of Israel.
 
When? The site is open all throughout the week.
Cost: Entrance to the site is free.
 
For additional details click here
Jezreel Ruin. Photograph: Pnina Livni
Jezreel Ruin. Photograph: Pnina Livni

Butterflies at the Hula Lake

Spring brings magic to the days of the Hula Lake. The spring bird migration is at full force, and the scents in the air are gorgeous. And on April 14-15, the Butterflies Festival will also be held at the lake!
 
For additional details click here
Hula Lake. Photograph: Inbar Shlomit Rubin
Hula Lake. Photograph: Inbar Shlomit Rubin

The Gmila Pool – a Splendid Showcase at the Besor

In the place where the Gmila Stream pours into Besor Stream is a large water pool, surrounded by stalks and tamarisk trees. From the pool, travelers can go back or turn left down the Besor Stream along the way which accompanies the Yarkon-Negev line and come back south to the junction from which the Besor track starts.
 
When? The site is open all throughout the week.
Cost: Entrance to the site is free
.
For additional details click here
Potato field at the Besor. Photograph: Yaakov Shkolnik
Potato field at the Besor. Photograph: Yaakov Shkolnik