Hararit – Circular Walk and Viewpoints

A comfortable circular walk of about half an hour leads from the Bahar Center through Hararit’s rear pedestrian gate. As a circular walk, it is a clearly defined short walking option for exploring the village.

Viewpoints and Scenery in Hararit

At the entrance to Hararit, there is a viewpoint on the right overlooking the fertile Beit Netofa Valley. Other viewpoints, facing north and south, can be found at various locations on both sides of the settlement. The view at the entrance thus has a specifically named landscape destination, while the perspectives at the other points vary between the two cardinal directions.

A 2023 article describes Hararit as characterized by trees and beautiful gardens. This description of the village complements the viewpoints with an impression of green scenery.

Netofa Hermitage and Group Activity

Nearby, the small church of the Netofa Hermitage is located in a cave carved into the rock. The Netofa Laura was founded in 1967: the monk Jacob, who came from the Netherlands, founded it together with other monks who had left the large monastery and wanted to retreat into nature. The cave church and the founding story highlight different aspects: a distinctive setting and the founders’ stated intention.

A group activity in Hararit includes herbal tea and homemade cake.

Archaeological Sites in the Northern District

The Northern District is home to distinct archaeological sites, including Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo. Tel Hazor is a biblical tell with significant remains of a city associated with the Bible. Visits focus on the upper city. Tel Hazor includes Solomon’s Gate, a six-chambered gate with two towers dating to the 10th century BCE.

The Canaanite palace was used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE. The Late Bronze Age palace is described as the most elaborate in Israel and one of the most important in the Levant. Tel Hazor’s fortifications are also considered the finest example of their kind in the area extending from southern Turkey to the northern Negev.

Tel Hazor also preserves an underground water-collection system, an ingenious feat of engineering adapted to the geography for storing water. An excavated vertical shaft is 45 meters deep, with steps three meters wide carved into its walls. Tel Hazor National Park can be reached from the north and south via Route 90 toward Ayelet Hashahar. For specific directions, it is recommended to check your navigation app.

Tel Megiddo is one of the three tells that preserve significant remains of cities associated with the Bible and are closely connected with biblical events. Its orthogonal Iron Age city plan has few parallels in the Levant. A temple complex from the Early Bronze Age is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of its cult activity, and its documented ritual practices.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Alonei Abba, Mevo Modi'im, Abirim, Menara, Kfar Szold, Eshtaol, Ani'am, Kfar Adumim

For the main travel overview: Israel.