Discover Kfar Hittim

Kfar Hittim can be explored through two distinct themes: the planning of the cooperative moshav and the Israel National Trail on the edge of the village. The settlement’s history offers insight into the second phase of settlement in the area; nearby, the trail leads to the streambed of Nahal Raqat and onward in the direction of Mitzpe. When planning your trip, you can consider the historical development of the village and a possible hiking stage as separate interests. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Settlement History and Village Planning

The second phase of settlement in Kfar Hittim began in early December 1936, during the Arab Revolt. In the plan for the cooperative moshav, Kaufmann separated the agricultural holdings from the members’ houses. The public buildings were located in the center of the settlement, and the original oval layout was preserved.

The plan thus organized the moshav on several levels: agriculture and housing were spatially separated, public buildings were centrally located, and the overall oval shape was preserved. This combination makes the planning tangible as part of Kfar Hittim’s history. You can consider the village’s development not only in terms of chronology, but also through the decisions about its layout and form described here.

The Israel National Trail on the Edge of the Village

In the vicinity of Kfar Hittim, the Israel National Trail runs along the edge of the village. Its described route leads to the streambed of Nahal Raqat and onward in the direction of Mitzpe. This makes a route in the surrounding area a distinct travel interest alongside the history of settlement planning. If hiking is your main interest, check current trail conditions in advance.

Archaeological Themes in the Broader Destination of the Northern District

In the broader destination of the Northern District, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo offer other archaeological themes, distinct from Kfar Hittim’s settlement history. Both are biblical tels with significant remains of cities associated with the Bible. The following features can help you distinguish the sites by their different historical emphases.

Tel Hazor

A visit to Tel Hazor focuses on the Upper City. The site 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. The fortifications are also considered the finest example of their kind in the area from southern Turkey to the northern Negev.

Tel Hazor also preserves significant remains of an underground water-collection system, described as a sophisticated engineering achievement adapted to the geography and designed to store water. Three-meter-wide steps are cut into the walls of the vertical shaft; the excavated shaft is 45 meters deep. The regional archaeological picture thus includes water engineering as well as gates and palace history.

Tel Megiddo

Tel Megiddo is also a biblical tel with significant remains of a city associated with the Bible. Its Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional in terms of the number of temples, the continuity of cult activity, and the documented ritual practices. The orthogonal city plan dates to the Iron Age and has few parallels in the Levant.

These sites offer different archaeological emphases within the Northern District to help guide your choice: at Tel Hazor, the gate, palace, fortifications, and water system are among the features to explore; Tel Megiddo can be understood through its temple complex and city plan. Kfar Hittim, in turn, offers a distinct historical perspective through the development of the moshav and its settlement planning. When choosing your destination, you can weigh these themes according to whether you are especially interested in settlement patterns, ancient urban planning, or archaeological complexes.

For the broader travel overview: Kinneret.