Shomera: Orde, Nahal Betzet and the surrounding area

Orde is located in Moshav Shomera; the Nahal Betzet runs near the village. Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo, by contrast, are archaeological highlights within the broader destination of the Northern District. This makes it possible to distinguish local impressions from regional cultural history.

Shomera and its surroundings

Orde is a chocolate boutique in Moshav Shomera that offers workshops. If you plan to include this activity, confirm that it is currently operating before your visit.

Nahal Betzet runs near Shomera and also near Aramshe, Eilon, Adamit, Ya'ara, Matsuva, Shlomi, and Betzet. This makes the river a geographical reference point in the area around the village.

In the Shomera–Zerait area, an easy drive connects Iqrit and Horvat Batzir. The one-way distance is 3.5 kilometers. Check road conditions before setting out.

Archaeological highlights in the wider Northern District

In the Northern District, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo are distinct archaeological highlights. At Tel Hazor, the visit focuses on the upper city. Features of the site include Solomon's Gate, a six-chambered gate with two towers dating from 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 significant in the Levant. The fortifications are also of particular importance: they are considered the finest example of their kind in the area from southern Turkey to the northern Negev.

Another highlight at Tel Hazor is the underground water collection system. It preserves significant remains of sophisticated engineering for water storage, adapted to the geography. The excavated shaft is 45 meters deep; steps three meters wide are cut into the walls of the vertical shaft. Route 90 is a useful reference for reaching Tel Hazor National Park: it can be accessed from the north and south in the direction of Ayelet Hashahar. Check your navigation before setting out.

Tel Megiddo preserves significant remains of a city with biblical associations and is one of the three tells closely linked to events in the Bible. The Early Bronze Age temple complex is considered exceptional in terms of the number of its temples, the continuity of worship, and the documented ritual activities. The orthogonal city plan dates from the Iron Age and has few parallels in the Levant.

The archaeological highlights differ considerably: at Tel Hazor, the focus includes the upper city, gate, fortifications, and water engineering, while Tel Megiddo is defined by its Early Bronze Age temple complex and Iron Age orthogonal city plan.

Discover more destinations: Sde Tzvi, Avnei Eitan, Tze'elim, Kfar Szold, Mevaseret Zion, Kfar Bin Nun, Yanuh-Jat, Gidona

Go to the broader travel overview: Israel.