Shtula: Woodland Trail, Rahab Cave and Talking Walls

When planning a visit to Shtula, two distinct attractions stand out: Route 3 of the Shtula Woodland Trail and the “Talking Walls” project. A hike and the project’s story appeal to different interests; the route can be assessed by its course, distance details and vehicle requirements.

Route 3: forest, distance and planning

Route 3 of the Shtula Woodland Trail starts in Shtula, passes through the upper Nahal Betzet and ends at the Sarnim Picnic Area. It is a linear route: first marked black, then blue. The distance is given as about 2 km for the hike, or about 1 km to the road bend; two vehicles are required for the route. Length, endpoint and vehicle requirements should therefore be considered together when planning your trip. Markers and trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.

The trail passes through developed Mediterranean woodland that stays green year-round and is home to numerous plant and animal species, including rare species. Which species can be observed may vary.

Rahab Cave and woodland

After about 300 m, trees and an opening in the ground, known as Rahab Cave, can be seen from the path through a wire fence. The cave is considered Israel’s deepest underground cavity.

Talking Walls: a cultural perspective

The “Talking Walls” project in Shtula brought together local residents, students from regional high schools and graffiti artists from around the world. This illustrates the different themes associated with Shtula: a specific hiking route on the one hand, and an art project involving people from the village, the region and other parts of the world on the other.

More archaeological sites in the Northern District

In the wider destination of the Northern District, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo offer an archaeological perspective. 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, as well as a Canaanite palace used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE. The Late Bronze Age palace is considered the most elaborate in Israel and one of the most significant in the Levant.

Water engineering is also among Tel Hazor’s features. The excavated shaft is 45 meters deep. The underground water-collection system represents sophisticated, geographically adapted engineering for water storage; steps three meters wide are cut into the walls of its vertical shaft. The archaeological features therefore range from a gate and a palace to a water-storage system.

Tel Megiddo is also in the Northern District. It is a biblical tell with significant remains of a city associated with the Bible, and is one of three tells closely connected with events in the Bible. Its Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of cult activity and its documented ritual practices. Another key feature is its orthogonal Iron Age city plan, which has few parallels in the Levant. Thus, Tel Megiddo is known for its temple complex and urban planning, while Tel Hazor is associated, among other things, with palace history and water engineering.

Discover more destinations: Kerem Ben Zimra, Bet Sheʼan, Hurfeish, Kabri, Bet Oren, Jabneel, Shefer, Ka'abiyye-Tabbash-Hajajre

For the main travel overview: Israel.