Shvil Hapisga, the Peak Trail,  is a circular family hike near the peak of the Meron mountain.  The hike is through a forest, with lookouts over the Golan, Galilee, Hula Valley, and Lebanon. The mountain reaches a height of 1208 meters above sea level.  The hike is about 2 kilometers long, and can take up to 2 hours. The hike is easy, but not wheelchair accessible. The trail is marked with red and white trail markers.

The mountaintop, whose altitude is a little over 1,000 meters, views not only the beautiful landscapes of northern Israel but also Lebanon, the land where the war was waged against Hezbollah. When you are in the heart of nature, it is hard to believe that not far from here, so many soldiers were killed. The observation point includes a wooden deck, explanation signs that recount the story of the war, metal plaques engraved with the names of the fallen soldiers and maps of the area.

Birya Fortress is a fortress built during the British Mandate, near the modern village of Birya. In 1946 the Birya affair took place here, and now it is a museum. Birya was founded by the Palmach on January 8, 1945 and the fortress built thereafter. In addition to its civilian purpose, the settlement was intended to serve as a base for the defense of Jews in nearby Safed, which at the time had an Arab majority, and as a waystation for Jewish immigrants arriving from Syria. On February 28, 1946, the residents were arrested after the discovery of an arms cache in the village. Shortly thereafter the British decided to prohibit Jewish residence at the site. However, after a series of large protests and attempts at resettlement of the site, the British relented and agreed to the permanent settlement of 20 people at the site. This was seen as a large victory in the struggle for Jewish settlement of the land.

In Israel's War of Independence the site was destroyed but later reconquered by Jewish forces. After the war it served for several years as a camp for new immigrants, and was later abandoned.

The ancient synagogue of the village of Bar‘am, nestled in the mountainous Upper Galilee northwest of Safed, is an opulent structure built of large and beautiful ashlars, attesting to the presence of a thriving Jewish community here in the fourth and fifth centuries CE.

With winding streets only accessible by foot and a city center surrounded by ancient Jewish buildings and artist galleries, the Old City of Tzfat is one of the notable treasures of Israel’s Upper Galilee. This mystical city, known as the birthplace of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), has maintained most of its 16th century architecture and rich artistic culture. Wander throughout the streets, stop into local galleries and old synagogues, and snack on home cooked food as you explore the magical bubble of old Tzfat.

This limestone sinkhole in the Upper Galilee was formed by water flowing from the surface Pa’ar Stream to the underground. “This is maybe the best example of such a limestone phenomenon in Israel,” says Frumkin. “In winter you can follow the water with your eye and see it sinking underground. It’s in a nice [3.5-acre] nature reserve open to the public for free. Just be prepared for mud because it’s an active cave.”

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סרטון וידאו מערת פער

Nahal Amud (Pillar river), is located in the valley below Tzefat, and is considered one of the most scenic and beautiful hiking trails in Northern Israel. The name of the valley actually comes from a point along the trail where a large stone pillar protrudes up from the riverbed. It is possible to enter the trail at Meron, but we chose to start a bit further downstream at Nachal Amud. The valley itself extends all the way from Tzefat in the northeast and empties into the Kinneret in the south, past the Meron mountain range in the west (about 20 km. total in length). At the entrance to the trail, there is a large parking area and next to it bathroom facilities, a snack bar, and a covered picnic area. There are trail maps available with instructions, facts and historical data about the area. The trail is 4 km. long round trip and takes between 3-4 hours (depending on your own pace). The actual length of the trail does not appear to be intimidating at first glance but be forewarned it includes a steep long climb of 170 meters; Not an easy task in the hot summer sun. 

Blue Valley Park extends over an area of around 580 dunam (approx 145 acres) at the northern approach to Tzfat. Its springs and orchards are overlooked by Mount Meron, which is visible from almost every corner of this park where deer, ibex and antelope graze among the footpaths. The paths were developed by KKL-JNF, working in conjunction with the Tzfat Municipality, and this partnership has also restored the springs, created pools and tended the orchards. The park gives residents of Tzfat and its environs an opportunity to enjoy nature close to home, while visitors from all over the country will enjoy taking a quiet break in the forest during their exploration of the city of the Kabbalists.

The caving is a one to two-hour hike in the vast dark cave using headlamps. We’ll be climbing up and down ladders, bending and squeezing through little cracks in the cave. This is a spectacular adventure. It is a back and forth route, so anytime we can turn back. Alma Cave is a good site for groups with members who have varying skill levels as all the extreme activities are optional, and there are alternate routes for those who do not want to do the rappelling.