If you’re looking for a great place in the upper northern reaches of Israel where you can really be at one with nature, head to Horshat Tal!
Horshat Tal (sometimes also known as Hurshat Tal – which translated into English is Dew Grove) is a great national park, some 700 dunams in size, with huge areas of grassy, shaded areas to chillout in.
The highlights for us were the huge oak trees spread throughout the park – they really are impressive in size, and some are even supported by great beams as they start to weigh down with age – and the crazily cold man-made pool bang in the middle of the park. When we say cold, we mean bloody freezing, even in mid-summer! Apparently, the water in the pool is fed from streams that originate in the Dan river nearby. But be prepared for a chilly experience! The kids will love it though, especially the small streams that run around the park and enter the main pool…
There is also an impressive Orchid Reserve, though this is only relevant during the Spring. Here you can apparently find some very rare orchids that exist nowhere else in Israel! And if you are visiting in the Spring, watch out for the carpets of stunning anemones…
If camping is your game (note that the camping option is not open through the winter), you can find a nice, quiet spot to pitch your tent (there are also some fairly basic bungalows available), and if you’re enjoying the luxuries of a caravan, there’s also a great caravan park, which is secluded and far away from the “regular” campers. We stayed there for 3 nights as part of our summer caravan tour, read more here and check out the pic…
Opening Hours: In the summer, 08:00 – 17:00 (16:00 on Fridays); in the winter, 08:00 – 16:00 (15:00 on Fridays and holiday eves).
Entrance Fees: (2017 prices) Adults 39 shekels, children up to the age of 14 – 24 shekels. Note that if you are a member of the National Parks (see their website for details on subscribing), you’ll get in for half price.
Camping Fees: (2017 prices) Adults 63 shekels; children up to the age of 12 – 53 shekels. If you’re a National Parks member, you’ll get a bit of a discount.
Telephone: 04-6942440, 04-6942360