This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Golan Heights.
Straddling the borders of Israel and Syria, the Golan Heights is located on a rocky plateau toward the southern part of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. While this area is relatively unpopulated, there is some stunning scenery to be found by exploring one of the wettest parts of Israel.
Accommodations here are somewhat hard to find, although there are some hostels and hotels in the main city of Qatzrin. There is a resort village located at the foothill of the nearby Ben Tal Volcano, now extinct, in kibbutz Merom Golan.
Visitors staying at a hotel or hostel in Golan Heights can learn more about the history of this unique location at a couple of important landmarks in the area, including a site called Gamla in lower Golan that was once used as a Jewish stronghold and the anti-crusader Nimrod Castle, spectacularly located in northern Golan Heights. There is also a brewery and several wineries in the area that tourists are welcome to visit for tours and tastings.
Since the area is primarily rural, there is tons of space for hiking, biking, and exploring the natural landscape of Golan Heights. In the spring, the ground is covered in a thick carpet of wildflowers, and the region is home to a number of spectacular waterfalls. Visitors to Golan Heights should make sure to visit the Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve, which features incredible hikes though natural pools. The Banias national park gives guests the opportunity to visit temple ruins, honoring the god Pan.
Transportation is a challenge here, as the area is primarily uninhabited. It is recommended that visitors here rent a car at the airport in Tel Aviv to get to their hostel or hotel and to travel around the Golan Heights region. Buses are available to get to the area, but travel within Golan Heights is difficult.
Written by local enthusiast for Golan Heights hostels
Jakob Lombardi
