FORESTS & PARKS
If you dream of a place where you can breathe in the scent of pine, listen to birdsong, and touch the echoes of ancient history — Park Britannia is waiting for you.
Located just 30 minutes from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, this is not just a forested park — it’s a living oasis where nature and history intertwine among the rolling Judean hills.
A Living Monument of Nature and Heritage
Park Britannia was established in the 1950s by the Jewish National Fund (KKL – Keren Kayemet LeIsrael) as part of a national reforestation project.
It was named in gratitude to Britain and British Jewry, who contributed to the greening of the young State of Israel.
Originally intended as a forestry project, the park has since evolved into a cultural and historical landscape, where archaeological remains lie hidden beneath pine trees and wild cacti — including ancient wine presses, Roman roads, caves, and Jewish burial sites from the Second Temple period.
Covering about 4,000 hectares, Park Britannia is now one of Israel’s most beloved green spaces. Families come here on weekends and holidays to enjoy picnics, barbecues, nature walks, and panoramic views.
Highlights and Best Picnic Spots
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Emek Ha-Elah (Valley of the Oaks):
A large picnic meadow with paved paths and shaded lawns — perfect for families and groups. -
Givat Ha-Turmusim (Hill of Lupines):
In March–April, the slopes bloom in waves of blue and violet lupines — a dream spot for photographers and romantics.
This is the best time to visit before the summer heat rises to +35–37°C. -
Givat Ha-Tayyasim (Pilots’ Hill):
A memorial site honoring Israel Air Force pilots, offering breathtaking views across the Judean foothills and toward the Mediterranean coast. -
Ancient caves and tunnels:
Great fun for children — you can explore man-made caves carved into chalkstone thousands of years ago.
Things to Do
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Hiking and mountain biking trails through forested hills
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Archaeological paths leading to ancient ruins and burial caves
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Barbecue areas with tables, benches, and shade
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Family picnic spots and children’s playgrounds
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Wheelchair-accessible paths in several sections
📍 Visitor Information
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Location: Between Latrun and Beit Shemesh, central Israel
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Entrance: Free of charge
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Facilities: Wooden picnic tables, covered areas, barbecue stands, restrooms, parking, and bilingual information boards (Hebrew/English)
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Best season to visit: March–May and October–November
Park Britannia is more than a park — it’s a place where the past breathes beneath your feet, and every trail tells a story. Whether you’re coming for a quiet family picnic, a nature hike, or a glimpse into Israel’s ancient landscape, this green haven promises peace, beauty, and inspiration.
A popular activity is a picnic in the park
Britannia Park
Nestled in the vibrant city of Ra’anana, Ra’anana Park is one of central Israel’s most beautiful and family-friendly urban parks. Established in the 1990s as part of the city’s vision to create a model of eco-friendly urban planning, this 200-dunam (20-hectare) park has since become a symbol of Ra’anana — a place where nature, culture, and community come together.
A Modern Oasis
At the heart of the park lies a large artificial lake, surrounded by palm trees, lawns, and shaded walking paths. Visitors can:
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Take a boat or pedal ride on the lake
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Feed ducks and geese
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Relax by fountains and small waterfalls
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Enjoy coffee in one of the lakefront cafés
The lake area is a favorite spot for relaxation and photography, especially during the long Israeli summer when the park becomes a cool green retreat.
Culture and Events
Adjacent to the lake stands the open-air amphitheater, one of the main cultural venues of the Sharon region. During the summer months, it hosts:
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Live music concerts
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Dance and arts festivals
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City celebrations and holiday events
The amphitheater is surrounded by trees, providing shade and natural acoustics, so performances can be enjoyed without heavy sound equipment.
Mini Zoo and Petting Farm
In the northern part of the park, families will find a small petting zoo, home to a variety of friendly animals, including:
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Sheep, goats, and rabbits
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Chickens, turkeys, and peacocks
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Occasionally, llamas and ponies
Entrance is free, and children can feed the animals under staff supervision — making it an ideal stop for families with young kids.
Art and Sculpture
Ra’anana Park also serves as an open-air art gallery. Throughout the park, visitors can discover modern sculpturescreated by Israeli artists.
A special highlight is an interactive metal sculpture designed for children — it can be touched, rotated, and explored freely.
Seasonal art installations and outdoor exhibitions are organized regularly, blending art with nature in a unique way.
Facilities and Accessibility
The park offers excellent infrastructure for both locals and tourists:
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Free Wi-Fi
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Cafés and ice cream kiosks
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Playgrounds for all ages
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Bicycle paths and walking trails
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Restrooms and drinking fountains
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Wheelchair-accessible paths and ramps
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Free parking near the main entrances
Location: South Ra’anana — entrances from Rothschild, Aksha, and Ben Gurion Streets.
Open daily, entrance is free of charge.
Why Visit Ra’anana Park
Whether you want to relax by the lake, listen to live music, let your kids play with animals, or just enjoy nature in the middle of the city — Ra’anana Park is a perfect getaway for the whole family. It’s a peaceful, modern park that captures the welcoming spirit of Israel’s Sharon region.
Raanana Park
A whole world for walks and family weekends
Nestled among the rolling Judean Hills, just west of Jerusalem, lies the Forest of the Righteous Among the Nations— a unique place of remembrance, nature, and quiet reflection.
This is not an ordinary forest, but a living memorial dedicated to the non-Jewish men and women who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.
A Forest of Memory and Gratitude
The forest was established by the Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemet LeIsrael) in collaboration with Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust Remembrance Authority.
Here, thousands of trees have been planted — each one commemorating a Righteous Among the Nations, a person who showed extraordinary courage and compassion in humanity’s darkest time.
Along the forest trails, visitors will find:
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Memorial plaques and stone tablets bearing the names of rescuers
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Symbolic gates and monuments marking international recognition
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Quiet walking paths shaded by pines and cypresses
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Panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Judean Mountains
Every element of the forest speaks of gratitude, remembrance, and hope for future generations.
What to See and Do
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Peaceful trails for walking or meditation
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Scenic spots for reflection and photography
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Memorial markers honoring the Righteous Among the Nations
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Picnic areas surrounded by nature
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Occasional ceremonial gatherings held by families, diplomats, and students
The atmosphere here is deeply tranquil — a space to remember, to honor, and to think.
Walking through the forest, one feels surrounded by stories of bravery, compassion, and moral courage that still echo through the trees.
Visitor Information
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Location: Near Highway 395, west of Jerusalem, in the Judean Hills
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Access: Easily reached by car; parking available at the entrance
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Entrance: Free, open year-round
✨ A Bridge Between Memory and the Future
The Forest of the Righteous Among the Nations stands as a bridge between memory and renewal. Every tree tells a story — of light that shone in the darkest night. For travelers seeking more than just natural beauty, this place offers a spiritual journey — a chance to touch courage, compassion, and hope that transcend generations.
Forest of the Martyrs
Memory, silence and fortitude
On the southern edge of Haifa, a true natural wonder begins — the Mount Carmel National Park, one of Israel’s largest and most diverse nature reserves.
Covering rugged mountains, pine forests, caves, ancient human sites, and flowing streams, this park is a living landscape where nature, archaeology, and spirituality blend into one breathtaking harmony.
The Landscape of Carmel
The park stretches across the slopes of Mount Carmel, from Haifa’s coastline to Yokne’am and Zichron Ya’akov, spanning about 20 square kilometers.
Here you’ll find:
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Aleppo pine and Tabor oak forests
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Rare plants and endemic species
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Birds, foxes, wild boars, and lizards
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Deep ravines, lookout points, and seasonal streams
The air is filled with the scents of sage, thyme, and pine resin, especially in the warm months — a fragrance that defines the Carmel experience.
A Mountain of Spirit and History
Mount Carmel is not only a natural treasure but also a site of profound biblical and spiritual significance.
According to the Old Testament, it was here that the Prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal.
For centuries, the mountain has been a place of pilgrimage, meditation, and monastic life.
One of the park’s most famous landmarks is the Nahal Me’arot Caves — prehistoric dwellings where remains of Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens were discovered, dating back over 100,000 years.
These caves are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feature a small visitor center and guided tours.
Things to Do in Mount Carmel National Park
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Hiking trails of various difficulty levels — from short scenic walks to full-day treks
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Visit the Nahal Me’arot Caves (Tanur, Gamel, Nahal, and Kebara caves)
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Panoramic viewpoints overlooking Haifa Bay, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Jezreel Valley
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Birdwatching and photography among rare flora and fauna
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Spiritual exploration — visit Elijah’s Cave and nearby Christian monasteries
Visitor Information
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Opening hours: Daily, from sunrise to sunset
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Nahal Me’arot Caves: Separate entrance and hours (check onsite schedule)
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Facilities:
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Free parking and restrooms
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Drinking fountains and picnic areas with barbecue stations
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Visitor centers with maps and recommendations
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Location: South of Haifa, accessible via Highway 672 (between Haifa, Zichron Ya’akov, and Yokne’am).
Entrance: Free for most trails; caves have a small admission fee.
Why Visit Mount Carmel National Park
Mount Carmel embodies the essence of northern Israel — fresh mountain air, Mediterranean views, biblical heritage, and timeless tranquility.
It’s an ideal destination for families, hikers, pilgrims, and nature lovers seeking a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes.
Carmel National Park
Haifa
