Golan Heights

Hermon mountain:

Mount Hermon is located in the far north of the Golan Heights and the tri-border of Israel, Lebanon and Syria. It is by far the highest mountain in the country (and Syria) with its 2814 meters altitude. The mountain is mentioned a number of times in the Hebrew Bible and is considered the northern boundary of the land promised by God to the Israelites - an underlying reason not to give it back to Syria after the war in 1967.

The summits of Mount Hermon are therefore remained in Israelic hands which give them a perfect higher view of the flatlands in Syria (and defence). On the slopes of the Hermon-mountain you can ski and it’s the only ski area that Israel has got. You can ski at various levels. There is a ski school and there is piste surveillance.

Furthermore, it’s possible to use a slip and there is the possibility of Nordic skiing. There are a number of restaurants at the bottom and at the top of the mountain. In summer, parts of the mountain are covered in a bed full of wild flowers and you can make beautiful walks.

Natural Park Banias:

Another highlight of the Golan Heights area is the Banias nature park located in the north of the plains. This park filled with water sources, waterfalls and streams is one of the most popular places for a dive or picnic.

The Banias waterfall is about 33 meters high and significantly fuller in the spring when the snow of the Hermon mountain melts. Besides the very romantic spots along the water you can also discover the ruins of an ancient palace, once built for Herod's grandson, Agrippa III.

Finally, it is possible to visit the small Druze villages and to spend your credit on just picked nectarine, apples and berries. They also sell honey and olive oil.

Gamla National Park:

Located on the south side of the Golan Heights lies the beautiful Gamla National Park. The place has both natural and historic value. In the year 67 AD after an encirclement by the Romans, thousands of Jews were slaughtered here.

Another thousand would prefer suicide over slavery and jumped into the ravine. The high cliffs are used nowadays by numerous griffon vultures to nest. Finally, the park houses the highest waterfall with 55 meters. You can make beautiful walks (hikes) through the park that is still often closed due to military exercises. 

Other attractions:

• The Nimrod castle.

Throughout the centuries, the area that we now call Golan heights, was part of various empires, such as the Assyrian Empire, under the rule of the Arameans, the Macedonian Empire of Alexander the Great, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. It was an important transit point for trade. between Damascus, Jerusalem and Cairo.

Shortly before the beginning of the Christian era, the Romans added the area to the reign of Herod the Great. After his death, it was part of the kingdom that was controlled successively by Philip, Herod Agrippa I and Herod Agrippa II. During the crusades, the Golan Heights were occupied for some time by the Crusaders. In the 7th century the Battle of the Jarmuk took place in this area, where the Arabs conquered Damascus and later made it the capital of the Arab Empire.

During the 6-day war between Israel and Syria in 1967, the Israelis decided, just before a cease-fire would enter, to attack and conquer the strategic plateau. Around 90% of the original residents were chased away. Also during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, the Golan height was fiercely fought over. A year later, a resolution was drawn up by the UN with regard to limited arms and troops near the border and a narrow demilitarized zone. In 1981 the Golan Heights were annexed by Israel. You can still see many remnants of the war in the form of bunkers and abandoned tanks.

The countries in question have been carrying on for years for years. among other things, the United States talks about a possible return of the Golan Heights to Syria (and a tiny part to Lebanon). Nothing has changed for the time being.