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Israeli settlement cluster in the West Bank
Photo: Asaf T., Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Gush Etzion is a group of Israeli settlements in the West Bank between Bethlehem and Hebron, about 950 meters above the sea level. It has a rich history dating from the 1920s and 30s to recent times. An area full of natural springs, green hills, desert views, amazing landscapes and unforgettable sunsets, besides a small population and an even smaller number of tourists.
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An underground aqueduct constructed by King Herod (2000 years ago) to bring water from Gush Etzion to Jerusalem. You can explore the aqueduct, but bring a flashlight and prepare to get wet and muddy.
Mitzpor HaElef
Neve Daniel is the highest point in the Gush Etzion area. From the northern end of the settlement, there is an amazing view which stretches west to Ashkelon and Tel Aviv, east to Jordan, and north to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Of course, the air has to be really clear to see as far as Tel Aviv, so try to come here the day after rainfall, when all the dust has been washed out of the air. There are binoculars to aid your view.
A 700-year-old oak tree next to the settlement of Alon Shevut. When Gush Etzion was destroyed in 1948 and the residents expelled to Israel, this tree was the only remnant of their settlement. Former residents would gather periodically on the West Bank border to gaze towards the tree. After 1967, they fulfilled their dream of returning, and the tree is at the center of Gush Etzion once again.
A memorial and sound and light show to the memory of the Gush Etzion residents who defended their homes in 1948.
A bizarre residential house where every room looks from the outside like a bubble or eyeball.
Havat Eretz HaAyalim
Contains various attractions such as a petting zoo, climbing walls, bungee trampoline, paintball, and Israel's longest zip line.
A leading counter-terrorism and security training school. There are programs for tourists where you can learn counter-terrorism tactics, how to fire assault rifles and other skills.
This winery is now well-known for its good products, and the restaurant besides has an ever-growing number of returning customers.
By train
Trains come in hourly from across the country via Beit Shemesh to "Jerusalem - Malha" station. You can get off at one of two stops:
By bus
There are numerous bus routes from Jerusalem (near the Central Bus Station) to Gush Etzion.
By thumb
If you don't have a car, the fastest, cheapest and easiest travel option is hitchhiking, or in Israeli English, "to catch a tremp".
Within each settlement, walking is the best option if you don't have a car. The only exception is Efrat, which is very long and narrow, so hitchhiking or taking an (infrequent) bus may be more effective.
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