Israel National Trail
Photo: Ori~, Attribution via Wikimedia Commons
The Israel National Trail (Hebrew שביל ישראל, Shvil Yisrael) is Israel’s best-known long-distance hiking trail. It runs for about 1,000 km from the northern edge of the country near Kibbutz Dan to Eilat on the Red Sea, crossing the Galilee, the Carmel Range, the Israeli Coastal Plain, the Jerusalem Hills, the Dead Sea region and the Negev.
The trail is normally walked and takes about 40–60 days for an average thru-hiker. It can also be walked in shorter sections. The route links historic sites, villages, towns, forests, desert landscapes, biblical places, modern cities and remote wilderness, making it both a demanding hike and a broad introduction to the landscapes of Israel.
UnderstandWhen Avraham Tamir, a journalist and writer (for the children's magazine, Thing for Children), hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1980, he came up with the inspiration for the Israel Trail.
PrepareIt is possible to walk only selected sections, and many Israelis complete the trail gradually over weekends or holidays.
WalkThe Israel National Trail can be walked in either direction. The description below follows the common north-to-south direction, from Kibbutz Dan to Eilat.
Stay safeMost of the trail is not in conflict areas, and many hikers report being welcomed by local communities. Still, conditions can change, so check current security advice before starting and use local judgement.
Go nextFrom Eilat, rest by the Red Sea, visit the Eilat Mountains or continue by bus or flight to other parts of Israel.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Israel National Trail" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Ori~, Attribution via Wikimedia Commons