Discover the Treasures of the Judean Mountains
Gordonia is just the starting point
Take a tasting tour of the Judean Mountains’ finest wineries, explore a hiking trail through the local forest, refresh yourself with a dip in the nearby natural springs, and – of course – satisfy your appetite with plenty of incredible local cuisine. The Gordonia Maale Hahamisha is the ideal starting point for so many nature walks and culinary adventures. These are our recommendations.
The Historical Courtyard & a Magnificent View
The Gordonia Hotel at Ma’ale Hahamisha stands at the center of the Jerusalem Hills. The verdant landscape, clear air, pine trees and long rows of grape vines are your invitation to get out in nature,
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The Kastel
Situated in the heart of the Jerusalem Hills, the Yearim Hotel serves as a base for tours in the vicinity that are no more than a short drive away. Many of the routes are easy and comfortable, and they are fascinating.
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Vineyards Trail
This trail leads to the Jerusalem Forest in the Judean Mountains, the wonderful tranquility you will find among the trees, and some of the country’s most beautiful views.
Getting There: Leave the hotel and turn right at the gate. Walk for 200 meters along a narrow road and find the road that leads to Har Adar.
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Nahal Kfira
This pleasant pool by the Ein Kfira spring is shaded by a large fig tree. When the tree bears fruit, it’s simply the perfect place to spend a summer day, with cool water below and yummy figs above. The pool is about 15 square meters in size and a meter deep, and can be reached via an easy 30-minute walk.
Distance: 5km west of the Gordonia Ma’ale Hahamisha.
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New Jersey Park at Har HaRuach
A perfect picnic spot with views of Nahal Yitla and the Ayalon Valley. It’s recommended to follow a circular walking trail that takes you through the orchards and concludes with a great view of the area.
Distance: 2.5 km west of the Gordonia Ma’ale Hahamisha.
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Ein Nekofa
This small spring flows from Nahal Ksalon near Mevaseret Zion. The spring water is channeled into a small ancient pool covered by a partially broken arched roof. Trees and benches have been placed around the pool. A large mulberry tree casts a broad shadow over the spring and its surroundings, making the location especially good for a picnic and relaxation.
Distance: 4.5km east of the Gordonia Ma’ale Hahamisha.
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Ein Kesalon Secret Pool
This enchanting elliptical pool may be small, but it’s almost 1.5 meters deep. It is fed by a spring in a nearby ravine and is full all year round. Huge bushes of holy bramble yield sweet fruits and line the path leading to the spring.
Distance: 2km from the Gordonia Ma’ale Hahamisha.
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Ein Hemed National Park
Ein Hemed is one of Israel’s most beautiful national parks. There’s simply no better place to sit than in the shade of one of its giant maple trees, which cast a wide shadow. On hot days, cool off by wading in the central Ein Hemed pool, after which the entire place is known as “Aqua Bella” (beautiful water). Admission entails a fee.
Distance: 3km south of the Gordonia Ma’ale Hahamisha, on the southern side of Highway 1.
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Ein Limor
There are many names for this spring, which is also known as Ein Limon and, in Arabic, Ein el Amor. It includes an especially nice pool that is not visited by many people, making it the perfect place for a romantic dip.
Distance: 5km south of the Gordonia Ma’ale Hahamisha.
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Ein Tayasim
This charming, especially tranquil location includes a beautiful pool that is around six square meters in size and a meter deep. The pool collects water from the spring that flows from the mountain. There are also many fruit trees in the area and a huge reddish Arbutus tree grows next to the spring.
Distance: 12km south of the Gordonia Ma’ale Hahamisha.
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Abu Ghosh
This ancient village dates back more than 6,000 years. During Biblical times, it was known as Kiryat Yearim – an important center of worship and the site of the Ark of the Covenant. In the Byzantine period (around 1,500 years ago) it was recognized as a holy site for Christianity.
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Flowers, Olives & Everything In Between
The lovely Jerusalem crocus grows in many places around this area. During November and December, it can be seen in Jerusalem’s Valley of the Cross and adjacent olive grove, Emek Tzurim National Park, and several other locations, like the Mar Elias Monastery or Bible Hill in Jerusalem. These are also the months when beautiful cyclamen bloom in the Valley of Hinnom area, close to the Jerusalem Cinematheque.
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