In the southern part of the Golan Heights, lies Katzrin. A very small city, with rich history, a diverse population, and impressive landscapes nearby. As the capital of this stunning region, Katzrin is a great base for day trips in the Golan Heights. It is also an ideal destination for those looking for a local experience away from the crowds.
The Story of Katzrin
Katzrin, the capital of the Golan, combines a harmonious balance between man and nature. Its location is stunning: in front of the views of Hermon and the Sea of Galilee and near the Talmudic city of Caesarin.
The old town of Katzrin was first built in the 2nd century. It was a small Jewish town of 300 residents that included a synagogue and an oil mill. However, the town was completely destroyed in the major earthquake of 749, which has destroyed several cities and important buildings in Israel, including Tiberias, Beit Shean, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Katzrin has remained abandoned since the earthquake and until 1977, when Israel (which took control of the Golan Heights ten years prior) decided to rebuild the historical town and make it the biggest city in the region. Today, Katzrin has 9,000 residents with diverse backgrounds. It includes several religious communities: thousands of residents who have recently immigrated to Israel from former USSR countries, and a growing young population.
Katzrin has a special social-community character that combines different populations and sectors: secular, religious, traditional, immigrants, veterans and members of different ethnicities.
Best natural attractions near Katzrin
Yehudiya Nature Reserve
The Yehudiya Nature Reserve is the largest nature reserve in the Golan Heights and one that really has it all. Powerful streams, high waterfalls, deep canyons, lagoons, volcanic phenomena, rare flowers, and diverse wildlife – all within a vast forest of oak trees that stretches sparsely between Katzrin and the Sea of Galilee.
The reserve features several deep streams, the largest of which are the Yehudiya, Zavitan, Meshushim, and Daliot streams. The streams are flowing all year round, and they are an important part of the Sea of Galilee basin. In addition, they carved dramatic cliffs through the rocky Golan Heights, which serve as a habitat for birds of prey, including eagles and vultures.
The best way to experience the Yehudiya Nature Reserve is through its numerous hiking trails. One of the most popular hiking trails in Yehudiya is the Zavitan Stream trail, which will take you through deep gorges to the Zavitan Fall, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Israel. Zavitan Fall features a huge bathing pool with impressive rock formations, and swimming here is an incredible experience on hot summer days.
In addition, you can find here several other great trails, including “wet trails”, which are trails that go inside rivers for a couple of kilometers and are a great way to escape the heat and enjoy the stunning nature of the Golan Heights.
Nahal Yehudiya
A short route (about 3 km) but fun, suitable for families with children who can handle technical walking and require patience and caution. The path leads east from the reserve’s parking lot on the red route. After passing safely under the road, continue towards the ancient village of Yehudiya on a basalt stone-lined path. The path then curves north, leading for about 20 minutes through the plain to the gorge. The descent is short but steep, and younger hikers may need assistance, especially near the water.
The walk in the river channel is challenging due to unclear water and hidden rocks. After exiting the thicket, you’ll reach sunny canyons with deep pools for swimming. Be cautious of large rocks and avoid jumping into the water from the banks. The wet basalt stones are slippery, so watch out for younger hikers. Climb out of the gorge, descend steep steps to a spacious pool at the bottom of a great waterfall, and rest in the shade. The water is moderately cold, perfect for a break. Please pick up your trash.
Return by climbing back up the hill, walking along the cliff for another 5 minutes to the abandoned village, and then back to the parking lot.
Total time: about 30 minutes to the gorge, 10 minutes down, 30-40 minutes in the wet gorge, 10 minutes to the waterfall, 10 minutes up from the waterfall, and 15 minutes to the parking lot, excluding breaks.
Please pick up trash and keep the place clean 🌿
Nahal Katzrin
Nahal Katzrin is one of the best-kept secrets of the many streams of the Golan Heights. The charming stream goes right inside the town area, where it creates an impressive waterfall, which is the most beautiful part of the river. First, the sight of a waterfall in the heart of the city is a special sight that you don’t see every day, and secondly, its passage through the town makes the Katzrin waterfall a particularly accessible place. The walking distance from the car to the waterfall observation point is very short, making it a great sight to see in the city within a short time. The river is mainly flowing in winter when the heavy rains of the region create a powerful and impressive flow.
Ma’ayanot Eden
Ma’ayanot Eden is a great site to visit with children. Along the stream, there is a short route with a well-maintained path (not accessible for strollers). Along the way, you will come across waterfalls, wading pools, sitting areas, and even old buildings from an abandoned Syrian village. In the past, the water was used by the Eden Water Company for pumping. This route is very suitable for children, couples, and anyone looking for a quiet place for a picnic or a coffee stop.
The path that goes along the small reserve passes both beside the water and inside it. In addition, you will find plenty of lovely places to sit, relax and have a picnic, as the reserve is shaded by a variety of trees, including palm and fig trees. The place tends to be quite busy on holidays and weekends, but since it is relatively large, you can almost always find a quiet corner to bathe in.
Local tips:
Come early to enjoy the peace but even when it’s busy you can find a quiet corner here next to the water.
The reserve is open from 8:00-16:00.
The entrance is free.
There is no toilets in the place
It is forbidden to light a fire. 
Historical sites in Katzrin
Katzrin Park
Katzrin Park is a recreation of the old town of Katzrin. It is a great place to visit for those who want to experience the town’s history. You can see the ruins of the old synagogue and oil mill, which were destroyed in 749. You can also see the restoration of the houses and streets of this old charming town. It is a unique experience that will take you 1,600 years back in time. In addition, it’s a great place to visit for those who wish to learn more about the history of the Golan Heights, as it includes several displays about the history of sites like Gamla and more.
Entrance fee:
Adults: 27 ILS
Kids: 18 ILS
Operating hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 9:00-16:00
Friday: 19:00-14:00
Saturday: 10:00-16:00
Museum of Antiquities in the Golan
The Golan Antiquities Museum in Katzrin unfolds the breathtaking stories of all of the different historical periods of the Golan Heights, from some of the earliest signs of civilization to today.
In the museum, you will get to see a variety of spectacular archaeological treasures. These include skulls, skeletons, and bones of animals that were here in the past, a fascinating display of the history of the city of Gamla, a reconstruction of a house from 6000 years ago, and more.
Entrance fee:
Adults: 19 ILS
Kids: 16 ILS
Operating hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 9:00-16:00
Friday: 19:00-14:00
Saturday: 10:00-16:00
Beer and wine in Katzrin
Golan Wines
Golan Wines Winery, founded in 1983, is the most successful winery in Israel. The winery is owned by four kibbutzim and four moshavim in the Golan Heights. The winery’s wines are marketed under four leading and well-known local and international brands: “Yarden”, “Gamla”, “Hermon” and “Golan”.
The excellent quality of the winery’s wines is made possible thanks to the great combination of the volcanic soil of the Golan, the unique climate, and the topographical height of the region, which create the ideal conditions for the growth of grape vines and wine-making.
The place offers a wide variety of tours, from standard wine tastings to jeep trips in the grape vines fields, or a chef’s dinner in the winery’s wine cellar.
Golan Brewery
The Golan Brewery is a popular brewery that produces the successful Bazelet beer brand, which is made from the water of the Golan Springs and includes 4 types of beers. During your visit here, you can experience the process of beer-making, learn about the beer production processes, and of course, taste the different types of beer that are produced in the high-quality brewery.
