Israel and You Spaces and Places in Israel
Neot Kedumim, the Biblical Landscape Reserve in Israel, is located halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv near Ben-Gurion International Airport. It a convenient stop on arrival or just before departure from the country. This unique recreation of the physical setting of the Bible in all its depth and detail allows visitors to see life as it was lived by our ancestors 3,000 years ago. More than a “garden” showing various plants, Neot Kedumim embodies the panorama and power of the landscapes which shaped the values of the Bible and provided the rich vocabulary for expressing those values.
The idea to set up such a reserve began in the 1920s with Ephraim and Hannah Hareuveni and was carried out by their son Nogah in 1964 with the help of Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, who allocated land for the project. In 1994 Neot Kedumim and Noga Hareuveni, the driving spirit behind the garden, were awarded the Israel Prize for their special contribution to society and the State of Israel.
Neot Kedumim offers self-guided tours complete with a plant guide, and three hour guided tours (book in advance) based on themes or texts of your choice. A “biblical meal” can also be a feature of the visit.
You can enjoy some of the beautiful trails at your own pace. You will be provided with a map of the 650-acre (2500 dunams) land, as well as an informative guidebook, and this plant identification list. All you have to do is to follow the signs from station to station, rest in the shaded shelters, learn at your leisure, and enjoy the gorgeous landscape.
The reserve’s trails range from 1 – 2.5 miles (1.8 km to 4 km). Each trail has a different focus. Please note that of the four trails ( Isaiah’s Vineyard, the Dale of the Song of Songs, the fields of the Seven Varieties and the Hill of the Menorah), A, B, and C are paved and suitable for wheelchairs and baby carriages. Trail D is unpaved and more rugged. It is well suited to the hearty hikers among us.
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8:30am -4pm.Friday 8:30am-1pm. Closed Saturday.
- Fees: Entrance fee, leaflet fee, guide fee
- Telephone: + 972 8 9770782
- E-mail: tourism@neot-kedumim.org.il
