A journey to remember for a lifetime

Welcome to CrossLand Galilee Golan: the ultimate riding experience, blending adventure, culture and natural beauty like nowhere else.

The Galilee and the Golan are a paradise waiting to be discovered. Picture yourself pedalling through landscapes that shift from green forests to wild hills, with a breathtaking new view around every bend. Along the way you'll meet the iconic Sea of Galilee, its sparkling water a reminder of the magic that stays with you throughout the journey.

The trail passes through Jewish, Druze, Muslim, Circassian, Bedouin and Christian communities. Each offers a glimpse into a unique tradition, wonderful local food and warm hospitality that will make you feel at home. Every stop brings a different experience: an ancient village rich in history, a synagogue or a mosque, a colourful local market or a hidden spring. This route is much more than a bike ride; it's a human journey that connects you to the heart and soul of the north.

The Galilee and the Golan are woven with fascinating history: from the sages and mystics of ancient times, through ancient synagogues and Jewish villages thousands of years old, to pilgrimage sites of other faiths. Riding here is like leafing through the living pages of an ancient, moving story.

Whether you're an experienced bikepacker or a casual rider, CrossLand Galilee Golan has something for everyone. Challenging climbs, thrilling descents and peaceful stretches in nature come together into an unforgettable experience. And the best part? Every kilometre brings the joy of discovery, the thrill of freedom and the satisfaction of connecting with one of the most exciting regions in the world.

So pack your gear, grab your bike and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. CrossLand Galilee Golan is calling, and it's an adventure you'll never forget.

Download GPX Day-by-day plan (PDF)

Plan your trip

Tell us how you like to ride and we'll build you a day-by-day route story.

When to ride

Katzrin: the starting point

Places to stay before the trip, supply points, restaurants and easy access make Katzrin the perfect starting point. The first day is also considered the toughest on the route, so it's best to start from Katzrin full of energy and excitement. If you want to set off on another day or cross the military firing zones between Katzrin and El Rom midweek, call 04-6977842 to make sure there is no training on those days.

Points of interest along the route

From ancient and religious sites to singletrack, food, wineries and springs, in the order they appear along the route.

1

Hatzavim Promenade, Katzrin

A pleasant trail along Nahal Katzrin with a view of the Sea of Galilee from Mitzpe Gur, ending at Ein Shakef.

2

Ancient Katzrin Park

A living archaeological site that recreates a Jewish village from the Talmudic period, with 6th-century buildings.

3

Assaf Winery

A family boutique winery since 1998, combining wine and rural hospitality in the heart of the Golan.

4

Vasht Center

A shopping and food complex that is open on Shabbat too: local food, spices and more.

5

Oravim Park

A shaded park with basalt sculptures, springs and the remains of Emir Faʿur’s summer palace.

6

Paleomagnetism Rock

A geological site where the compass needle deviates, evidence of an ancient reversal of the Earth’s magnetic field.

7

Lake Ram

A natural lake in the crater of an extinct volcano, between Masʿade and Majdal Shams.

8

Shouting Hill, Majdal Shams

Here Druze families on both sides of the border communicated by shouting and megaphones after 1967.

9

Sultan Square, Majdal Shams

A statue of Sultan Pasha al-Atrash, leader of the 1925 Druze revolt.

10

Knafeh, Majdal Shams

The traditional dessert of the Levant, found all over the village.

11

Golan view over the Galilee

From the Nimrod and Ein Qiniyye area: a mesmerising view over the Upper Galilee from one of the highest points on the route.

12

Palace of Agrippa II

The palace of the last Jewish king of the Herodian dynasty, from the 1st century CE.

13

The Disappearing Lake, Kfar Szold

Kara’on Lake: a quiet natural gem in the Upper Galilee. Entering the water is not allowed.

14

Hermon Stream (Banias)

One of the three sources of the Jordan and the most beautiful, in a reserve rich in water and historic sites.

15

Metula

Israel’s northernmost town: mountain views, Zionist history, restaurants and pubs.

16

Mount Notera

A view over the northern border and the Lebanese village of Kfar Kila.

17

Naftali Mountains

A ridge above the Hula Valley, with views of the Golan, the Hermon and sometimes the snowy mountains of Lebanon.

18

Ancient Pistacia campsite

An Atlantic pistachio tree near Kibbutz Yiftah, one of the oldest trees in the Upper Galilee.

19

Nahal Dishon

A stream about 26 km long that flows west from the Naftali Mountains to Nahal Hula.

20

Ancient synagogue, Jish

A Galilean synagogue from the late Roman period, with columns and Aramaic inscriptions.

21

Jish

Gush Halav: a picturesque village at the foot of Mount Meron, famous for its cherry orchards.

22

The Mausoleum, Jish

An ancient burial structure of dressed stone, evidence of a thriving Jewish community.

23

Hurfeish

A Druze village between forests and Mount Meron, with warm hospitality and stunning views.

24

Sambusak, Hurfeish

A Druze pastry from the taboon oven with cheese or zaʿtar, hot and crisp.

25

Nahal Kziv

One of the most beautiful streams in the Western Galilee: pools, springs and Montfort Castle.

26

Ein Hardalit

A spring that flows all year, with wading pools in a shaded grove near Shlomi.

27

Nahariya

A promenade, beaches, fairly priced places to stay, bike shops and pubs facing the sunset.

28

Tel Shavei Tzion

A Byzantine church with a mosaic, Roman milestones and a Mediterranean view.

29

Old Akko

A port city with Crusader walls, a market, khans and mosques. A World Heritage Site.

30

Flour mill, Ras Ali

An Ottoman mill on Nahal Tzippori, with a 12.5-metre chimney.

31

Galilean madafa, Kaʿabiyye

Traditional Bedouin hospitality with Wafqi and Inshirah Salameh.

32

Horse Spring, Nahal Tzippori

Ein Yivka flows into a 25-metre Roman pool, perfect for a dip.

33

Kafr Kanna

By Christian tradition, where Jesus turned water into wine. Churches, markets and restaurants.

34

Mount Tabor

The Church of the Transfiguration and a panoramic view over the Jezreel Valley and the Galilee.

35

Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation

Israel’s largest Arab city: the Basilica of the Annunciation, market alleys and a rich cuisine.

36

Tabor Winery

A boutique winery at the foot of Mount Tabor, founded in 1999 by four families.

37

Kfar Kama

One of the two Circassian villages in Israel: a heritage center, a museum and warm hospitality.

38

Jordan River

From the Hermon through the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, holy to three religions.

39

Sea of Galilee

Israel’s largest freshwater lake.

40

Hippos (Sussita) ruins

One of the cities of the Decapolis: streets, temples, churches and a theatre.

41

Ein Pik

A quiet spring near Afik with a view of the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee.

42

Rujm el-Hiri

Gilgal Refaim: a mysterious megalithic site about 5,000 years old.

43

Ein Yedidya

A well-kept spring in the shade of eucalyptus trees, with hammocks and a pergola.

44

Ayit Waterfall

A powerful waterfall in a basalt gorge, flowing mainly in winter and spring.

45

Aniʿam

The artists’ village: galleries, cafés and workshops in a rural setting.

46

Golan Heights Winery

One of Israel’s largest wineries, in Katzrin, since 1983.

Getting ready to ride?

Recommended places to stay

With help from Golan and Galilee locals we gathered fair-priced stays with room for your bike. All are marked on the route file.