Visit the Magnificent Banias Nature Reserve

Banias Nature Reserve is in the Golan Heights, northern Israel, at the foot of Mount Hermon, near Kiryat Shmona, 150 kilometers northeast of Jerusalem, near the Lebanese border.

Known as Caesarea Philippi, Banias was named for the Greek god Pan, with a sanctuary built in the 3rd century BCE. A major city under Hellenistic and Roman rule, it’s mentioned in the New Testament (Matthew 16:13). The Banias Spring, a Jordan River source, has been vital since antiquity. Israel captured it in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Visiting Banias Nature Reserve:

The reserve features the Banias Waterfall, Israel’s tallest, and lush hiking trails. Archaeological sites, like the Pan Temple and Roman ruins, blend history with nature.

Fascinating Details about the Banias:

1. Sacred Caves: The Pan Cave, carved into the cliff, was used for pagan rituals, with niches for statues still visible.

2. Rare Wildlife: The endangered fire salamander, a black-and-yellow amphibian, inhabits the reserve, rarely seen elsewhere in Israel.

3. Strategic History: Banias’s capture in 1967 secured the Jordan River’s water source, critical for Israel’s survival.

Best Time to Visit:

Spring (March–May) is ideal, with blooming wildflowers and mild weather (15–25°C/59–77°F), perfect for hiking and waterfall views.

Fall (September–November) is also good, with similar temperatures.

Summer (June–August) is warm (25–35°C/77–95°F), but the reserve’s shade offers relief.

Winter (December–February) can be cold (5–15°C/41–59°F) and rainy, making trails slippery.

Banias is busiest during Passover, Sukkot, and summer weekends, when families visit. Weekdays in spring or fall are quieter, with fewer hikers.