Haon connects the Sea of Galilee with a beach and a lakeside trail; historical traces from different periods can also be found nearby. An old pumping station and the “Dragon’s Teeth” point to different historical themes. Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo also offer an archaeological perspective on the wider Northern District destination.
Water and Beach in Haon
The trail between HaOn and Maagan runs along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The vegetation is typical of the area, and numerous shaded spots offer places to rest. The beach at HaOn Holiday Village is public and designated as a bathing area. Guests of the holiday village share it with campers. This makes it possible to experience the lakeside trail and the bathing area as two distinct ways to enjoy the water. As the beach status may change, check local notices before your visit.
Historical Traces Nearby
An old, disused pumping station is located along the trail between HaOn and Maagan. Water was once pumped there to irrigate the fields. The “Dragon’s Teeth” are located on Haon’s southern boundary, at the mouth of Samra Stream where it flows into the Sea of Galilee. The cone-shaped concrete castings were installed by the British during the Second World War as part of the defense against the Nazis along the border between the British and French Mandates. Two historical themes can thus be distinguished in the area: water management and military defense.
Archaeology in the Northern District
The wider Northern District destination is home to Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo, two biblical tels with significant remains of cities associated with the Bible. Their archaeological themes range from gates and water systems to temples and urban planning.
A visit to Tel Hazor focuses on the Upper City. This includes Solomon’s Gate, with six chambers and two towers dating to the 10th century BCE. A Canaanite palace was used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE. It is considered the most elaborate palace in Israel and one of the most important in the Levant. The excavated shaft is 45 meters deep, with steps three meters wide carved into its vertical walls. The underground water-collection system is an ingenious engineering achievement adapted to the geography for water storage.
Tel Megiddo is one of three tels that preserve significant remains of cities associated with the Bible and are closely connected with biblical events. Its Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of its cult activity, and its documented ritual practices. The orthogonal Iron Age city plan has few parallels in the Levant. Comparing the two sites, Tel Hazor stands out for its architecture and water engineering, while Tel Megiddo is notable for its temple complex and urban planning.
Tel Hazor National Park can be reached from the north and south via Route 90 toward Ayelet Hashahar. Check your navigation before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Ein Tzurim, Ma'alot Tarshiha, Moshav Ramot, Maagan, Mevo Modi'im, Kfar Kisch, Gonen, Kfar Tabor
See the broader travel overview: Israel.
