Nature and culture come together in Shtula: Route 3 of the Shtula Woodland Trail leads from the village through the upper Nahal Betzet to the Sarnim Picnic Area; the “Talking Walls” project adds its own cultural dimension. When choosing where to stay, it helps to first consider which of these interests appeals to you most.
Route 3: a linear path through the forest
Route 3 begins in Shtula and follows a linear path through the upper Nahal Betzet to the Sarnim Picnic Area. The hike is about two kilometers long; the distance to the bend in the road is about one kilometer. Two vehicles are required for the hike. The trail markers change from black to blue. Length, route and vehicle requirements should therefore all be considered together when planning: this is not a loop trail. As trail markers and conditions can change, check the details before your hike.
The Shtula Woodland Trail passes through developed Mediterranean woodland that stays green year-round and is home to numerous plant and animal species, including rare ones. This makes the landscape a reason in its own right to consider the route.
Rahab Cave and “Talking Walls”
After about 300 meters, trees and an opening in the ground can be seen from the path, through a wire fence. The opening is known as Rahab Cave; it is considered Israel’s deepest underground cavity. For planning purposes, the view from the path is the relevant reference point: the description mentions seeing it through the fence, not entering the cave.
The “Talking Walls” project in Shtula offers a different way to explore the area. It brought together residents of the village, students from regional high schools and graffiti artists from around the world. A trip plan for Shtula can therefore include both the woodland and its trail route, and a project whose participants range from the village to the international art scene. These represent different interests that can guide your search for a place to stay.
Archaeology in the wider destination of the Northern District
In the wider destination of the Northern District, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo offer an archaeological theme. At Tel Hazor, the visit focuses on the upper city. Notable structures include Solomon’s Gate: it has six chambers and two towers and dates to the 10th century BCE. Another historical point of interest is the Canaanite palace, used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE.
Tel Hazor’s water system can also be explored through its specific measurements. The excavated shaft is 45 meters deep. Three-meter-wide steps are cut into the walls of the vertical shaft. The underground water collection system represents sophisticated engineering, adapted to the geography for water storage. The gate, palace and waterworks thus draw attention to different aspects of the archaeological remains.
Tel Megiddo offers a different focus: the biblical tel preserves significant remains of a city with biblical connections. Its Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of religious activity and its documented ritual practices. The orthogonal city plan dates to the Iron Age and has few parallels in the Levant. The archaeological themes of Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo are therefore distinct from the forest trail and project in Shtula.
Plan your stay around your interests
If you are looking for hotels in Shtula, you can start your decision with a simple question: would you like the village itself—with the Woodland Trail, views of Rahab Cave and “Talking Walls”—to be the focus? Or would you also like to consider the archaeological attractions in the wider Northern District when choosing your destination?
Discover more destinations: Yahel, Keramim, Mevo Modi'im, Hagoshrim, Petah Tikva, Shlomi, Gesher Haziv, Bethlehem.
Go to the main travel overview: Israel.
