The almond blossoms last for two to three weeks, so take advantage of the weather this weekend (it's expected to be partly cloudy... refreshing for a nature hike) and go for a walk in Jerusalem and the surrounding area. We've put together a list of the best routes for enjoying the almond blossoms:
Ein Karem Tour: Ein Karem is one of Jerusalem's most picturesque neighborhoods, with almond blossoms decorating the streets. A short walk to the main street of Ein Karem will take you to the Ein Karem orchard, directly opposite the Miriam Spring. From there, you can walk down to the garden hidden in the Ein Karem stream that flows at the foot of the neighborhood.
Where to park? Enter Ein Karem parking lot or Ma'ale HaBustan Street into Waze.
Emek HaMatzleva: Emek HaMatzleva, in the heart of Jerusalem, is covered in magical pink and white blossoms, and the pine grove in the valley adds a special atmosphere along with the cyclamen and other flowers. You can reach the valley from two directions. If you are traveling by car, it is most convenient to park on Ruppin Boulevard, walk towards Gan Sacher, and from there take a short walk south towards Emek HaMatzleva. Another starting point for the route is from Niot, where there is plenty of parking and you can set out on a pleasant walk along the valley to Gan Sacher and Gan Wahal Rose Garden.
Where to park? At the end of Yehoshua Yavin Street, right next to the intersection with Niot Street. If you want to come from the direction of the Israel Museum, you can simply visit the museum and combine it with a short walk in the natural forest and enjoy the almond blossoms.
Emek HaArazim and Lifta: Emek HaArazim is located at the entrance to Jerusalem and offers walking trails approximately 8 km long (round trip) along the Sorek Stream promenade, surrounded by terraces, almond blossoms, and the slopes of the abandoned Arab village of Lifta. There are picnic tables, playgrounds for children, bike trails, and more. So if you arrive on Friday, we recommend visiting restaurants that will leave you wanting more: Aloro Restaurant at Beit Yellin with its delicious pastries, or visit Derech HaGafen Restaurant for an excellent breakfast or lunch... a little more traditional. Reservations are required at Derech HaGafen. At Aloro, we recommend arriving early. If you arrive around 10 a.m. when the sun is out, you can expect to wait in line for a while.
If you are already in the area, you can continue west on the same trail to enjoy the spectacular view of the full reservoir below Moshav Beit Zayit.
Where to park? Enter Emek HaArazim parking lot into Waze. There is parking at the start of the sandstone trail. If you want to start the trail near the Beit Zayit dam, enter “Beit Zayit Reservoir” into Waze.
Take advantage of the short flowering season and go out and enjoy nature!
