In Israel, to cope with the summer heat, and in some areas the humidity, the wise thing to do is to find fresh, cool water and get yourselves soaking wet. The best way to do this is to travel north where a wide selection of rivers and pools can be found.
You may decide to take part in some water activities which could include, rafting, swimming and water hiking or just dip your toes in a stream or wade in a cool, shallow, shaded water pool.
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On the Golan Heights and in the area of the Upper Galilee, there are many rivers and water pools to choose from.
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The Banias Spring also known as the Hermon Stream begins at the foot of Mount Hermon and flows for about 2 miles
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before reaching one of the most spectacular falls in Israel.
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About 5 miles from its source, the Hermon Stream, a popular water hiking and bathing spot
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meets the freezing cold waters of the fast flowing River Dan.
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You can stroll through the lush greenery of the Tel Dan Park enjoying the cool shade provided by the trees and bushes and wade through the small streams while you wander around the hiking trails surrounding the main river.
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The River Dan just like he Senir, Iyon and Banias, flows into the Jordan River. The Dan is the main tributary.
Sunrise over the Jordan River
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The famous waters of the Jordan River eventually reach the fresh water lake, the Sea of Galilee, also known locally as the Kinneret, Israel's main source of drinking water.
Northern shores of the Sea of Galilee
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The lake is shaped liked a violin or in Hebrew - Kinneret. These days, due to the lower water levels, it looks more like a harp.
The source of the Senir or Hatsbani Stream is in Lebanon. It's the longest of the Jordan River's tributaries. You can clamber along rocks or walk along the path ways that run along side the cool waters. In shallower, less rapid sectons visitors walk through the refreshing water and dip into the small swimming holes scattered throughout its course.
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Further west you can find the Amud Stream situated in the Meron National park.
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You can enter the water and splash through parts of the Amud stream which flows all year round through shaded groves and just like the other water sources mentioned, it eventually finds its way south and trickles into the northern shores of Sea of Galilee.
Sunset over the Sea of Galilee
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For more information about Israel's scenery and nature and what to see and visit go to
Israel Nature and Parks Authority
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