Israel National Trail: Dan to Eilat

The whole country on foot. The Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisrael) runs from Tel Dan in the far north to Eilat on the Red Sea. The recorded route is about 870 km; walkers usually need six to eight weeks for it. It climbs about 6,900 m in total and goes from about 200 m below sea level near the Sea of Galilee to over 1,000 m in the hills.

Landscapes, north to south. Springs and oak woods of the Upper Galilee – the shore hills of the Sea of Galilee – the farmland of the Jezreel Valley – Mount Carmel and the coastal plain – the Judean foothills and the Valley of Elah – the Negev highlands with their desert canyons and craters – the mountains above Eilat.

Following the trail. The trail is marked with three-colour blazes: orange, blue and white stripes on stones, posts and trees. Many walkers camp in the open or are hosted by “trail angels”, local people who offer a bed, a shower or water along the way.

Good to know. Spring and autumn are the best seasons. In summer the Negev is dangerously hot, and in the south the water must be planned: carry enough for the whole stage and use the water points that are marked on the trail maps.

Picture: Hikers at an Israel National Trail marker in the Sharon, Blipiflipi, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.