אל על | אטמוספירה

Shavuot is the holiday that marks the start of bathing season: as temperatures soar, there’s nothing better than heading off for a relaxing waterside picnic. Here are six natural springs across Israel that offer crystal clear waters, gorgeous landscapes, and maximum relaxation / By Ariela Aflalo

01 Ein Shokek, Valley of Springs

02 The Nahal Snir nature reserve, Upper Galilee Also known as Nahal Hasbani, Nahal Snir, a Jordan River tributary, flows through one of the Upper Galilee’s most beautiful nature reserves. Its waters gush out from amongst the trees that grow all along the riverbed, creating an atmosphere of wondrous penumbral shade. Waterfalls and wading pools abound, and there’s a picnic area at the entrance to the reserve. A little wooden bridge leads on to a birdwatching hideout on the edge of the Tapline Reservoir (an artificial reservoir that used to carry oil from Iraq to Lebanon and to the port of Haifa) - used nowadays for water storage, attracting ducks, egrets, cranes, otters, etc., that can

Ein Shokek Spring is nestled deep in the Valley of Springs. Thanks to recent maintenance works, it has been rendered more accessible. Next to it, between a hidden waterfall and the spring itself, a delightful picnic area has been created. Ein Shokek is part of the Valley of Springs Park, which also includes the Kibbutzim Stream, the White Waterfalls, Ein Migdal, and Ein Muda which has a huge pool, picnic tables and a camping site. The park isn’t accessible to cars, so access to the springs is possible only by foot, by bike, or by golf cart, which can be rented at the entrance to the park. (Entrance fee applicable). nirtours.co.il

Ein Shokek I Photo: Shutterstock The Nahal Snir nature reserve | Photo: Hagay Dvir, The Israel Nature and Parks Authority

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ATMOSPHERE JUNE 2025