Swiss Forest, Tiberias

#5 among attractions in Tiberias

Nature, Forest, Natural attraction

Map

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the northern reaches of Israel, the Swiss Forest in Tiberias is a serene escape that stands as a testament to the collaboration between nations and the love for nature. This verdant oasis, planted by the Jewish National Fund with the support of donors from Switzerland, offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life and a chance to reconnect with the great outdoors.

The forest is strategically situated to provide breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking a peaceful haven. Its lush landscape is dotted with a variety of trees, including oak, carob, and pine, which contribute to the forest's vibrant ecosystem and provide shade for visitors during the warm Mediterranean summers.

Visitors to the Swiss Forest can indulge in a range of activities. Well-marked hiking trails invite nature enthusiasts to explore the area's natural beauty, while designated picnic areas offer the perfect setting for a family outing or a romantic getaway. For those looking to delve into the historical aspect of the region, the forest is also home to several ancient ruins and sites of archaeological interest.

The forest's maintenance and preservation efforts ensure that it remains a green lung for the city of Tiberias, contributing to the region's environmental sustainability and providing a habitat for local wildlife. The Swiss Forest is not only a place of recreation but also serves as an educational resource, highlighting the importance of conservation and the impact of international cooperation in environmental projects.

Local name: יער שווייץ Coordinates: 32°46'14"N, 35°32'8"E

Address

Tiberias Israel

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Day trips

Swiss Forest – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Sea of Galilee, St. Peter's Church, Yardenit, Mount Nitai.

1.3 miN
Lake popular with Christian pilgrims
Sea of Galilee, Tiberias
34 min walk • Nestled in the northern region of Israel, the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Kinneret, is a serene freshwater lake that holds profound historical and religious significance. This tranquil body of water, situated near the city of Tiberias, is the lowest freshwater...
1.3 miN
Church
St. Peter's Church, Tiberias
34 min walk • Nestled in the ancient city of Tiberias, Israel, St. Peter's Church stands as a serene testament to faith and history on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee. This modest yet significant church is a beacon of the Christian presence in the region, attracting...
4.6 miSE
Baptismal site on the River Jordan
Yardenit
118 min walk • Yardenit, also known as the Yardenit Baptismal Site, is a baptism site located along the Jordan River in the Galilee region of northern Israel, which is frequented by Christian pilgrims.
4.7 miNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Mount Nitai, Mount Arbel
120 min walk • Mount Nitai, sometimes spelled Nitay, is a mountain in Israel; it is situated west of the Sea of Galilee and north of the city of Tiberias and is due west of Mount Arbel. Har Nitai is named after Nittai of Arbela.
4.2 miSE
Archaeological site
Khirbet Kerak
108 min walk • Khirbet Kerak or Beth Yerah is a tell located on the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee in modern-day Israel. The tell spans an area of over 50 acres—one of the largest in the Levant—and contains remains dating from the Early Bronze Age and from the Persian period through to the Early Islamic period.
4.8 miNW
Archaeological site
Horns of Hattin, Mount Arbel
123 min walk • The Horns of Hattin is an extinct volcano with twin peaks overlooking the plains of Hattin in the Lower Galilee, Israel. Kurûn Hattîn is believed to be the site of the Battle of Hattin, Saladin's victory over the Crusaders in 1187.
1.4 miN
Museum
Maimonides Heritage Center, Tiberias
35 min walk • Nestled in the historic city of Tiberias, Israel, the Maimonides Heritage Center stands as a testament to the life and teachings of one of Judaism's most revered figures, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, also known as Maimonides or Rambam.
4.6 miSE
Dam
Degania Dam
118 min walk • The Degania Dam is a small barrage across the Jordan River just below the Sea of Galilee near Degania Alef and Yardenit in northern Israel. The purpose of the dam is to regulate water levels in the Sea of Galilee and flows into the lower Jordan River. It has two floodgates capable of releasing 800 m³/s.
5 miN
City, Archaeological site
Magdala
128 min walk • Magdala was an ancient Jewish city on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, 3 miles north of Tiberias. In the Babylonian Talmud it is known as Magdala Nunayya, and which some historical geographers think may refer to Tarichaea, literally the place of processing fish.
0.8 miE
Museum, Archaeological museum
Hammat Tiberias
20 min walk • Hammath Tiberias or Hammat Tiberias is an ancient archaeological site and an Israeli national park known as Hamat Tverya National Park, which is located on the adjacent to Tiberias on the road to Zemach that runs along the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
4 miSE
Prehistoric site
Ohalo II
102 min walk • Ohalo II is an archaeological site in Israel, near Kinneret, on the southwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is one of the best preserved hunter-gatherer archaeological sites of the Last Glacial Maximum, radiocarbon dated to around 23,000 BP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to get to Swiss Forest by public transport?

The nearest stations to Swiss Forest:

Bus

Tiberias central bus station (30 min walk)