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The name "Banias," originally "Panias," is derived from the god Pan, for whom a Roman temple was erected, the ruins of which have been found in the reserve. After the Arab conquest, the name of the stream was altered to "Banias" because the Arabic language does not have the phoneme "P."
Hermon Stream Nature Reserve (Banias) is actually two nature reserves: Banias Waterfall and Banias Springs Complex, located five minutes apart by car. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been necessary to register in advance on the Nature and Parks Authority website and book two separate tickets, one for each reserve.
There is a hiking trail of about an hour and a half that connects the two sites. On extremely hot days, the trail is usually closed.
Day Trip Recommendation (Detailed itinerary below)
Start your morning with breakfast at Café Matrelo, then drive towards the Banias Nature Reserve. Begin at Banias Waterfall, dedicating forty minutes to this spot. Then drive to the Springs Complex and spend about an hour to an hour and a half there. Afterward, head down to Lower Banias, take a dip in the water, and cool off from the heat. Following this, drive to Dag Al HaDan for lunch and end your day with a visit to the Ein Hermon Pool for a final scenic view.
Banias Waterfall
This is a fairly short trail, with the main part of the path being a suspended bridge from which you can view the Hermon Stream flowing beneath. It's a pleasant walk, but not much more than that. At the end, you reach the large and beautiful Banias Waterfall. It is important to note that at no point along this trail is it possible to enter the water.
Banias Springs Complex
The second and larger site, the Banias Springs Complex, is a whole area with multiple circular trails. Visitors receive a map at the entrance and can choose to complete some or all of the trails. The site features an archaeological area with the ruins of the Temple of Pan. While walking along the trail, you'll pass by pools and waterfalls where you can wash your feet or cool your face with the refreshing water.
Lower Banias
This area is not officially part of the reserve, and no registration is required to visit. Simply enter "Lower Banias" in Waze, and after about a 7-minute drive, you will reach the area. Park near the gate and walk down the trail. After a short downhill walk, you'll arrive at the Hermon Stream. In this part of the stream, you'll find the Syrian tank—a reversed old tank lying on the banks of the stream. This tank is a remnant from the Six-Day War and is an attraction in its own right. In this section of the stream, you can wade in the water, but be aware that the water is very cold, even in August.
Ein Hermon
Ein Hermon is a natural pool in the Golan Heights that fills with water during the winter. Even in the summer, the pool remains full, but since the water flow is reduced, the water becomes stagnant and it's not recommended to enter during this season. To reach it, enter "Nimrod" in Waze and drive towards the village. About 750 meters after the turn, you'll see a bay on the right side of the road and a fence below. Pass through the gate and descend a steep path for about five to seven minutes (the pool is not visible from the top).
Restaurants in the Golan Heights Area
1910 - Located in Kibbutz Degania, south of the Sea of Galilee, this Italian chef restaurant has become a culinary landmark. It's a must-visit for foodies traveling to the north. The meticulously crafted dishes are surprisingly generous, especially for Tel Avivians accustomed to smaller portions at similar prices. Everything was delicious, making it a highly recommended culinary experience!
Tibi's - A high-end steakhouse known for its excellent steaks and in-house smoked meats.
Café Matrelo in Ein Zivan - A French bakery offering fresh pastries and amazing breakfasts. A great stop on your way to the Golan.
Dag Al HaDan - A very popular and large fish restaurant in the area. They serve fresh grilled fish alongside homemade salads, perfect for a hearty meal.
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