Be'er Ora: Hiking the Israel National Trail

Be'er Ora offers hikers two distinct points of reference: a long circular hike starts and ends in the village, while the nearby endpoint of the Israel National Trail can be factored into your plans. Be'er Ora is about 2.5 km from the endpoint of Section 53; the village can be reached from there on foot via an off-road vehicle track. This makes it possible to distinguish between a loop starting and ending in the village and access to the trail. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Hiking and navigation in Be'er Ora

There is a minimarket in the village where you can buy groceries. As retail availability can change, check what's on offer locally if needed. A hikers' campground is located outside Be'er Ora, so it is not in the village itself.

When driving from the south on the route to Shkhoret Canyon and the Amram Pillars, the road first leads into Be'er Ora. There, you turn around, then head south again along Arava Road. Road conditions can change; check the latest situation before driving.

These hiking options can provide a concrete starting point when choosing a holiday apartment: consider whether a circular hike starting and ending in Be'er Ora or the nearby endpoint of the Israel National Trail is more important for your plans. The approximate distance and the described walking route provide an initial guide, but do not replace checking current trail conditions.

Nature and culture in the wider Southern District destination

The wider Southern District destination offers distinct nature and cultural attractions. Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the route of the ancient Incense Road in the Negev Highlands. Masada represents the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the last stand of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 AD. Archaeological remains there include the ruins of Herod's palaces and intact Roman siege works, among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world.

The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve encompasses Israel's largest oasis, with springs and waterfalls, ibex and rock hyraxes, and flowing streams. A hiking trail follows the year-round Nahal Arugot to a hidden waterfall and pools in its upper reaches. The Southern District thus offers a range of natural experiences, from trails along streams to an oasis with springs, waterfalls, and wildlife.

The visitor center at the Ramon Crater combines the life story of Israel's first astronaut, Lieutenant Colonel Ilan Ramon, with an introduction to the world's largest crater and its unique natural phenomena. At Besor Park (Eshkol), on the river's eastern bank by the Ein Besor spring, the park landscape is defined by expansive lawns, picnic facilities, and children's playgrounds. Signposted cycling routes and a disc golf course add to the activities described there.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Midreshet Ben Gurion, Elifaz, Zuqim, Idan, Mashabei Sadeh, Revivim, Sede Boker, Beersheba.

For the wider travel overview: Southern District.