🌉 בניאס: גשרי עץ מרחפים מעל הנחל הכי סוער בישראל

At the foot of Mount Hermon, in the far north of Israel, lies a nature reserve officially called the Hermon Stream, though almost everyone still calls it by its older name, Banias. A massive spring bursts straight out of the mountainside here, sending so much water into the stream that Banias has the highest water flow of any stream in Israel. The reserve's most famous, family-friendly trail is called the Hanging Trail: a short wooden path, only about 100 meters long, built on bridges and platforms that float directly above the rushing water below. The entire walk takes just 15 to 30 minutes, but the sensation of loud, powerful water rushing beneath your feet, combined with the cool breeze drifting down from the mountain, makes it unforgettable even for visitors who have seen plenty of other streams. Those wanting a longer, more challenging route can follow a roughly four-kilometer trail, about three hours long, leading to Banias Waterfall, the highest-volume waterfall in all of Israel, plus impressive ancient ruins: a Greco-Roman temple once dedicated to the god Pan, alongside remains of a palace built for King Agrippa. Nearby stands Nimrod Fortress, an impressive medieval castle perched on a high cliff that looks like it belongs in a legend. Thanks to its cold, snow-fed water, Banias remains one of the most refreshing places to visit during Israel's hot summers.