Water & beaches

Ein Hemed National Park

גן לאומי עין חמד

Judean Hills

A green, shaded valley park ten minutes west of Jerusalem, built around a spring-fed stream with lawns, picnic areas, a walking trail, a playground and a restored Crusader fortress. It is a picnic-and-paddle park rather than a swimming site — the water is a shallow stream and pool, best in late winter and spring when it is running.

English spoken

Call Directions Website

Address: Ein Hemed National Park, Hemed interchange, Route 1 גן לאומי עין חמד, מחלף חמד, כביש 1
Phone: 02-5342741
Hours: Summer Sun–Thu and Sat 08:00–17:00, Fri and holiday eves 08:00–16:00. Winter Sun–Thu and Sat 08:00–16:00, Fri and holiday eves 08:00–15:00. Gate closes an hour before.
Website: en.parks.org.il
Price: ₪
Last checked: 2026-09

Call ahead to confirm hours.

Plan your visit

Tickets

Adult ₪24 Child ₪10

Covered by a Nature and Parks Authority Matmon annual subscription and by the Israel Pass. No locker or changing-room charges — there are none; this is a lawn-and-picnic park.

Discounts

Students ₪20, Israeli senior citizens ₪12. Groups of 30 or more ₪20 adult, ₪9 child.

Parking

On-site car park included in the entrance fee. It fills up on Fridays, Shabbat and chol hamoed because the park is so close to the city.

Getting there

Ten minutes from Jerusalem: Route 1 westbound to the Hemed interchange, between Shoresh Junction and the Har'el / Mevasseret Zion junction, then a few dozen metres south. Thirty minutes from Tel Aviv, which makes it a good meeting point.

How long to allowHalf a day AgesAll ages. The lawns and the shallow stream suit toddlers, and there is a playground; the fortress and the walking trail give older children something to do. Indoor or outdoorOutdoor On Shabbat and chagimOpen Best time to goLate winter and spring, when the stream is running and the wildflowers are out. Autumn is good for the leaf fall. In high summer the water drops and it becomes a shaded picnic spot rather than a water outing. AccessibilityLawns and picnic areas sit close to the car park, so the walk in is short and level for buggies.

Insider tips

Come in February–April if you want water — by late summer the stream is low.
It is a ten-minute drive from the city, so it works as a late-afternoon outing before the 17:00 closing.
Free with a Matmon annual subscription, which pays for itself quickly if you use the national parks.
Heavy rain brings real floodwater through the valley — check the forecast.
Arrive early on Fridays and Shabbat; the car park is small.

On the map

Approximate location (street)

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