Day trips from Jerusalem

Soreq Cave (Avshalom Stalactite Cave)

Name: Soreq Cave (Avshalom Stalactite Cave)
Address: Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve, Route 3866, near Bar Giyora, Jerusalem, IL
Telephone: 02-9911117

מערת הנטיפים – שמורת טבע אבשלום

Judean Hills

A 5,000-square-metre limestone cave of stalactites and stalagmites in the Judean Hills, half an hour from Jerusalem and one of the few genuinely indoor outings in the region. The visit is self-guided and includes an introductory film; the circular route inside cannot be walked in reverse.

English spoken

Call Directions Website

Address: Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve, Route 3866, near Bar Giyora שמורת טבע מערת הנטיפים, כביש 3866, ליד בר גיורא
Phone: 02-9911117
Hours: Summer Sun–Thu and Sat entry 08:00–16:00, reserve closes 17:00; Fri and holiday eves entry 08:00–15:00, closes 16:00. Winter Sun–Thu and Sat entry 08:00–15:00, closes 16:00; Fri and holiday eves entry 08:00–14:00, closes 15:00. On the eves of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Pesach last entry is noon and the reserve closes at 13:00.
Website: en.parks.org.il
Price: ₪₪
Last checked: 2026-09

Call ahead to confirm hours.

Plan your visit

Tickets

Adult ₪31 Child ₪16

Covered by a Nature and Parks Authority Matmon annual subscription and by the Israel Pass. The group rate applies to parties of more than 30 and is paid by one person for the whole group. There is no luggage storage at the site, and no eating or drinking inside the cave.

Discounts

Students ₪26, Israeli senior citizens ₪16. Groups of more than 30: ₪26 adult, ₪14 child.

Parking

Upper car park by the ticket office, with steep stairs down to cave level. Visitors with mobility impairments can be driven down by private car if they phone 02-9911117 in advance to arrange it.

Getting there

From the Ein Kerem roundabout drive south on Route 386 to Bar Giyora junction, turn right onto Route 3866 and continue west about 5 km — roughly 30–40 minutes from Jerusalem. From Route 1, turn south at Sha'ar HaGai onto Route 38, then Routes 3855 and 3866. The landmark for the turn is the Challenger memorial shaped like a hand holding a satellite dish. No practical bus — take a car.

How long to allowHalf a day AgesSchool-age and up. The descent to the cave is about 164 steps each way plus more stairs inside, and prams are banned outright, so this is a poor choice with a baby. The walk through the cave includes slippery sections. Indoor or outdoorIndoor On Shabbat and chagimOpen Best time to goAny season — the cave is a constant temperature and humidity, which makes it the obvious rainy-day and heatwave outing. Book a slot in chol hamoed, when it is busiest. AccessibilityAccessible by private vehicle only, arranged by phone in advance. Inside: headphones with boosted volume for hearing-impaired visitors, a subtitled introductory film, and the first observation platform reached by a wheelchair lift. There is an accessible toilet. No dogs at all, including service dogs.

Insider tips

Arrive about 30 minutes before your booked tour time.
164 steps down and back, plus stairs inside: no prams allowed, and not a buggy outing.
The tour is self-guided with a film — there is no guide, so read up first.
Tripods are banned, and the circular route cannot be walked backwards.
Book ahead in chol hamoed; if it is full on arrival you need the confirmation to get in.

On the map

Approximate location (street)

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