Kiryat Shmona is a garden city, where its parks and streams on the slopes of the Hula Valley make it one of the prettiest settlements in northern Israel. Known for its outdoor attractions, Kiryat Shmona lures travellers in with its famous toboggan run and a cable car that hovers over the Naftali mountain range.
Things to do in Kiryat Shmona
The Golan Heights and the Naftali Mountains rise up on either side of Kiryat Shmona, giving the valley its steep slopes. The best views of the city and the Hula Valley are from the top of these mountains, so take the cable car up to the kibbutz communal farm at nearby Manara.
Within the city limits, Park HaZahav is a favourite open space. The park covers 11 hectares, boasting beautiful landscapes of streams, rapids and pools and forest. Perfect for outdoor lovers, hike along the forest trails then stop to picnic by a stream. A playground entertains children, while volunteers run a series of nature-focused educational programmes.
The outdoor activity centre in Kiryat Shmona offers activities tailored for every season. In the winter, give yourself an adrenaline kick with a ride on the alpine toboggan run. In summer, try rappelling, snapling, and pitting yourself against the challenges posed by the centre’s climbing walls.
You can cheer on the city’s soccer team, Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona Football Club, in the Israeli Premier League. Catch a home game at the Ironi Stadium, where spectators can sit close to the action.
Getting around Kiryat Shmona
Only a three hour bus from Tel Aviv, Kiryat Shmona is located 70 kilometres northeast of Haifa in the Upper Hula Valley. While travellers can travel to neighboring villages on local buses, the best way to get around is by taxi or private vehicle.