Jerusalem loves nature

Enhance your experience and leave a positive footprint in the Holy Land. In line with the seventeen U.N Sustainable Development Goals officially
adopted by Israel, Jerusalem recognizes the role that urban nature can play in healthy city life, and was the first city to develop a network of community gardens (there are 100). The municipality also recognized the need to protect the Jerusalem Hills from urban encroachment, and is investing seriously in a climate adaptation plan. 

The capital is also the first city in Israel to develop an effective mass transit system, with light rail and bus routes making cars no longer essential for getting around. Visitors can now enjoy exploring the city through its growing eco-friendly bike path network, numerous urban walkways, and leafy pedestrian malls. Jerusalem is blessed with an abundance of green sites, offering worldwide visitors of all ages, faiths, cultures and interests a wide-ranging assortment of exciting attractions and environmentally-friendly, unique adventures.

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Urban Nature sites

Embrace nature through bird-watching activities, or wander through lush sites with natural vegetation and spectacular views, or explore unusual archeological sites with cultivated paths and seasonal blooms, as well as parks recreating ancient crafts.

Jerusalem Strolls

Walk through historical routes embodying green ideology and revealing the city’s urban development with the first neighborhoods outside the Old City, or take a fascinating hike with breathtaking views following the water route that tells the amazing story of how water was brought to Jerusalem in ancient times.

Green Routes

Take a nature trail or hike through archeological sites, historic landscapes of Jerusalem mountain terraces, or swim through a network of springs.

Religious buildings

With a ‘green’ story - explore historic buildings, institutions, churches and many sites with historic and biblical stories with magnificent views, artifacts and gardens, dating back as far as 3,000 years ago.

Green Pilgrimages for the three faiths

Follow the path of ancient pilgrimage routes as a green and sustainable experience, incorporating hiking trails from ancient times in natural biblical surroundings, explore historical and heritage sites and spectacular desert landscapes. Pilgrims, or visitors following in their footsteps, can meet local communities and volunteer to cultivate terrace agriculture in the spirit of Biblical times for an unforgettable ‘green heritage’ experience. 

Green Volunteering

Volunteer for a green cause and enrich your life by the unforgettable experience of leaving a positive footprint in Jerusalem. Join activities in community gardening, restoring ancient terraces, pruning ancient olive trees, rescuing plant species, packing portions of rescued food, beautifying public spaces and more. For groups, families, tourists and individuals.

The Western Wall: 

While this sacred, retaining wall is all that remains of the Holy Temple built by King Solomon thousands of years ago is well known as the epicenter of faith and prayer for the Jewish people, it is also visited by hundreds of thousands of people of all religions, who leave notes to God in
the Wall’s crevices. But did you know that during the migration season (March-June), 88 nesting places in the Wall are home to the swifts, thus preserving a historical migration cycle mentioned by the prophet Jeremiah?  The swifts are just one species out of around half a billion birds (!) that pass through Jerusalem’s skies during migration seasons. 

Arrive at the Western Wall Plaza before sunset during these months to enjoy this wondrous show.
 

The Train Track Park: 

Walk or bike through this popular place initiated by local communities and follow the historic railway route to Jerusalem. Walk through eight Jerusalem neighborhoods without noise and traffic pollution, while experiencing diverse urban cultures and cityscapes.
For more information: office@jgf.org.il

Ein Kerem Orchard (below Maayan Street): 

Explore this fascinating natural site with remnants of ancient agriculture, watered by the Spring of the Virgin Mary, the fourth most important site for Catholic and Orthodox. The Israel Ministry of Tourism is not responsible for information or pictures, provided by third parties, that appear in this document. The use of this document and responsibility therefore falls solely upon the information providers.

Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land. About two years ago, the water from the spring was rediverted down to the orchard, as in olden times. Learn about these ancient irrigation methods.
For more information: office@jgf.org.il

Gazelle Valley: 

Want to meet a graceful gazelle? This park gained international recognition for its nature-based solutions to winter flood hazards. Managed by the Society for the Protection of Nature, welcoming volunteers including many with disabilities, a visit to the park guarantees an
encounter with Biblical Gazelles in their natural habitat.
For more information: Amanda Lind, https://www.gazelle-valley.com/eng

Muslala-The Clal Building Rooftop: 

For a wholly unique adventure, you can ‘camp’ on the blooming rooftop of this tower in the center of downtown Jerusalem. Muslala is a laboratory for the study of urban living that promotes rooftop culture as a dimension of urban lifestyles. This urban ‘oasis’ with its beautifully blooming gardens, offers a variety of accommodation options.
For more information: www.muslala.org

Food Rescuers-The Wholesale Market Givat Shaul: 

One of the most rewarding and memorable green activities you can take part in on your visit to Jerusalem is joining the local community in their volunteer work, providing fresh rescued produce for those in need. The program promotes a sustainable urban food system with an emphasis on reduction of food waste at all levels. Suitable for groups or families.
For more information: Daniela, Tel. 058-515-9555

Nature is blooming… Jerusalem is smiling. Visit us soon!