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Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve


Created Gabriela Reshef Svartz
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Meet Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve

The Reserve encompasses an extensive natural woodland area and the largest and most beautiful stalactites-stalagmites cave in Israel.

Make sure you get in – Reserve now

Reserving your visit through the reservation system ensures a spot on the date and time you’ve requested; you’ll also receive relevant updates for your planned visit.

To reserve a visit – click here
Major Centers of Interest
Observing the View
Identity card
Location in Israel
Activities of the Nature and Parks Authority​
Fauna and Flora
Geology
Useful files

Major Centers of Interest

  • Outside Observation Area – east/west view, to the city of Bet Shemesh and the active quarries. The cave was discovered thanks to the work of these quarries.
  • Inside Observation Area – view of the vast cavern, the shapes of stalactites and stalagmites and the special artificial lighting.
  • Spectacular Stalactite and Stalagmite Shapes, among them the “grandfather” of the cave, the “elephant ears” column, the sculptures garden and the “macaroni field”.

Particulars of the major centers of interest:

  • Outside Observation Area – the outside observation area is close to and outside the opening of the cave. It provides a view of the extent of the Nature Reserve, towards extensive parts of the Judea plain, among them the city of Bet Shemesh. In good visibility conditions it is even possible to see as far as the city of Ashdod. At the foot of the observation area is the quarry whose work exposed the cave some decades ago.
  • Observation Area Inside the Cave – at the front of the cave there is an observation area providing an overall view of the vast cavern. The raised platform gives a panoramic view of the variety of shapes of the stalagmites and stalactites and the special artificial lighting illuminating parts of the cave in lively colors.
  • Spectacular Stalactite and Stalagmite Shapes – the cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites, which accompany the visitors all along the route. Among others, there are the “pillar”, the “elephant’s ears”, the “sculptures garden”, the “macaroni field”, “Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs”, “Romeo and Juliette” – a stalactite and stalagmite that are almost, but not quite, kissing each other, and many others.
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Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve

Useful Information
Opening Hours 

                                        Reserve entrance closes one hour before cited closing time

On the eves of the holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover, last entry is at noon and the reserve closes at 1 P.M.

Summer hours

Sunday–Thursday and Saturday: Entry from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. Reserve closes at 5 P.M.

Friday and holiday eves: Entry from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. Reserve closes at 4 P.M.

Winter hours

Sunday–Thursday and Saturday: Entry from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. Reserve closes at 4 P.M.

Friday and holiday eves: Entry from 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. Reserve closes at 3 P.M.

Please note:

• You must arrive at the site approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
• The descent to the cave includes about 164 steps down and back, in addition to the stairs inside the cave.
• The tour is self-guided and includes a movie, without a guide.
• Tripods are not allowed, as they interfere with the course of the visit.
• For disabled visitors only (with an official certificate), please coordinate a car drop-off by contacting us by phone: 02-9911117.
If you have registered in advance, you have arrived at the site and there is no free space – you will be asked to show the confirmation of “coordinating the visit date” at the entrance in order to enter.
Contact us
Phone:

‎02-9911117

 Email: st.netifim@npa.org.il Fax: ‎02-9990215 Reservation Center:

086220835

 Instagram of Nature and Parks Authority
Access

Vehicle and Foot Access – Steep stairs lead from the upper parking lot and ticket office to the cave level. Accessible to people with mobility impairments by private vehicle only. Call ahead of your arrival (020-991-1117) to make prior arrangements to avoid a long wait. Visits from organized groups of people with mobility impairments must be prearranged with the reservation center, by fax – 02-999-0215.


Visiting the Cave – Headphones for the hearing impaired with increased volume, an introductory film with subtitles, the first observation platform is accessible with a wheelchair lift.


Important Information:



  1. For safety reasons, the circular route cannot be done in reverse.

  2. The walk through the cave includes stairs and slippery sections.

  3. No dogs are allowed, including service dogs.

  4. There is an accessible restroom.


Files to download
Entry of dogs

Dogs are forbidden to enter the cave


Information and rules

  • Entry with baby stroller is forbidden.

  • Group price is for groups of more then 30 people. One person will pay for the entire group.

  • Eating and drinking is not allowed in the cave.

  • There is no luggage storage at the site.


Getting there
Coming from Highway 1

At Sha’ar HaGai junction turn south to Road 38. At the second traffic light, turn left to Road 3855. At the second roundabout turn left to Road 3866 and go up the hill about 5 kms until the left turn to the Stalactite cave.


Coming from the south

Turn right at Ha’Ela junction onto Road 375, then turn left again after Etzyona junction onto Road 3855. At the fourth roundabout turn right onto Road 3866 and go up the hill about 5 kms until the left turn to the cave.


Coming from the East, from the Ein Kerem roundabout

Drive southwards on Road 386. At Bar Giyora junction turn right onto Road 3866, and drive west about 5 kms until the right turn to the cave.


From Tsur Hadassa and Mevo Betar: Turn right from Road 375 onto Road 386. Drive to Bar Giyora junction, turn left and drive about 5 kms to the right turn to the cave.


A prominent reference point for the turn in the direction of the Cave is the Challenger monument in the form of a hand holding a satellite dish.


In Waze, type: Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve

Reserving a visit to Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve

Coordinate time of visit



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Israel Pass
Entrance fees
Type Fee
Adult ₪ 31.00
Child ₪ 16.00
Adult in group ₪ 26.00
Child in group ₪ 14.00
Student ₪ 26.00
Israeli senior citizen ₪ 16.00
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