Israel National Trail

The Israel National Trail is considered one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking trails in the world according to National Geographic. Stretching over 1000 km, the Shvil Israel, as the trail is called by Israelis, winds through the Holy Land. The character of the trail changes several times: it offers unique and impressive landscapes as well as diverse nature – from lush vegetation in northern Israel and a Mediterranean coastal landscape around Tel Aviv, through the suburbs of Jerusalem, to the two impressive desert landscapes of the Judean Desert and the Negev.

In the north, the trail features several large ascents and descents; in the middle, it passes through flat regions and along the Mediterranean Sea – with the exception of the rocky climb to Jerusalem – and in the south of the country, stony and rugged paths often lead through wadis and gorges as well as into the mountains near Eilat. The trail mostly runs on easy to moderately difficult paths. However, there are also numerous climbing sections where you must use your hands for support, such as in the Carmel Mountains or the Negev Desert.

The Israel National Trail avoids major cities, except on the coastal promenade, but towns are often crossed or touched, so supply with water and food is secured on large parts of the trail – except in the desert region. In the desert, however, opportunities to access water are extremely rare. Depending on the route planning, there may be ten to thirteen overnight camps without water supply on the trail through the Negev Desert. Therefore, it is recommended to establish secret supply depots with water in advance or to have them set up or delivered by a so-called "cacher" or "service provider."

The long-distance trail is not an easy undertaking. Those who want to hike the INT should be physically very well trained and thoroughly prepared. For a continuous hike, it is advisable to plan about six to eight weeks. The trail runs exclusively through Israeli territory and through all regions of the country, except the West Bank, Gaza, and the Golan Heights – safety is also a priority here.