Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve
Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve
Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve
4.5
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
38 within 3 miles
Attractions
38 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
163 reviews
Excellent
113
Very good
43
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
0
phytodad
5 contributions
Oct 2022
This cave is excellent to visit. It was not busy when we got there. We had time to explore the cave without people around.
Written November 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sofi NS
Athens, Greece13,379 contributions
Oct 2021
Stalactite cave national park is about 50 min drive from Tel Aviv up in the mountains towards Jerusalem. There is a parking area where the ticket booth is (28NIS per person) and then there is some 10 min walk descending down the steps towards the entrance of the cave.
The place is not accessible to people with disabilities. There is also a gift shop at the entrance. Groups of 40-50 people are entering at the time but they can admit you even before your turn if you have a ticket.
A short introductory film with Hebrew and Russian captions is offered to the visitors and then you can enter the cave.
The cave is about the size of half a football field but is like one big area where you have ample view to all the formations. There is no rush so you can enjoy the stalactites at your leisure. There is a concrete corridor but do not wear slippery shoes.
The temperature was cozy inside, so we would walk around with our t-shirts. No flash is allowed but otherwise pictures and videos are OK.
We spend a little more than 30min inside the cave and I have to say is one of the good ones that you can visit not only in Israel but around the world. It is highly recommended but you have to be in decent shape to reach the cave from the parking.
The place is not accessible to people with disabilities. There is also a gift shop at the entrance. Groups of 40-50 people are entering at the time but they can admit you even before your turn if you have a ticket.
A short introductory film with Hebrew and Russian captions is offered to the visitors and then you can enter the cave.
The cave is about the size of half a football field but is like one big area where you have ample view to all the formations. There is no rush so you can enjoy the stalactites at your leisure. There is a concrete corridor but do not wear slippery shoes.
The temperature was cozy inside, so we would walk around with our t-shirts. No flash is allowed but otherwise pictures and videos are OK.
We spend a little more than 30min inside the cave and I have to say is one of the good ones that you can visit not only in Israel but around the world. It is highly recommended but you have to be in decent shape to reach the cave from the parking.
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teoso
Brooklyn, NY238 contributions
Nov 2019
We've been to a lot of these types of caves all over the world, but this one is the best by far! It's not so much the size of the cave, although it's impressive, it's that it's basically all one huge open room, with many many different types of formations all in the same place, sometimes right next to each other. The different color lights are a little overdone in places, and it can get very crowded with school groups, but it's definitely worth coming here if you're on the way to/from Jerusalem.
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
stanbroch
Rehovot, Israel172 contributions
Mar 2020
I live in Israel and there are several places in the center of the country which are very unique. A friend was visiting and we are both avid amature photographers. These stalactite caves were great for us to practice. Although you maust enter the caves with a group, there is no need for you to stay with the group. Minor comment - on Saturday the tours are only in Hebrew but this is no problem since the introductury movie has subtitles.
Now back to the photography. Once we entered the cave and started taking pictures there was no pressure for us to stay with the group. We stood at many sites for as long as we wanted. Groups came and passed us, no problem. The only thing that bothers me is that we did not bring a tripod. I do not know if I would have been prevented from using one. If you are a photographer and go to the caves I suggest you bring one with you.
How long should you stay in the cave? Suggested time is one hour but it depends on how avid a photographer you.
Now back to the photography. Once we entered the cave and started taking pictures there was no pressure for us to stay with the group. We stood at many sites for as long as we wanted. Groups came and passed us, no problem. The only thing that bothers me is that we did not bring a tripod. I do not know if I would have been prevented from using one. If you are a photographer and go to the caves I suggest you bring one with you.
How long should you stay in the cave? Suggested time is one hour but it depends on how avid a photographer you.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
G-Man
Tel Aviv, Israel69 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
This cave system is a little bit out of the way but we passed it on our way back from Bethlehem and we decided to give it a look. We were not disappointed!
We showed up at just the right time (3pm) to get the English tour and the tour guide was very knowledgeable about the cave.
If your in the area, go see it!
We showed up at just the right time (3pm) to get the English tour and the tour guide was very knowledgeable about the cave.
If your in the area, go see it!
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
vardi2015
Tel Aviv, Israel44 contributions
Jan 2019
The place is not one of the biggest caves but it has a wonderful variety of shapes. very beautiful. recommended!!
Written December 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karend1958
Yavne, Israel27 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
An amazing incredible visit
Recommended to make the trip there
The scenic drive leading to the cave is also an amazing view
Very knowledgeable guide
Recommended to make the trip there
The scenic drive leading to the cave is also an amazing view
Very knowledgeable guide
Written November 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ruth G
Jerusalem, Israel22 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
Very easy to get to by car.it was packed but they did a very good job of staggering the people entering .Never felt rushed or overwhelmed by the masses.Bring food and drink .You can picnic by the car or at a picnic table on the road .Very beautiful area.
Written October 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Savti7
Boynton Beach, FL18 contributions
Apr 2019
This is a relatively small cave but with a lot to see. English speaking guides are available. There are malls nearby with places to eat. Other attractions are nearby as well
Written September 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PK
5 contributions
Aug 2019
Great site. There are a lot of stairs necessary to get to the mouth of the cave, otherwise outstanding.
Written August 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
What are the genuine taxi apps .... Israel
Sofi NS
Athens, Greece13,379 contributions
Gett and Uber I have used, Gett being more widely used.
Judith S
London, UK460 contributions
Is there any public transport to the caves from Jerusalem?
Savti7
Boynton Beach, FL18 contributions
You can take the train from jerusalem to Bet Shemesh station and a cab from there. Alternately the 417 and 419 bus go to Bet Shemesh and tot can take a taxi from there. There are a lot of steps to down to the cave and the again to walk up. Once inside the cave it is not a difficult walk. Spectacular views.
What is the best way to get there from Tel Aviv? We are visiting and plan on taking tours and taxi's. Is there an easy shuttle, public transport, or would you recommend a taxi?
Savti7
Boynton Beach, FL18 contributions
You can take the train from Tel Aviv to Bet Shemesh then a taxi from there. If you have a National Parks Card there is a discount for the site. It is an interesting site. Lot’s of steps to walk down to get to cave and many to go up up. Inside cave is easy.
האם יש תחבורה מתוך בית שמש?
menis153
Haifa District, Israel12 contributions
לא יודע הגענו ברכב
Ellen P
New York City, NY
Are English tours available anytime or onlybat specific times? If only st specific time, when ?
Noazh
217 contributions
Hi . I dont know. Maybe you can check there web site. I would recomend arriving durring week days there are less peopke usualy. By the way there is a nice pkace to stop and eat or have a coffe... near by the place is called bar bahar.
Is there any way to reach Avshalom Cave using public transport? I am coming from Jerusalem.
Moshe054
Jerusalem District, Israel85 contributions
take the shuttle from the old train station in Jerusalem to the Ashpatot gate. it's free.
then walk eastward and you will find a nice spot to take some pics. there is a path down to the tomb. it an easy and short walk.
Ilove613
Beit Shemesh, Israel
Can I bring a shoulder mount professional video camera (no lights)?
Yuliya Ozer
Hamilton, Canada40 contributions
Yes
sarah P
Jerusalem, Israel
Do we need to make a reservation to go in?
MiriMargaret
Israel121 contributions
Not unless you're a group.
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest an editStalactite Cave Nature Reserve (Beit Shemesh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve
- Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve is open:
- Fri - Fri 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Sat - Thu 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve:
- (6.83 mi) Gordonia Private Hotel
- (8.85 mi) Hotel Yehuda
- (6.78 mi) Cramim Resort & Spa
- (8.14 mi) Alegra - Boutique Hotel
- (4.73 mi) C-Hotel Neve Illan
- Restaurants near Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve:
- (8.40 mi) Atalya
- (6.87 mi) Muma
- (1.95 mi) Cafe Rimon
- (1.46 mi) Just Burger
- (5.90 mi) Rama's Kitchen
- Attractions near Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve:
- (1.46 mi) Jerusalem With Jeremy
- (3.74 mi) Nevo Winery
- (5.14 mi) Israel Wine Tour
- (8.38 mi) Gush Etzion ATVs
- (1.34 mi) Soreq Cave