Soreq Cave
Soreq Cave
4.5
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
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Restaurants
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Attractions
34 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.
4.5
92 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
18
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Ann C
Nashville, TN3,238 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
Soreq cave was packed...far too crowded. We have not normally experienced the language difference to be a challenge as we did today. The crowd was so large it was difficult to park, a challenge to figure out what line to be and once you paid it was not clear how you entered.
There were no English brochures like each and every other Israel National Park has provided.
Even after visiting we are left confused as to what the protocol is after obtaining your ticket...I think that your supposed to be given a time and then you wait for that time and then you follow a guide who meets with you outside and discusses something with you in a large group and then you go inside where another guide speaks to you and then you are given time on your own to follow a path along the interior of the cave.
For us...we could not find anyone to tell us what was going on (it was loud/crowded and chaotic). We followed a group outside after waiting 20 minutes by the door...once outside they were all speaking Hebrew so we left the group and entered the cave ourselves( I am not sure you are supposed to do that)...we then ran into the previous group who had a guide who was also speaking in Hebrew so we passed them and followed the rest of the crowd along the path enjoying the formations.
I do not recommend coming on a Saturday unless you do not mind very large crowds and if you understand fluent Hebrew.
The cave itself is nice and it is a nice Family attraction.
Our experience with caves it that they are usually cool..it is January and cool outside however the cave was very warm and humid.
There were no English brochures like each and every other Israel National Park has provided.
Even after visiting we are left confused as to what the protocol is after obtaining your ticket...I think that your supposed to be given a time and then you wait for that time and then you follow a guide who meets with you outside and discusses something with you in a large group and then you go inside where another guide speaks to you and then you are given time on your own to follow a path along the interior of the cave.
For us...we could not find anyone to tell us what was going on (it was loud/crowded and chaotic). We followed a group outside after waiting 20 minutes by the door...once outside they were all speaking Hebrew so we left the group and entered the cave ourselves( I am not sure you are supposed to do that)...we then ran into the previous group who had a guide who was also speaking in Hebrew so we passed them and followed the rest of the crowd along the path enjoying the formations.
I do not recommend coming on a Saturday unless you do not mind very large crowds and if you understand fluent Hebrew.
The cave itself is nice and it is a nice Family attraction.
Our experience with caves it that they are usually cool..it is January and cool outside however the cave was very warm and humid.
Written January 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sovta
Wynnewood, PA343 contributions
May 2014 • Family
This was my 3rd visit to the caves over a 20 year time period. The caves never cease to delight me. Twenty years ago we drove from Jerusalem and parked close to the cave entrance. Last time & this coming from Tel Aviv via Route 1 & Route 38 I've used a GPS and ended at the parking area hundreds of steps down to the cave entrance and consequently back up to my car at the end of the visit. This time I noted a road ending close to the cave entrance. I envied those few cars parked at the side of the road. Next time I'll call to determine how to access that road.
The stalactite & stalagmite formations are amazing and if you want a break from all the religious sites throughout the country this is a go to place. Pack your car with picnic lunch and enjoy the surrounding parkland.
Although the guide spoke Hebrew she offered to answer our questions in English. We were treated to a short film in Hebrew with English super titles before entering the cave.
On the day of our visit, a Saturday, there were many families with young children. It seemed that some of those under 6 visitors were less engaged in the activity and some really fearful. This was unpleasant & distracting for us and I guess not much fun for their parents.
The stalactite & stalagmite formations are amazing and if you want a break from all the religious sites throughout the country this is a go to place. Pack your car with picnic lunch and enjoy the surrounding parkland.
Although the guide spoke Hebrew she offered to answer our questions in English. We were treated to a short film in Hebrew with English super titles before entering the cave.
On the day of our visit, a Saturday, there were many families with young children. It seemed that some of those under 6 visitors were less engaged in the activity and some really fearful. This was unpleasant & distracting for us and I guess not much fun for their parents.
Written May 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ullaf102
West Coast, Sweden13 contributions
Nov 2017
The Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve (Soreq Cave) is located near the town of Beit Shemesh about 20 km from J-lem. It´s a fascinating place to visit, and they have guided tours for travellers.
Written October 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B J
Haifa, Israel292 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
This is a beautiful stalactite cave, full of fascinating natural shapes and colors. It's not huge -- the guide is quite honest in saying that this is a modest-sized cave compared to others around the globe. Nevertheless, it is beautiful, and nicely presented. The introductory film explains the phenomena in the cave quite succinctly, in many languages. The entire visit takes about an hour -- so it's a nice part of a day trip through the mountains, but I wouldn't build a day around it (or rent a car just for this experience) -- given the plethora of things to do around Jerusalem, this is not a massively high priority. Nevertheless, a nice thing to do in addition to some nature walks, hikes, or other sightseeing in the mountains.
Also, beware there are a LOT of steps to get down to (and back from) the cave -- might not be easy for little kids
Also, beware there are a LOT of steps to get down to (and back from) the cave -- might not be easy for little kids
Written October 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
danielcohn3736
Israel22 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
The cave is small but packed with wonder. Relatively short visit, there's a 10-min movie and then around 30-min walk around the cave. The guide was very informative on the facts of the cave and also helpful in pointing out interesting formations.
The cave is full of different kinds of stalactites and stalagmites in different shapes and sizes, sometimes joining to build columns or even walls.
The cave is cool even on summer days, very humid and low on oxygen but it also occasions minor discomfort for the duration of the visit.\
Need to walk down (and then back again!) about 150 steps to get to the cave.
The cave is full of different kinds of stalactites and stalagmites in different shapes and sizes, sometimes joining to build columns or even walls.
The cave is cool even on summer days, very humid and low on oxygen but it also occasions minor discomfort for the duration of the visit.\
Need to walk down (and then back again!) about 150 steps to get to the cave.
Written August 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron S
Jerusalem, Israel69 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
In the Jerusalem mountains hides a small cave, that was accidentally found some 55 years ago, as people were working in a quarry. The cave is not very long, but there is a huge diversity of stalagmite and stalactite forms. There are guided tours in the cave, and you might want to call in advance to check out when an English tour is leaving. On weekdays during the school season you might see a lot of schoolchildren, but if you come early in the morning, chances are you'll have it all to yourself.
For those who are backpacking through Israel, getting there is a bit problematic, as there is no public transportation there.
The cave is located about an hour away from Tel Aviv or from Jerusalem.
Enjoy your trip,
Roni
For those who are backpacking through Israel, getting there is a bit problematic, as there is no public transportation there.
The cave is located about an hour away from Tel Aviv or from Jerusalem.
Enjoy your trip,
Roni
Written July 18, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sebastian L
26 contributions
Dec 2019
High diversity of different, amazing forms. Incredible scenery given the illumination. Some interesting information provided by guide. Easy access from Jerusalem.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roy H
Rexburg, ID230 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
It is approximately 20 minutes west of Jerusalem, but well worth the visit. They have tours in English, Hebrew and Russian. It is a National Parks site, so if you have a pass, then it is free. The parking lot is up from the cave entrance, so it is a bit of a climb back to your car.
Written October 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi M
Zichron Yaakov, Israel7 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
The Soreq Cave is absolutely beautiful! We did a morning visit with our family and everyone loved it. The walk down to the cave along the beautiful stone steps and gardens with incredible scenery only added to the enjoyment of the experience. The preliminary film was very interesting and our guide was kind enough to do the cave tour in both English and Hebrew, since we were a mixed group, and was great at explaining how the different types of stalactites and stalagmites are developed. Going into the cave is like entering another world. We loved seeing the many natural sculptures which have been carved into the limestone over hundreds or even thousands of years. The lighting of the cave is very aesthetically done and really adds to the ethereal beauty. Is 100% worth seeing!
Written March 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antonio
Seville, Spain103 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
Even if it’s a small cave compared to other of this kind I’ve visited in my own country, all those different shapes are not easy to find. I was expecting something bigger but you will expend more time trying to park or waiting in the row than what you’ll stay inside the cave.
I’m very disappointed on how they try to preserve the place. Even if in the small video before you enter they explain that they’re trying to recreate the natural conditions inside the cave, it was supposed to be cold but on the opposite, it was too hot inside. Too much people visiting the place at the same time for sure will have a negative impact in the conservation of the cave.
It deserves a quick visit if you’re around the area, but is you go in Saturday, you’d better go earlier or you’ll park too far and will need to way for a long time before you can enter the cave
I’m very disappointed on how they try to preserve the place. Even if in the small video before you enter they explain that they’re trying to recreate the natural conditions inside the cave, it was supposed to be cold but on the opposite, it was too hot inside. Too much people visiting the place at the same time for sure will have a negative impact in the conservation of the cave.
It deserves a quick visit if you’re around the area, but is you go in Saturday, you’d better go earlier or you’ll park too far and will need to way for a long time before you can enter the cave
Written February 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BASLOL
Lakewood, NJ26 contributions
Is there an entrance fee? If so, how much?
beenhereforever
Amherstburg, Canada79 contributions
There is but for the life of me I can't remember how much. I know it wasn't very much.
Esce que il faut payer pour voir ses grottes
Fabien Z
Saint-Maur-des-Fosses, France12 contributions
Bonsoir,
Nous avons visité cette grotte petite mais fabuleuse hier 23/08/2017 en famille.
Le prix est de 28 ils / adulte et 14 ils pour les jeunes de 5 à 18 ans...ça vaut vraiment le détour...les stalagmites et les stalactites sont mises en valeurs par un éclairage approprié. De plus, un guide vous accompagne par petit groupe d'une 20aine de personne et vous explique l'évolution géologique.
Bonne visite
Fabien ZENOU
Lia M
Greater Adelaide, Australia182 contributions
How far is this from Jerusalem city.
TokolosheMike
222 contributions
Its probably under an hour - but to be exact i would use google maps and check
Tamara F
Baltimore, MD2 contributions
What's the best travel agency to take day tour to soreq cave from Rishon .??
Thanks
TokolosheMike
222 contributions
The easiest would be to take a taxi to the Soreq Caves ("Maarot HaNetafim"). They have official entrance fee and guides there. The tour starts every 30 or 45 minutes. Very good - small but nice!
waterlily2014
Rio de Janeiro, RJ105 contributions
I'm considering taking my dad, 86 y old, to visit the cave. He is in good shape, walks just fine but I do no think I should take him if the path is too steep or if it means strenuous exercise. Can anyone tell me how hard the walk is? I know wheelchair is an option but would they have one to rent (like we find in the US)? Thanks so much.
Alexis P
Durham, NC35 contributions
It is a pretty low key place, so I don't think they would have wheel chairs for rent at the location itself. It was strenuous with a lot of stairs to get from the parking lot to the entrance. Perhaps there was another path I didn't see. The path within the cave is dark and has a stair or two. Maybe you would take a little flashlight to help him keep his footing?
9876542015
Brooklyn, NY
How far is it from Jerusalem?
Are they steps going into the cave or an incline?
Is it open in November?
9876542015
Brooklyn, NY
How far is it from Jerusalem?
Are their steps or an incline going into the cave?
Is it open in November?
Thank you
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Frequently Asked Questions about Soreq Cave
- Soreq Cave is open:
- Sun - Thu 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Fri - Fri 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Hotels near Soreq Cave:
- (0.12 mi) Eden Jerusalem Hotel
- (0.32 mi) Jerusaelm Villa
- (8.11 mi) Gordonia Hotel
- (8.07 mi) Cramim Hotel by Isrotel Exclusive
- (9.46 mi) Alegra - Boutique Hotel
- Restaurants near Soreq Cave:
- (0.12 mi) Just Burger
- (0.12 mi) La Boca
- (0.12 mi) Bet Akavan
- (0.12 mi) Tzuba Hotel Dining
- (0.12 mi) Success
Soreq Cave Information
Excellent Reviews | 70 |
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Very Good Reviews | 18 |
Soreq Cave Photos | 69 |