Beaufort Castle
Beaufort Castle
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
31 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
11
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
dmittleman
Palm Beach Gardens, FL1,413 contributions
Oct 2019
Because of road construction, it can be difficult to find the proper road to ascend to this castle. But make the effort. Although there is not much left of the castle, the setting is spectacular and the panoramas from the top of the castle outstanding. Its hard to imagine actually living in this fortress and defending it as the spaces are dark and small.
Written January 5, 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.
Ghada K
150 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
What an amazing place. Beaufort Castle is the biggest historic castle in the Middle East elevated on seven stories with stunning views on the villages and towns of South Lebanon. Many features can still be seen and is preferably visited with a guide.
Written June 22, 2015
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.
Fadi E
Beirut, Lebanon70 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
The Beaufort crusader castle is impressive and much larger than I had expected so plan at least 1-2 hours for your visit. It is very easy to get to the site, the road from Beirut is very comfortable and as soon as you get to the village of Arnoun you will see the castle form a distance and they have signs leading you up to the hill.
The castle is quite large with different levels and many rooms, passages and staircases to explore. It is truly a beautiful castle with a lot of history. And the 360 views are amazing.
The site is safe but if you have children it is best to keep them close.
Access to this site is free and since not a lot of people tend to visit it you will almost have the whole place to yourself to explore and take good pictures.
Not to be missed.
The castle is quite large with different levels and many rooms, passages and staircases to explore. It is truly a beautiful castle with a lot of history. And the 360 views are amazing.
The site is safe but if you have children it is best to keep them close.
Access to this site is free and since not a lot of people tend to visit it you will almost have the whole place to yourself to explore and take good pictures.
Not to be missed.
Written September 24, 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.
JohnNKY
Ludlow, KY232 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
Beaufort castle was built in the 12th century, although it's likely that earlier fortifications occupied this commanding position overlooking the Litani river, the Golan heights, and the surrounding valleys. From here you can clearly see Israel, and the Litani river is a thousand feet below.
The castle changed hands several times during the crusades, and was later used by Fakhruddin's forces during the uprising against the Ottomans. When the Ottomans ultimately captured the fortress, they destroyed much of the eastern side and most of the top floors, yet the castle is so incredibly massive that much of it remains in spite of this.
The castle's battle history continued into the 20th century, as it was a PLO base for a few years, and then was captured by the Israelis in the Battle of Beaufort Castle. The IDF had a base here until they withdrew in 2000. You can still see some of their bunkers and trenches outside of the walls, and a tunnel carved into the base by the PLO. You can also see the fairly recent damage to the outer keep done by Israeli bombers.
It's a peaceful place these days, and mysterious, with many labyrinthine hallways and rooms to explore on several different levels. You have to watch your step in some spots, but overall the castle is quite well-preserved and still very impressive. Rumor has it that there's a secret passage in there somewhere built long ago that leads all the way down to the river, but that the IDF closed it off years ago.
Note that there is some restoration going on at the moment, but it doesn't affect visitors much, and that admission is currently free. Take some sunscreen, a flashlight and plenty of water.
No special permission is required to get this far south, but if you want to go a couple of kilometers further, to the actual border area, you'll have to get approval from the Army. This is a lot easier than it sounds, and they can actually do your background check at the checkpoint itself, although I'm told that this can take awhile, as much as two hours in a worst case. A better option is to contact Army intelligence in advance. The background check is free, you'll just need your passport.
The area south of Beaufort is interesting as well, and worth the hassle of the background check. You'll see Israeli villages up close, UNIFIL troops and vehicles, and even some old wrecked weapon systems. The village of Wazzani contains a restaurant, Hosn al Wazzani, that lies directly on the border, and you can dine with your feet in the Wazzani river after a hot day of castle-climbing.
The castle changed hands several times during the crusades, and was later used by Fakhruddin's forces during the uprising against the Ottomans. When the Ottomans ultimately captured the fortress, they destroyed much of the eastern side and most of the top floors, yet the castle is so incredibly massive that much of it remains in spite of this.
The castle's battle history continued into the 20th century, as it was a PLO base for a few years, and then was captured by the Israelis in the Battle of Beaufort Castle. The IDF had a base here until they withdrew in 2000. You can still see some of their bunkers and trenches outside of the walls, and a tunnel carved into the base by the PLO. You can also see the fairly recent damage to the outer keep done by Israeli bombers.
It's a peaceful place these days, and mysterious, with many labyrinthine hallways and rooms to explore on several different levels. You have to watch your step in some spots, but overall the castle is quite well-preserved and still very impressive. Rumor has it that there's a secret passage in there somewhere built long ago that leads all the way down to the river, but that the IDF closed it off years ago.
Note that there is some restoration going on at the moment, but it doesn't affect visitors much, and that admission is currently free. Take some sunscreen, a flashlight and plenty of water.
No special permission is required to get this far south, but if you want to go a couple of kilometers further, to the actual border area, you'll have to get approval from the Army. This is a lot easier than it sounds, and they can actually do your background check at the checkpoint itself, although I'm told that this can take awhile, as much as two hours in a worst case. A better option is to contact Army intelligence in advance. The background check is free, you'll just need your passport.
The area south of Beaufort is interesting as well, and worth the hassle of the background check. You'll see Israeli villages up close, UNIFIL troops and vehicles, and even some old wrecked weapon systems. The village of Wazzani contains a restaurant, Hosn al Wazzani, that lies directly on the border, and you can dine with your feet in the Wazzani river after a hot day of castle-climbing.
Written August 25, 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.
Mary J
6 contributions
Aug 2019
It was nice to see. So close to Israel/Palestine my phone thought I was there instead of in Lebanon. We didn't need a visitor pass from the Army/security office to get there.
Written August 21, 2019
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.
Garry M
Dublin, Ireland84 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
I went to Beaufort castle which is in the process of being renovated and repaired. It is definitely worth a visit as it is a very historical place. It has a sister castle located in TIBNIN but unfortunately it's in a much worse condition. Limited facilities in Beaufort but the works done to date give you a unique feel of how the castle might have looked like during its heyday. Fantastic views of the surrounding countryside are offered from this vantage point.
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.
Suzanne H
2 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
The Beaufort Castle is not well known, but what an amazing patrimony for Lebanon! From its renewed stones, its tiny corridors and its unforgettable view on South Lebanon, Golan, Palestinian and Israeli territories! Just go to the top and hear/feel the wind. This place is full of History, already a strategic point in the 12th century.
I went there several times and really happy to see how beautiful it is, especially since it was renovated this year! AMAZING and A MUST SEE!
Really easy to get there, boards show the castle in the city of Arnoun.
No tickets to buy, no queue, a peaceful and refreshing moment can be spent there.
A restaurant/cafe with games for kids is available right down the castle, nice view!
Parking available right next to the castle.
I went there several times and really happy to see how beautiful it is, especially since it was renovated this year! AMAZING and A MUST SEE!
Really easy to get there, boards show the castle in the city of Arnoun.
No tickets to buy, no queue, a peaceful and refreshing moment can be spent there.
A restaurant/cafe with games for kids is available right down the castle, nice view!
Parking available right next to the castle.
Written July 28, 2015
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.
Nata A
Brest District, Belarus23 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Great place with fantastic views on Holland heights, happy to visited
I will hope soon situation in Lebanon will stabilize and we come back again.
I will hope soon situation in Lebanon will stabilize and we come back again.
Written December 18, 2021
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.
Mo D
Dublin, Ireland27 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Drove up here. Need to take next right after google maps turning.
Met in car park by ticket man 12usd for 2 adults.
Asked about guides but none available. There were 2 other cars in carpark.
Strolled around castle and there are numbers on different parts of the castle however all the signs showing the explanation were removed.
Our admission also included the museum which is a wall with photos of the renovations but no staff.
A leaflet or explanation would help this place a lot.
However nice views.
Met in car park by ticket man 12usd for 2 adults.
Asked about guides but none available. There were 2 other cars in carpark.
Strolled around castle and there are numbers on different parts of the castle however all the signs showing the explanation were removed.
Our admission also included the museum which is a wall with photos of the renovations but no staff.
A leaflet or explanation would help this place a lot.
However nice views.
Written October 13, 2019
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.
WorldTraveler Z
Lebanon119 contributions
May 2019 • Family
It's a beautiful castle, feels like at the top of the world. History lovers will have a blast there. It overlooks huge number of surrounding villages down to the sea. You will enjoy a rich walk. Some work has been done to make touring the place easier and even possible in some areas. If you ever visit the south, this has to be a stop. Entrance fees are too cheap ( 2$), and kids enjoy free entrance. You might spend at least 2 hours to tour the whole castle. You can take your water bottle inside with you.
Written May 12, 2019
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.
How much is it? How do I buy tickets?
Written September 20, 2020
שלום לכם
האם אפשר להגיע לביקור אצלכם במשפחה מורחבת של שלושה דורות סבא סבתא וחמש משפחות של הילדים והנכדים. סה"כ 12 מבוגרים ו 16 ילדים. האם יהיה מעניין לכל המגוון הזה? כתבו כאן בבקשה את התשובה
Written September 25, 2019
אתם מבינים שזה הבופור, ההוא של לבנון, כן? אז לשאלתכם, כן, בטוח שיהיה מעניין 😢
Written October 5, 2019
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