Kokhav HaYarden National Park

Kokhav HaYarden National Park: The Crusader Jewel of the Jordan Valley

Kokhav HaYarden National Park is widely recognized as one of the most stunning and historically intact medieval landmarks in the Middle East. Perched on a high ridge overlooking the Jordan Valley and the mountains of Gilead: this site features the magnificent Belvoir Fortress (Beauvoir): built by the Hospitaller Knights in the 12th century. The name Kokhav HaYarden: meaning Star of the Jordan: refers to both the biblical settlement that once stood here and the breathtaking panoramic viewpoint the location offers. Visiting Kokhav HaYarden National Park through the Nativa travel portal provides a unique window into the era of knights: massive basalt fortifications: and the enduring cultural heritage of the Galilee. As a protected natural area and a world class tourist destination: Kokhav HaYarden National Park is a must visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Key Attractions and Architectural Highlights:

• The Concentric Fortress of Belvoir: The primary feature of Kokhav HaYarden National Park. This fortress was designed as a "fortress within a fortress": a groundbreaking military concept of the middle ages. It features a massive moat carved directly into the hard basalt rock: measuring twenty meters wide and ten meters deep. While exploring Kokhav HaYarden National Park: visitors can walk through the nearly complete external and internal walls: which span over four hundred eighty meters in length.
• The Tower of Strength (Donjon): Located at the very heart of the complex in Kokhav HaYarden National Park. This inner citadel served as the final line of defense and residential quarters for the knights. Visitors can see remarkably well preserved vaults: ancient kitchen ovens: and the command hall. The strategic layout of Kokhav HaYarden National Park allowed a small garrison to withstand years of siege by the forces of Saladin.
• The Limestone Church and Jewish Heritage: An intriguing architectural detail within Kokhav HaYarden National Park. While most of the castle is built from local black basalt: the church was constructed using fine white limestone to distinguish it from the defensive structures. Furthermore: researchers found that many basalt blocks were recycled from an earlier Jewish synagogue of the village "Kokhav": highlighting the layers of history within Kokhav HaYarden National Park.
• The Friend’s Trail (Shvil HaYedid): A scenic hiking trail measuring 1.2 kilometers that circles the fortress grounds. Named in honor of Orde Charles Wingate: the trail offers spectacular viewpoints of the mountains across the Jordan River. Walking this path at sunset is a signature experience when visiting Kokhav HaYarden National Park.
• Igal Tumarkin Sculpture Garden: A permanent open air exhibition of works by the renowned Israeli artist: located just south of the fortress walls. The contrast between the modern metal sculptures and the ancient basalt ruins makes Kokhav HaYarden National Park a unique center for art and history as featured on the Nativa portal.

Nature Conservation and Biodiversity:

The area occupied by Kokhav HaYarden National Park serves as a vital biological reserve for rare Mediterranean flora. A specialized refuge garden within the park protects endangered plants that thrive on basalt soil: such as the Wheel-like Ragwort and the Galilee Alkanet. Managing this ecosystem is a top priority for the Israel Nature and Parks Authority: ensuring that Kokhav HaYarden National Park remains a biodiversity hotspot for future generations to explore.

Opening Hours and Essential Visitor Information:

Please note that entry to Kokhav HaYarden National Park closes strictly one hour before the official closing times listed on the Nativa portal. Lighting fires or BBQs is strictly prohibited throughout the entire site.

• Summer Season: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00 until 17:00. Friday and holiday eves until 16:00.
• Winter Season: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00 until 16:00. Friday until 15:00.
• Special Holidays: On Rosh Hashanah: Passover: and Yom Kippur eves: the site closes early at 13:00. During Passover two thousand twenty five: Kokhav HaYarden National Park offers early opening hours at 05:30 on selected days.
• Important Notice: Operating hours may be subject to change by the administration due to weather or special events. We highly recommend checking the official website of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for the most up to date information before visiting Kokhav HaYarden National Park.
• Pre registration: Booking in advance via the Nativa visit coordination system is recommended to ensure your entry during peak holiday periods into Kokhav HaYarden National Park.

How to Get There?

• By Car: Follow Highway 90 (Beit She'an to Tiberias) and turn onto Road 717 approximately fifteen kilometers north of Beit She'an. Enter into Waze: Kokhav HaYarden National Park.
• Facilities: The park offers a regulated overnight campsite in an olive grove with tent areas: water taps: and restrooms for all guests visiting Kokhav HaYarden National Park.

Nativa Recommendation: We suggest using the Trip Talk audio guide for a detailed explanation of the medieval siege tactics used at Belvoir. The Nativa portal invites you to discover the silent echoes of Crusader glory and the natural beauty of the magnificent Kokhav HaYarden National Park.