Gamla

גמלא

An ancient Jewish city perched dramatically on a narrow ridge with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and Sea of Galilee. The archaeological site combines fascinating First Temple-era ruins with spectacular hiking along clifftop trails and beneath soaring griffon vultures.

Things to do

• Walk the Gamla Ridge Trail — Hike the narrow, dramatic ridgeline that forms the backbone of the ancient city, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the Yarmouk River valley and Sea of Galilee below.
• Explore First Temple-Era Ruins — Wander through excavated stone foundations, cisterns, and defensive walls dating to the 8th century BCE, with interpretive markers explaining the layout of this strategic hilltop settlement.
• Spot Griffon Vultures — Watch these massive raptors circle and nest on the cliff faces surrounding Gamla, particularly visible during spring and autumn migration periods.
• Descend to the Waterfall — Hike down the steep trail beneath Gamla to reach a seasonal waterfall and pools fed by springs in the Yarmouk River canyon, offering relief on hot days.
• Visit the Archaeological Museum — Study artifacts and pottery shards recovered from the site, along with detailed explanations of daily life during the Second Temple period and the Roman siege.
• Photograph from the Observation Point — Climb to the highest vantage on the ridge for panoramic shots of the volcanic landscape, the Golan plateau, and the valley stretching toward Syria and Jordan.

Food to try

• Druze Pita with Za'atar and Olive Oil — Warm flatbread from local Druze communities in nearby villages, traditionally served with fragrant za'atar herb mix and locally pressed olive oil for dipping.
• Grilled Fresh Trout from Local Springs — Rainbow trout caught from springs and streams in the Golan, grilled simply with lemon and fresh herbs, reflecting the region's abundant freshwater sources.
• Labaneh and Cucumber Salad — Thick, tangy strained yogurt served alongside crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and wild herbs foraged from the surrounding volcanic plateau.
• Roasted Artichokes with Garlic — Young artichokes gathered from Golan farms, roasted over open fire or in local ovens with abundant garlic, olive oil, and Druze spices.

Local customs & good to know

• Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water — The narrow ridgeline is steep with loose volcanic rock, and there is virtually no shade; summer temperatures exceed 40°C and the nearest services are in Kibbutz Ein Zivan or Katzrin.
• Respect archaeological boundaries — Stay on marked trails and do not remove artifacts or disturb excavation sites, as Gamla is an active archaeological area with ongoing research and conservation.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon — The exposed ridge becomes dangerously hot by midday; dawn and sunset also offer the best lighting for photography and wildlife observation, especially for vultures.
• Learn about the Roman siege history — Gamla fell to Roman forces under Vespasian in 67 CE after a famous siege; understanding this tragic context enriches appreciation for the ruins and the site's significance to Jewish history.