Hikes in the Carmel are popular not only because of its proximity and accessibility to Israel’s central region, but mainly because it offers a variety of beautiful natural gems and scenic views that are well worth a visit. This time, I recommend a hike in the Carmel along Nahal Kelah and in the area known as “Little Switzerland,” which also provides a great escape from the summer heat.
The Story of “Little Switzerland”
When Yosef Levi—the tireless entrepreneur and one of the founders of Nahariya—was working on his grand plan to build a magnificent garden neighborhood called “Carmel Forests,” he frequently passed through this area. The forested hills and valleys, the tall trees, and the dominance of green in the landscape reminded him of the real Switzerland in Europe. That’s how the name “Little Switzerland” came to be associated with a beautiful small area located in Nahal Kelah and Nahal Galim, in the heart of the Carmel, between Beit Oren, Damun Junction, and the University of Haifa.
The ambitious project by Yosef Levi and his fellow German-born entrepreneurs, which involved purchasing 6,000 dunams in the heart of the Carmel, ultimately did not succeed. What remains today, besides the stories, are just a few physical remnants:
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Mishmar HaCarmel Farm, now a center for tours and activities run by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, located at the peak of Khirbet Shallaleh, a site with a rich historical past.
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Wolfson Hill, with six houses built by families who bought land from Levi and exercised their right to build in the early 1950s—just before the area was declared a nature reserve.
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Beit Oren Kibbutz, established in 1939 to strengthen the Jewish presence in this frontier region, occupies 1,300 dunams from the original project lands.
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The well-known Carmel Forest Spa Resort, which proudly bears the project’s name.
And of course, the name “Little Switzerland” itself is a lasting part of this fascinating historical tale.
With such a rich background story, a visit to Israel’s very own Switzerland is highly recommended!
Hiking Routes in “Little Switzerland”:
There are several great hiking options in this area, some of which are circular. I’ll start with the easiest route and then describe the others:
Option A – Upper Nahal Kelah to Beit Oren
Start at Yad LaBanim parking lot, about 1 km west of Damun Junction. After admiring the view from the impressive memorial located there, follow the blue trail for about 700 meters to enter the upper Nahal Kelah streambed. From here begins a gentle and beautiful descent, fully shaded. The Mediterranean woodland trees, some very tall, form a complete canopy above your head, immersing you in an enchanting world.
The descent is moderate, with only 2–3 short rock sections that are not particularly difficult.
After about 1.5 km, you’ll reach a small stone bridge built during the British Mandate. Rest in the shade there. From the bridge, continue left (south) toward Beit Oren, but I strongly recommend continuing for another 300 meters along the red trail to reach some of the most beautiful viewpoints. There you’ll see the “Snir Gate” and the lush forest. Sit in the shade, enjoy the view, your apple, sandwich, or snacks—and imagine Yosef Levi and his companions strolling here, speaking accented Hebrew, eyes glowing with entrepreneurial spirit.
To finish the hike, return to the stone bridge and follow the red trail another 1.5 km to the Pitulim parking lot near Beit Oren. This part of the trail is easy and pleasant, with wonderful western views—but it’s unshaded. If you visit in early May, you may be lucky enough to witness the white lily in bloom!
Total distance: ~4.5 km | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Option B – Upper Nahal Kelah to Mavo Nahal Kelah Parking
This route is also one-way (requires cars at both ends) and can be done in either direction.
You can start at Yad LaBanim parking lot and walk as described above to the stone bridge and Snir Gate viewpoint. Then continue uphill along the red trail to Mavo Nahal Kelah parking, near the Hai-Bar Carmel Nature Reserve.
A shorter and steeper ascent is also possible via the green trail, leading to the same parking lot.
Alternatively, you can do the reverse route: descend the red trail from Mavo Nahal Kelah to the bridge, then ascend upper Nahal Kelah along the blue trail. Either way, this trail includes a climb and is slightly more challenging.
Total distance: ~4 km | Difficulty: Moderate
Option C – Circular Hike from Mavo Nahal Kelah
Start and end at Mavo Nahal Kelah parking lot. Descend along the red trail to the bridge, and return via the green trail.
Total distance: ~2.5 km | Difficulty: Moderate
What Else is in the “Little Switzerland” Area?
Hai-Bar Carmel
A beautiful and special site that tells the story of the Hai-Bar project (reintroducing biblical animals to the land of the Bible). It features enclosures for animals such as Persian fallow deer, Carmel deer, vultures, and more. Excellent for visits with children.
Carmel Disaster Memorial
A striking and special memorial located on Route 721, about 4 km after Damun Junction and just past the entrance to Kibbutz Beit Oren. It sits above the famous curve where 44 members of the Prison Service, police, and firefighters tragically perished in the Carmel wildfire of December 2–6, 2010, which burned this entire area. The forest is slowly recovering. The memorial is very impressive and well worth a visit.
Where to Eat?
Plenty of great options in the nearby village of Isfiya (Druze towns).
