SATAF FOREST

Nestled in the heart of the Jerusalem mountains, the Sataf forest takes visitors on a journey through nature where tales of ancient and modern Israel hide. The walk passes by ruins of the Arab village of Sataf that give an interesting perspective on the War of Independence. The trail then continues through ancient orchards that were cultivated 4500 years ago. Finally, the path reaches the Sataf springs where we explain how they were formed and operated. On the way visitors come in contact and learn about the local vegetation. You will see plants such as the Jerusalem pine tree, the Mediterranean cypress, carob trees, oak trees, walnut trees, fig trees, olive trees, and pistachio trees. The Sataf forest and its surroundings were almost completely barren for thousands of years due to over logging. It was only when the Jews returned to the land that the forest recovered. And so, the forest of Sataf is a story of Jewish revival.