Français
Español
English
Portuguese
The Sea of Galilee Circular Trail stretches roughly 60 to 65 kilometers, or about 38 to 40 miles, around the lake.
By Shula Rosen
Israel’s National Planning and Building Council has canceled a proposal that would have allowed sections of the Sea of Galilee Circular Trail to be closed off to the public, adopting a revised plan aimed at preserving continuous public access around the shoreline after objections from environmental organizations.
Under the updated framework, the trail will remain as close as possible to the waterline and will continue as an uninterrupted public walkway encircling the Sea of Galilee.
Earlier proposals had included provisions that would have permitted kibbutzim to install fences and locked gates along parts of the route.
The revised decision also calls for tourism infrastructure to be developed in ways designed to reduce environmental impact.
Plans approved by the council include shaded rest areas and other visitor facilities along portions of the trail.
The council is expected to next examine the section of the route running through Tiberias, including the final nine-kilometer segment of the trail project.
The Sea of Galilee Circular Trail, known in Hebrew as Shvil Sovev Kinneret, stretches roughly 60 to 65 kilometers, or about 38 to 40 miles, around the lake.
According to the planning details, approximately 85% of the route is currently accessible to the public free of charge.
The trail connects beaches, historical landmarks, and natural areas surrounding the Sea of Galilee and is intended for hiking and biking, including multi-day trips.
The route includes extended flat sections and passes a number of well-known religious and historic sites in the region.
Among the locations connected by the trail are Capernaum, the Jordan River at both its entrance into and exit from the Sea of Galilee, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Apostles, the ruins of Ayish, and Amnun Bay.
The Sea of Galilee has long served as a major regional center, particularly in connection with religious history, and the revised plan is intended to maintain public access to the coastline while preventing private entities from restricting entry to shore areas.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
