A Perfect Day in Metulla
A sojourn at the northern moshav of Metulla is a visit to an enchanted nostalgia-tinged world. Perched on the northern border, this quaint village with a stunning view is too often overlooked
Perched on Israel's northern border, it seems as if time stands still in Metulla. The pastoral moshav abuts the stunning Ayun River Reserve, with its four waterfalls that culminate at the magnificent 30 meter Tanur Waterfall. Although the fence separating Israel and Lebanan sits on the moshav's outskirts, bordering the main street, one barely gives it a thought.
When touring the moshav, what envelops you upon reaching the HaRishonim Street – the main drag – is the scent of apple, cherry, plum and kiwi orchards, and above all the breathtaking view over the Upper Galilee mountains, Lebanon, Hula Valley, the Golan Height and Mount Hermon. The picturesque avenue is also lined with guest houses, restaurants, cafes and galleries.
What to See
Dado Lookout
The best way to absorb Metulla's beauty is to start by climbing up to the Dado Lookout observation point. The views are breathtaking (and accompanied by informational recordings), overlooking southern Lebanon, Mount Hermon, the Hula Valley, Naftali Mountains, Agamon Hula Nature Reserve and the Golan Heights. In the midst of the mountains sits Metulla, surrounded by orchards whose colors change according to the season.
Border Tour
Lior Baz, Chairman of the Tourism Association, is son to one of the founding families of Metulla and guides a tour peppered with personal stories alongside historic information and an explanation of the geopolitical situation on the Lebanese border. The tour starts at his family's river, then continues on to the historic homes on HaRishonim Street, then to a lookout point. The tour includes a stop at the border and a peek through the fence at the Lebanese homes, a stop at the orchards, then to a cafe at another fabulous lookout point, followed by the Tachana Waterfall, Safari Memorial, Metulla's first hotel and the Farmer's House Museum.
Information: 052-2465410
Farmer's House Museum
The museum is located inside one of the first houses built in Metulla, which one served as the Rabbi's house. The structure was renovated to retain its authentic character and illustrate the lives of the early settlers. The museum features early photographs of the settlement, artifacts and various documents.
HaRishonim Alley: The picturesque alley features an artist's district and numerous galleries:
Hammocks
Shirley Nawi crafts hand-made hammocks for adults and infants, using durable and high quality materials, and offers visitors a peek into her fascinating life story.
Sheli Shela
A ceramic and goldsmithing workshop owned by ceramic artist Shani Ofir, who throws pottery on the wheel, and jewelry artist Adi Zlotogora, who creates unique jewelry from gold and silver.
Colorful Thoughts
This studio for handmade fimo clay gifts also offers creative workshops for kids and adults.
Where to Eat
Contrary to what you might expect, Metulla offers a tempting selection of restaurants and cafes, each lodged in a quaint and historic house.
Beit Lishansky
Clary Lishansky hosts guests in her own home, built in 1936 by architect Moshe Gerstel in the Bauhaus style and boasting balconies, stone arches and blue glass windows. The Lishansky House once hosted summer vacationers who came north for the fresh air and the cooking of Mala Lishansky. Four generations later, Clary cooks up Galilee and European style cuisine.
42 HaRishonim St, 04-6997184
Louisa
Tucked away in an ancient stone building with a balcony facing HaRishonim Street, Louisa serves up excellent cuisine based on local produce. Breakfast and light meals are served by the blazing fireplace in winter, and a cute shop offers culinary accessories.
21 HaRishonim St, 04-6890992
Beit Shalom
The 120-year-old family home, surrounded by a blooming garden, serves as a French auberge-style inn and eatery, established by Miriam and Haim Hod. Miriam is in charge of the interior design of the restaurant, and the menu is orchestrated by chef Asaf Ottolenghi. The restaurant is best-known for its breakfasts which include home-made olives, breads, fish, eggs and home-made jams, including the famous fig jam made from a 100-year-old fig tree in the yardHaim Hod takes guests on guided tours.
Reserve in advance
28 HaRishonim St, 04-6940767.
Oogale
Vered Gefen bakes cookies, cakes, blintzes and kugels and serves guests coffee and tea with herbs straight from the garden, on a beautiful balcony over HaRishonim St. Adjacent to the cafe is a small studio for ceramic tiles, also hand-made by Vered.
17 HaRishonim St, 052-8597044 (Thu-Sat)
Taste and Dream
A cozy family cafe in the garden, offering rich breakfasts, pizzas from the taboun (delivery service available), salads, coffee and desserts. The owner is also one of Metulla's only hairdressers, and the barber shop is in another room of the house.
6 HaZayit St, 050-5350420
Where to Sleep
The House across from Beaufort
The Beaufort Fortress is visible from “Mul HaBeaufort”, an inn offering private guest houses (“zimmers”) with lovely décor. Two of the guest houses overlook vistas of Lebanon, and the third has a private garden with a spa. No children allowed.
22 Narkis St
Nahalat Moshe
Moshe Goldbar's granddaughter, who still lives in the family home where she was born, kept the wall surrounding the estate and built two quaint suites in the well-manicured garden. Each suite features a den and bedroom with an especially comfortable bed, next to a jacuzzi built for two. No children allowed.
44 HaRishonim St, 057-5510108
Nahalat Ikarim
The Baz family, whose ancestors were among Metulla's founding families, hosts guests in what once served as an agricultural farm and looks out over Lebanon's mountains.
5 HaNadiv St, 052-2465410
The Metulla Tourism Association: www.metulla.co.il
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