Katzrin

Katzrin (Hebrew: קצרין) is the largest Jewish town in the Golan Heights, with a population of approximately 7,300. Modern Katzrin was established in 1977 as part of an Israeli program of cementing the Jewish presence in the Golan Heights. Ancient Katzrin (possibly Caesarion) was a Jewish town that existed from the 2nd century until it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th century.

Katzrin serves as the administrative and commercial center of the Golan Heights region. The climate is warm in summer and cold in winter, with occasional snow at this elevation.

By Plane

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is approximately 170 km south. Take a train to Haifa or Afula, then a bus.

By Train

There is no train station in Katzrin. The nearest stations are in Tiberias area and Afula.

By Car / Road

From Tiberias: approximately 40 km (40 min) via Route 87 and Route 90. From Haifa: approximately 120 km (1.5 hours). Bus lines 52 and 57 from Tiberias; bus 503 from Haifa; bus 843/966 from Beit She'an; bus 843 from Tel Aviv; bus 966 from Jerusalem.

Katzrin is not particularly big, but getting from the town proper to the industrial zone is a half-hour walk. There are infrequent buses between the two. A car is recommended.

• Golan Archaeological Museum — Artifacts from the Golan Heights region.

• Ancient Katzrin — Excavated 2nd–8th century Jewish village with reconstructed houses and synagogue. The Talmudic Village site is well-developed with guided tours.

• Katzrin Industrial Zone — Home to the Golan Heights Winery, one of Israel's most prominent wineries.

• Golan Heights Winery — Tour and tasting at one of Israel's premier wineries.

• Explore the Ancient Katzrin archaeological site

• Use Katzrin as a base for Golan Heights exploration

• Visit nearby nature sites and hiking trails

• Winter skiing at Mount Hermon (about 60 km north)

• Local restaurants and cafés in the town center
• The Golan Heights area is known for its cattle ranches — beef dishes are a specialty
• Simple, affordable dining options

Golan Heights wines are the local specialty. Cafés in the town center. Limited nightlife.

• Budget: Kibbutz guesthouses in the Golan Heights from ₪300.
• Mid-range: Limited options in Katzrin; nearby Ein Zivan and other kibbutzim have accommodations from ₪500.
• Most visitors use Tiberias (40 km) as a base.

• Golan Heights Winery — Purchase award-winning Israeli wines.
• Local shops in the town center sell everyday goods and souvenirs.
• The industrial zone has various shops.

• Gamla Nature Reserve (15 km, 20 min) — Ancient fortress and vulture observation
• Tel Dan Nature Reserve (30 km, 30 min) — Ancient city and nature trails
• Banias (Hermon Stream) (35 km, 35 min) — Waterfalls and archaeological site
• Tiberias (40 km, 40 min) — Sea of Galilee resort town
• Mount Hermon (60 km, 1 hour) — Israel's only ski site in winter