Metula

Metula (Hebrew: מטולה) is Israel's northernmost town, located right on the Lebanese border in the Galilee Panhandle (Finger of Galilee). Founded in 1896, it is a small community of about 2,000 residents, primarily agricultural. The town sits on a ridge overlooking the Hula Valley to the south and Lebanon to the north, offering dramatic views in both directions.

Metula has a frontier character — its northern houses literally face Lebanon. Despite (or because of) this, it has developed a modest tourism industry centered on the Canada Centre (an ice rink and sports complex), its proximity to nature reserves, and its role as a gateway to Mount Hermon skiing. The climate is warm in summer and cold in winter, with occasional snow.

By Plane

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is approximately 180 km south. Haifa Airport (HFA) is about 110 km southwest.

By Train

There is no train station. The nearest station is Karmiel (about 60 km south).

By Car / Road

From Kiryat Shmona: approximately 10 km (15 min) north on Route 90. From Haifa: approximately 110 km (1.5 hours) via Route 85 and Route 90. From Tiberias: approximately 75 km (1 hour) via Route 90. Bus services connect through Kiryat Shmona.

The town is small and walkable. A car is useful for exploring the surrounding area.

• Border views — From various points in town, you can look directly into Lebanon.

• Canada Centre — Sports and recreation complex with an Olympic-size ice rink, swimming pool, and spa.

• Nahal Ayoun Nature Reserve (5 km) — A stream with waterfalls and hiking trails along the Lebanese border.

• Old Metula — Historic stone buildings from the town's 1896 founding.

• Ice skating at the Canada Centre

• Hiking in the Ayoun Stream reserve

• Visit nearby Mount Hermon for skiing (winter, about 30 km)

• Explore the Galilee Panhandle region

• Enjoy the dramatic border landscape

• Dag al HaDan (nearby) — Famous fish restaurant serving trout from the Dan River. Mains ₪60–100.
• Local cafés serve basic meals and snacks.

Limited options. Basic cafés in town.

• Budget: Kibbutz guesthouses in the area from ₪300.
• Mid-range: Zimmer (cabin) accommodations in and around Metula from ₪400–700.
• Most visitors use Kiryat Shmona (10 km) as a base.

Limited shopping. The Canada Centre has a small shop. Local produce including apples and wine from nearby vineyards.

• Kiryat Shmona (10 km, 15 min) — Urban center of the Galilee Panhandle
• Tel Dan Nature Reserve (15 km, 20 min) — Ancient city ruins and nature
• Banias (Hermon Stream) (20 km, 25 min) — Waterfalls and archaeological site
• Mount Hermon (30 km, 40 min) — Skiing in winter, hiking in summer
• Hula Valley Nature Reserve (20 km, 20 min) — Birdwatching