There are places in Israel where all you need to do is climb, breathe the clear air, and let the open landscape do its magic. A good viewpoint is not just a hiking destination - it's a balcony for the soul: a place where thoughts clear up, the heart calms, and the world suddenly seems simpler.
Israelis hike, photograph, and share their views online, but those who truly know the magical spots are the bloggers who traverse the country: waking at four in the morning for rare sunrises, staying until sunset to capture the desert's colors - and along the way discovering hidden corners that look like postcards. For this article, we've compiled their top recommendations - viewpoints with breathtaking scenery, personal experiences, professional tips, and colorful stories behind the lens.
On a rare break from reserve duty, and just before heading into Gaza, Lt. Col. (res.) Haim Havshush - a veteran reconnaissance officer and one of Israel's prominent bloggers - took precious time to recommend his favorite viewpoints in Israel. "I'm a fan of viewpoints, especially sunrises and sunsets. That's the most beautiful", he says. "There's something uplifting when you reach a viewpoint; it really opens your heart".
Kubbet al-Najma Observatory – Har HaKochav
Havshush's first stop is in the Jordan Valley, above the settlement of Kochav HaShahar. "It's called Kubbet al-Najma (the Star Dome in Arabic), or Har HaKochav in Hebrew. It's a very prominent, high mountain that dominates the valley. There's a special viewpoint there, and you can see it from far away while driving along the valley".
The view, as Havshush describes it, is like a massive impressionist painting stretching in every direction: "You can see the Dead Sea and the entire Jordan Valley to the north, as well as the mountains of Jordan and the plateau. You can see all the way to the Beit She’an Valley and the Moab Mountains. I've done many trips there - sunrises, nights, and you can even reach it by jeep. It's a very dramatic viewpoint, really heart-expanding".
Who is it for? "People who love hiking and sunrises - couples, adventurous families. By the way, it's not a very difficult hike". And what about safety? "It's in the West Bank, but not in a sensitive security area. People who go up the mountain have passed the settlement's security check".
How to get there: "Drive toward Kochav HaShahar, then turn right. You can also hike -about a half-hour climb. I recommend arriving at night, about an hour before sunrise, and drinking coffee while watching the sun rise. Full moon nights are also beautiful -you don't need a flashlight, your eyes adjust. With an off-road vehicle, you can get really close to the viewpoint".
Ophir Observatory – Golan Heights
Havshush's second viewpoint takes us north to the Golan Heights. "One of the most beautiful viewpoints in my opinion”, he enthuses. "Ophir Observatory is near the settlement of Bnei Yehuda in the southern Golan. It's an amazing viewpoint for sunset. I even did a poll in one of our Facebook groups, and it got the highest score".
For those still undecided, this viewpoint is ideal for twilight hours. Havshush explains: "You can, of course, see the Sea of Galilee, and seeing it at this time - it's stunning. From the viewpoint, you also see the Upper Galilee mountains, including the Meron and Hermon ranges, and the Jordan Valley to the south. It's suitable for everyone - nature lovers, families, and especially romantic couples. Many marriage proposals have happened there".
How to get there? Use Waze to get to the Ophir Observatory - and then simply park and walk to the viewpoint. The site has been renovated and there is a convenient road leading to it. As is often the case in truly beautiful places, romance flourishes here.
Har Yoash – Eilat and the Border Triangle
The last stop on Havshush's list is at Israel's southern tip. "Let's go to the Eilat area - to Har Yoash (Mount Yoash). From the viewpoint, you can see the border triangle. The view is simply insane: the Edom and Eilat mountains, with all their unique colors and shades".
Who is it for? "In my opinion, anyone going down to Eilat must stop at Har Yoash. It's right on the way, along Route 12. Sunset is particularly recommended, but sunrise can be beautiful too".
How to get there: Waze to Har Yoash. From Eilat, take Route 12 along the Egyptian border, and after about 11 km, turn onto a slightly broken trail that goes up to the viewpoint.
Shelly Goldschmidt, known as the "Springs Blogger", marks three viewpoints worth a slight detour from the usual route. "The romantic aspect doesn't speak to me", she laughs. "For me, a viewpoint is just to breathe".
Mitzpeh HaShalom, Kfar Haruv – A panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee
Shelly ranks Mitzpeh HaShalom very high: "This viewpoint offers an amazing view of the entire Sea of Galilee, and they say it's the only one in Israel from which you can see the whole lake".
The recommendation is clear: arrive at sunset. But beyond the view, there's another reason she keeps returning: "Right below the viewpoint, there's a small spring. It's clear all year round, and even now during the drought, there's water. We arrived there with a coffee kit right at sunset - it was a dream".
Mitzpeh Matan – Tel Nave Farm (near Hermesh)
Her second stop is a viewpoint near the settlement of Hermesh in northern Samaria: "Mitzpeh Matan, in memory of Matan Avragil, is at Tel Nave Farm. Matan was a Golani Brigade soldier killed early in the war at Kibbutz Nir Oz, after jumping on a grenade to save his comrades".
Beyond the memorial, the viewpoint opens the area to visitors: "There's an amazing view of the surroundings, with picnic benches and a large two-meter-deep water pool. It's not always full, as it's artificial and occasionally drained and refilled".
And for those seeking a quiet night, "Tel Nave Farm has a secluded cabin for overnight stays. Very peaceful".
How to get there: Simply use Waze to navigate to Tel Nave Farm (חוות תל נווה). Within the farm, clear signage leads to the viewpoint, open to all. The owners are lovely and welcome visitors.
Please note that this area is located beyond the Green Line, so it is important to follow traffic arrangements and the instructions of the IDF and the police. Entry into Area A is prohibited, and it is important to pay attention to the red signs placed at the entrances to Palestinian villages and cities and not to cross them.
Har Gamal – Mitzpeh Ramon
Unusually, Shali chooses a third viewpoint without water: "The accessible trail at Har Gamal in Mitzpeh Ramon runs along the cliff. There's a hill that looks like a camel's hump - that's the name. The view is insane. Anyone visiting Mitzpeh Ramon must stop here: a panoramic viewpoint of the entire crater".
How to get there: Take Route 40 to Mitzpeh Ramon, turn right at the roundabout near the commercial center onto Ben Gurion Boulevard, continue along Rehavam Ze’evi Street to the parking lot - and then it's a 15-minute walk to the summit. Accessible for families with children.
Hen Yosef, a veteran travel blogger from the Jezreel Valley, opens her heart and recommends lesser-known viewpoints cherished by locals: "I do a lot of viewpoints", she says. "It's one of my favorite things - just going out into nature, finding a viewpoint and stopping time. For me, viewpoints are a place to breathe and think. It's not just a beautiful sunset or a photo for social media—it’s a moment to say, 'This is my time'".
She notes it doesn't always require traveling far: "Sometimes it's near home, sometimes a short drive - and it's always worth it. I like to sit with a beer, sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend, and just feel the place".
Haruvim Viewpoint – The swing that keeps a secret
"Closest to home is Haruvim Viewpoint at Kibbutz Beit HaShita", she begins. "In the spring, many used to come because enormous of the amount of Iris Haynei (Irus Ha'Gilboa) bulbs planted. You really felt as if you were in a sea of Irises, people came from all over Israel to photograph them. Today, it's just the viewpoint".
Even without the famous Iris carpets, it's worth visiting: "There's an old railway, picnic tables and space to lay a mat. But the most special attraction is a single swing. If you catch it - you'll have a movie-like evening. It's simply magical".
What can you see? "The entire Gilboa spreads before you. It's one of the few places in the Gilboa where you can really see the sunset. Most viewpoints there face east for sunrise, but here you get a perfect sunset - it's in the valley, not on the mountain, which makes it unique. A place for dates, a beer with a friend, for peace - and that's exactly what I love about it".
How to get there: "Haruvim Viewpoint, Beit HaShita" in Waze. Drive to Kibbutz Beit HaShita, continue along a short dirt road leading directly to the viewpoint. Parking is adjacent and accessible.
Switzerland Forest – The hanging balcony
From there, Hen takes us north: "I have an amazing viewpoint for you - the hanging balcony in Switzerland Forest (Ya'ar Shvaitz). It's not the only one in the area, but in my opinion, it's the most beautiful and suitable all year round. You drive through the forest, and suddenly it opens up: a balcony hanging above the Sea of Galilee. It's a moment you won't forget. There are a few other special viewpoints nearby, each offering a slightly different angle on the Sea of Galilee. That's the magic - you don't have to choose, you can move from one to another and enjoy them all".
How to get there? Waze, "Ya'ar Shvaitz Viewpoint". Enter a scenic route with a large entrance sign. Along the way, there are three main viewpoints - the first is cute, but the balcony? Simply wow. Great for photos, beautiful year-round - even in summer when there's no greenery, the lake is always in the background.
The road goes via Migdal Junction, climbing above Tiberias. Signs direct visitors to the viewpoints, with organized parking nearby. A short walk leads to the viewpoint. Suitable for families with children.