Touring Ein Qiniyye - a Druze village in the Golan Heights

The Galilee Development Authority, in partnership with the Ein Qiniyye Local Council and Ein Qiniyye resident and tour guide Shukat Mundar, recommends a little-known and special trail there.

The village of Ein Qiniyye is a gem of nature and history which lies on the Hermon ridge slopes above Saar river, at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level.

“Qiniyye” means "water canal" after the many canals in the area. The village has existed here since the 14th century, and is the first Druze village established in the Golan Heights.

There are currently about 45 springs in Ein Qiniyye, eighteen of which flow all year round.
It’s recommended to visit in the winter season, so that you can experience the impressive water flow of Nahal Saar along the magnificent trail.

How to get there: Turn right toward the Golan Heights from Highway 99 in the direction of Mas`ade. One kilometer before Mas`ade, you will see signs to Ein Qiniyye that lead to the road entering the village. Continue 400 meters to reach the Friendship Bridge, and park at the Nature and Parks Authority parking lots. The trail is marked in green.

Trail duration: two hours
Trail length: about two kilometers
Trail level: medium; suitable for the whole family
This is a linear (non-circular) trail.
Beginning the hike at the Friendship Bridge, you’ll see the Nimrod Fortress, the western side of Southern Lebanon, Mount Hermon, and the agricultural areas of the village.

The trail can be combined with a tour into the village alleys, where you can see old houses from 1936 and remains from the 16th century, such as the remnants of a Catholic church from that time. One Christian family lives in the village, and there is an active church founded in 1925 where you can sometimes meet the person who maintains it.

The flowering season beckons a walk around the village orchards, which are at an altitude of 750 meters. This elevation is very suitable for almonds, peaches, plums, cherries, and beautiful floral varieties. This is the perfect season for flower-viewing hikes.

*There is the option for a more challenging route, which cannot be done in winter - only in spring. This is a round trip route that leads to Resisim Falls, from which you can ascend back to the upper parking lot. From there, you can see the remains of Ein Qiniyye’s ancient homes near Nahal Saar, built by the Druze when they came to the Golan Heights in the 14th century. You’ll also see the orchards of Ein Qiniyye, and two beautiful ancient flour mills built from limestone and basalt - two essential materials that form the beauty of the Golan Heights area.