Bikepacking Israel
Kineret Region
Boating and Water Sports: Sailing
While most lakes in central Europe freeze during the winter and the seas often become unsuitable for training and competitions (due to high waves, cold temperatures, etc.), the Kinneret maintains a winter water temperature of 15°C, rising to a comfortable 30°C in summer. The eastern part of the lake benefits from easterly winds, providing ideal conditions for year-round sailing training.
With the development of additional support services, the eastern Kinneret has the potential to become a world-class training site for competitive sailing, featuring classrooms, training workshops, professional instruction, and more.
Kinneret Swim: Held annually and sponsored by Speedo, this event starts in Tzemach and offers two main routes: a 1.5 km short and a 3.8 km long route. It is one of Israel’s oldest sports events, with the 70th swim scheduled for 2025.
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Tiberias International Marathon: Sponsored by Winner, this race includes four main categories: 5 km, 10 km, a half marathon (21 km), and a full marathon (42.2 km). The out-and-back course starts in southern Tiberias near Gai Beach, with the turnaround point near Kibbutz Ein Gev on the lake’s eastern side. Over 7,000 participants take part annually.
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Israman (Ironman Israel): This triathlon includes swimming, cycling, and running. The most recent event in 2022 featured over 2,500 competitors, including hundreds from 50 different countries.
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Kinneret Cycling Circuit: This increasingly popular event attracts thousands of cyclists annually. In the past three years, in collaboration with the Israeli Cycling Association, it has included a competitive segment alongside the traditional amateur event. The circuit offers three routes
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Major Annual Events:
Kinneret Swim, Israman, Tiberias Marathon, and the Kinneret Cycling Circuit
From September to November, several major national sporting events occur around the Kinneret. Notable events include:
Tourism Data
The Kinneret’s Annual Attraction:
Each year, over 3 million visitors are drawn to the Kinneret and its surroundings due to several factors:
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A variety of water attractions during the summer months
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Pleasant weather in the winter
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Pilgrimage sites linked to Christianity in the northwestern Kinneret region
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Nearby nature reserves such as Mount Arbel, a significant landmark on the way to the Golan Heights, Mount Hermon, and more
To develop tourism around the Kinneret without overburdening existing infrastructure, it is crucial to distribute attractions evenly around the lake rather than focusing on a single central tourism hub. This development must consider the needs and demands of each sector.
Nature Reserves around the Kinneret
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Mount Arbel Nature Reserve: A national heritage site with hiking trails and panoramic views of northern Israel. It commemorates battles between the Romans and Jews during the Hasmonean revolt over 2,000 years ago. At the foot of Mount Arbel lies the tomb of Jethro, sacred to the Druze community and a pilgrimage site.
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Swiss Forest: Located south of Tiberias, overlooking the Kinneret and the Golan Heights, this forest features observation points, cycling trails, hiking paths, and a youth hostel. Managed by the JNF, it holds immense potential for future tourism development, such as electric ATV trails and other attractions.
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Hamat Gader: Situated in the southern Kinneret region, this complex offers hot springs, a spa, a crocodile farm, and more.
Additional Attractions at the Kinneret
Beyond competitive sports, the Kinneret region offers a variety of family-friendly tourist attractions. Notable activities include water sports, bicycle rentals, ATV tours, mountain gliding, jet skis, tubing, kayaking, boat rentals, Gai Beach water slides, Aqua Kef, and more.
Barco Hill Events Complex
South of the Kinneret, near the heart of Tiberias’ attractions, lies the Barco archaeological site, managed by the Tiberias municipality. This venue hosts concerts, festivals, and events with a capacity of up to 5,000 attendees. It could accommodate sunrise performances, grand ceremonies, and expanded summer festivals with additional development.
Rope-Based Adventure Park
A planned adventure park near Tiberias’ southern attractions (Gai Beach, Aqua Kef, Barco Park) will feature activities such as rappelling, rock climbing, a Via Ferrata route, zip lines of varying lengths, electric vehicle rentals, food trucks, and seating areas. This site aims to become Israel’s largest facility for rope-based activities.
Christian Significance
According to the Ministry of Tourism, 24% of Israel's tourists are Christian pilgrims who visit holy sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and the Kinneret. The northwestern Kinneret area includes significant sites such as ancient Magdala and Capernaum, where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus grew up, performed miracles, and walked on water. This region has several important Christian churches and draws over a million tourists annually. With increased tourism investment, these sites have the potential to attract significantly more visitors each year.
Restart North
Manara
The Golan Heights
Alternative Accommodations in Eastern Kinneret and Southern Golan
While the western Kinneret (Tiberias and Migdal) is known for traditional hotels, the eastern Kinneret features alternative accommodations, such as beachside tents and glamping sites in Golan settlements. Expanding these options will attract new tourists, develop the region, and enhance its economic and tourism potential.