Mitzpe Ofir Lookout

Mitzpe Ofir lookout. Mitzpe Ofir sits at an elevation of 450 meters above the Sea of Galilee.

The site was established by Jimmy Shaal in memory of his son Ofir, who died of a hereditary liver disease in 1986 at just 16 years old. At the site Jimmy planted 16 olive trees, matching the number of Ofir's years. Among them are stone tables that allow picnics on the spot.

The site offers a spectacular view of the entire Sea of Galilee, the mountains of the Golan, and the Upper and Lower Galilee. One can make out Tiberias, Safed, the Arbel cliffs, Mount Meron and the dome of Mount Tabor, as well as the Hula Valley, the Jordan Valley and the Beit She'an Valley.

It is highly recommended to arrive in the early morning hours, when visibility is at its best. At sunset, too, the visibility is striking and the view breathtaking.

From the lookout one can set out on a walk (along the blue trail) and enjoy the lovely view of the Sea of Galilee, descending to the road leading to old Bnei Yehuda (Bir a-Shagum) and from there to Ein Gev.

The site is maintained by the Golan Regional Council with the help of the Shaal family from Givat Yoav.

Entry to the site is free of charge (24/7). Please respect the site and keep it clean for those who come after you.