Ramat Hanadiv is a unique site located just south of Zichron Yaakov on the southern slopes of Mount Carmel. Ramat Hanadiv is the memorial for the Baron Edmond de Rothschild whose influence was of great importance in establishing communities in the Land of Israel in the early twentieth century. The centerpiece of Ramat Hanadiv, and the fact for which it is most famous, are the beautifully maintained formal gardens which have incredible views and many peaceful and tranquil corners. Ramat Hanadiv also has a visitors center which tells the story of Ramat Hanadiv, and the eco credentials of the building itself which was the first ever certified green building in Israel.
Ramat Hanadiv Memorial Gardens
The Ramat Hanadiv Memorial Gardens cover over 17 acres of beautiful landscape on the southern end of Mount Carmel. At the center of the gardens is the crypt of the Baron and Baroness who had a remarkable impact on the development of many now thriving communities in the Land of Israel – including Zichron Yaakov (just north of Ramat Hanadiv), Binyamina (just south), and further afield, Rosh Pina in the Galilee, and Rishon LeZion, now Israel’s fifth largest city. The beautiful gardens at Ramat Hanadiv are incredibly varied – from more natural lawns and pine trees to formal rose gardens and a sensory garden. Between the trees, the gardens have been designed to provide beautiful glimpses across the remarkable landscape that the site occupies – most strikingly across the flat Coastal Plain to the Mediterranean.
Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park
Outside the formal memorial gardens, the nature park comprises something of a reserve – preserving the authentic Carmel landscape, flora and fauna, and providing visitors with a great range of hiking trails, in which to explore. The reserve is carefully managed and planned, and visitors can learn more about this in the Visitors Center (read below). There are three main hiking trails through the Nature Park at Ramat Hanadiv – the Spring Trail, a 90 minute circular hike which is accessible for all ages, the Manor Trail, a moderate to difficult 4 or 5 hour hike, and the Vulture Trail, a 2 to 2.5 hour moderate to difficult hiking trail. Information on all the trails, as well as further information is available from the information center at Ramat Hanadiv.
Ramat Hanadiv Visitor Center
The visitor center at Ramat Hanadiv is a striking building which appears sunken into the landscape. The first building in Israel to be awarded ‘green’ accreditation, the visitor center features exhibitions about environmental management and biodiversity.
Visiting Ramat Hanadiv
Opening Hours
Sunday – Thursday: 8am-4pm
Friday: 8am-2pm
Saturday: 8am-4pm (crypt is closed)
Last admission 15 minutes before closing.
Entry Prices
Entrance to Ramat Hanadiv is free
Directions
From Road 4, turn right at the Binyamina Junction onto road 653. After 1km, you’ll reach a roundabout – turn left, and 300 metres later at the next roundabout, turn right. Drive under the railway bridge, at the roundabout turnj left turn towards Zikhron Ya’aqov (road 652), and after approximately 3.5 kilometres, turn left to Ramat Hanadiv.
The nearest train station is Binyamina, from where the easiest option is to take a cab. There are buses from the station, however it is still a 30 minute walk from the bus stop to the center of the reserve.
