“Avshalom” Stalactites Cave
Explore Avshalom Cave, also known as Soreq Cave, Israel’s breathtaking stalactite wonder tucked in the Judean Hills. This prehistoric gem offers surreal formations, guided tours, and unforgettable views inside one of the country’s most captivating natural treasures. A must-see highlight for nature lovers and curious travelers.
Avshalom Cave Intro
Avshalom (Soreq) Cave sits quietly in the Judean Mountains near Beit Shemesh, just 25 km from Jerusalem—but nothing about it feels ordinary. After a quick drive down the mountain and a not-so-quick 150-step descent, you’re suddenly inside one of Israel’s most magical prehistoric sights. The cave is packed with an unreal concentration of stalactites and stalagmites, hanging and rising like a frozen forest.
Alex Shenberg, the guy who accidentally discovered the cave during a routine blast for limestone, said it felt like opening a time capsule straight out of Genesis—and honestly, that’s exactly the vibe. A little climb, a lot of “wow.”
Faith vs. Science at Avshalom cave
The cave, estimated to be around 300,000 years old, has become a superstar in paleoclimate research. Scientists studied the stalactites and were able to reconstruct the climate of the region over the past 185,000 years—basically turning the cave into a geological diary of the entire Levant. Many geologists even call Avshalom Cave the “Rosetta Stone” of climate history in this part of the world.
But not everything was smooth. In 2017, the site stirred controversy when the official signs simply stated that stalactite growth happens “over many years,” avoiding the full scientific age of 300,000 years. Why? Because that number doesn’t sit well with certain Jewish belief that claim the world was created roughly 5,000 years ago. So, the cave became a surprising intersection of science, faith, and public education—all thanks to a few drops of slowly dripping water.
Essential Info: Avshalom Cave
A visit to the Stalactites Cave National Park comes with a modest entry fee of around 8 USD for adults. Because the cave can only be visited on guided tours, you’ll need to sign up about 20 minutes in advance to secure your spot. For English speakers, note that tours in English are limited: only two per day, Sundays through Fridays. Depending on the season, they typically run at either 11:00/12:00 or 15:00/16:00.
Hours can change between winter and summer, so it’s best to check ahead. The friendly staff at +972-2-9911117 or at orst.netifim@npa.org.il will give you the most accurate and updated info.
