Susita
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Hippos Susita National Park

4.8
·86 reviews·,

Explore the ancient ruins of Hippos (Susita) with breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee. Recently renovated and free to enter!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best views and exploration

CrowdLow
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Susita

Hippos Susita National Park

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best views and exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the ancient ruins of Hippos (Susita) with breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee. Recently renovated and free to enter!

4.8
(86 reviews)

"Priceless views and a recently renovated site with free entry make Hippos (Susita) a must-visit!"

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TIP

🚗 Easy Road Access Now

No 4x4 needed! The road to Hippos (Susita) is excellent now. Enjoy the drive!

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy this impressive historical site and its views without an entrance fee. A true gem!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Sea of Galilee Views

Spectacular Sea of Galilee Views

Overlooking the Sea of Galilee

Breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding Golan Heights. A truly priceless sight!

Renovated Ancient City Site

Renovated Ancient City Site

Main archaeological area

Explore the well-maintained ruins of this significant ancient city, recently renovated with new paths and informative displays.

Historical Overview Film

Historical Overview Film

Visitor center

Gain insight into the city's fascinating history, including its destruction by an earthquake, through an engaging short film.

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Planning Your Visit

Road Access & Best Time to Visit

The road to Hippos (Susita) National Park has been significantly improved, making it accessible without a 4x4. Visit during daylight hours for the best views and to explore the renovated site. Early mornings or late afternoons offer cooler temperatures and stunning light over the Sea of Galilee.

Free Entry & Amenities

Enjoy free admission to Hippos (Susita) National Park, a rare treat! The park boasts excellent new amenities, including a souvenir shop, a coffee bar with great hospitality, and clean restrooms. A short film detailing the site's history is also available in English and Hebrew.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Best views and exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Cooler temps, golden light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Stunning sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@davidson_realestate
4K likes • 123.9K views

🚗 Easy Road Access Now

No 4x4 needed! The road to Hippos (Susita) is excellent now. Enjoy the drive! Reddit

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy this impressive historical site and its views without an entrance fee. A true gem! Reddit

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@davidson_realestate
3.3K likes • 72.1K views
The national park of Hippos aka Susita - The Golan Heights #seeyousoon #holyland #holylandpics #InspiredByIsrael #israel #israelinstagram #israeli #israel_photo #israeltravel #travel #visitholyland #visitjerusalem #visit2israel #holylandpics #israel_in_pictures #Israel_picture_ #visitisrael #visit_israel_ar #Loves_israel #ישראל_חוזרת_לטייל
samirsmier_aerial_photography
75 likes • 1.3K views

☕ Great Coffee & Hospitality

Stop by the coffee shop for a refreshing drink and experience their wonderful hospitality. Reddit

🎬 Informative History Film

Don't miss the short film explaining the city's past, especially its dramatic earthquake destruction. Reddit

Hippos (Susita) over looking the sea of galilee- The Golan Heights #mountainscape #nationalpark #aerialview #seaofgalilee #seeyousoon #holyland #holylandpics #InspiredByIsrael #israel #israelinstagram #israeli #israel_photo #israeltravel #travel #visitholyland #visitjerusalem #visit2israel #holylandpics #tourgolan #israel_in_pictures #Israel_picture_ #visitisrael #visit_israel_ar #Loves_isra...
samirsmier_aerial_photography
48 likes • 717 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Road Access Now

No 4x4 needed! The road to Hippos (Susita) is excellent now. Enjoy the drive! Reddit

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy this impressive historical site and its views without an entrance fee. A true gem! Reddit

☕ Great Coffee & Hospitality

Stop by the coffee shop for a refreshing drink and experience their wonderful hospitality. Reddit

🎬 Informative History Film

Don't miss the short film explaining the city's past, especially its dramatic earthquake destruction. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Pleasant Walking Paths

The newly renovated paths make exploring the ancient city a real pleasure. Wear comfortable shoes! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(86 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the spectacular views of the Sea of Galilee and the newly renovated, well-maintained site. The free entry and excellent amenities, including a coffee shop with great hospitality, are frequently highlighted as major positives. Some visitors note the historical significance, particularly the earthquake that destroyed the ancient city.

"At last opened.
I tried to visit this site in October 2021 but the road was so damaged that a 4x4 was required and I had to give up.
But this July I finally got there and the road was excellent.
The site has been renovated and redesigned.
Superb amenities: Souvenir shop, coffee and drinks bar, excellent toilets and even a short movie to explain what was there and especially what happened (Hebrew and English of course).
Meaning this significant city was destroyed by … an earthquake!

Then you'll walk down to visit the site towards the amazing vista on Kineret lake.
Priceless!

Btw, the entrance is free (unlike the other sites of the National Parks authority)"

Dan M

"The reserve has been renovated with brand new paths. A pleasure to walk around.
We also saw a film about the history of the area."

Helenof Troy

"Excellent and very informative place. Spectacular views. All new"

ArtyomG

What People Like

Spectacular Sea of Galilee views
Free admission
Renovated site and paths

What People Dislike

None explicitly mentioned

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The road leading to Hippos (Susita) National Park has been significantly improved and is now easily accessible without a 4x4 vehicle. Travelers have reported excellent road conditions, making the journey straightforward. Reddit

Yes, the road to Hippos (Susita) National Park is now excellent and suitable for regular cars. You no longer need a specialized vehicle to reach the site. Reddit

Driving is the most convenient way to reach Hippos (Susita) National Park in the Golan Heights. The improved road access makes it a straightforward drive from nearby cities. Instagram

While specific GPS coordinates are recommended, the key is that the road is no longer damaged. Follow signs for Hippos (Susita) or Susita National Park once you are in the Golan Heights region. Reddit

Many Golan Heights tours may include Hippos (Susita) as a stop, especially those focusing on historical and archaeological sites. It's worth checking with tour operators. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance to Hippos (Susita) National Park is free! This is a significant advantage compared to other national parks in the area. Reddit

No advance booking is required as the entrance is free. You can visit at your leisure during operating hours. Reddit

Hippos (Susita) National Park is open during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there is ample sunlight to fully appreciate the site and its views. Reddit

While it's a significant historical site, the entrance to Hippos (Susita) is free, unlike many other sites managed by the National Parks Authority. Reddit

Yes, you can visit Hippos (Susita) on weekends. However, weekends might be slightly busier than weekdays, though the free entry generally keeps crowds manageable. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the renovated ruins of the ancient city of Hippos (Susita), enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee, and watch an informative film about the site's history. InstagramReddit

Yes, the park has brand new, well-maintained paths that make walking around the ancient site a pleasure. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Reddit

Hippos (Susita) offers excellent amenities, including a souvenir shop, a coffee and drinks bar with great hospitality, and very clean toilets. Reddit

Yes, there is a visitor center where you can watch a short film in English and Hebrew that explains the history of Hippos (Susita) and its destruction. Reddit

Hippos (Susita) was a significant ancient city, notably destroyed by a powerful earthquake. Its strategic location offered commanding views over the region. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most stunning photo opportunities are the panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. The ancient ruins themselves also make for dramatic shots. Instagram+1

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the landscape and ruins. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with park authorities or local regulations before flying a drone for aerial photography. Instagram+1

The entire site offers incredible viewpoints overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Wander along the paths to find your perfect angle. Instagram

A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing the distant views of the Sea of Galilee, while a wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive ruins. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hippos (Susita) National Park offers a fantastic and accessible outing for families. The newly renovated paths are easy for children to navigate, and the historical film provides an engaging way to learn about the past. The free entry is a huge plus for budget-conscious families. Reddit

Pack some snacks and drinks, though there is a coffee bar available. The open spaces allow kids to explore safely, and the stunning views of the Sea of Galilee can spark their imagination. It's a great opportunity to combine education with outdoor activity in a beautiful setting. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget travelers, Hippos (Susita) National Park is an absolute must-visit. The fact that admission is free makes it an incredibly cost-effective way to experience a significant historical site with spectacular views. Reddit

While there, you can enjoy the free historical film and the well-maintained grounds. Bringing your own water and snacks can further minimize expenses, though the coffee bar offers affordable refreshments if needed. The easy road access also means no extra costs for specialized transport. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Hippos (Susita)

Hippos, also known as Susita, was a prominent Hellenistic and Roman city located in the Golan Heights, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Founded in the 2nd century BCE, it was part of the Decapolis, a league of ten cities. Its strategic location provided significant military and economic advantages. The city flourished for centuries, boasting impressive architecture, including a theater, baths, and a basilica. Reddit

The city's dramatic end came in 363 CE when a powerful earthquake devastated the region, causing Hippos to collapse and slide down the hillside. This catastrophic event is a key part of the site's historical narrative, explaining its current state of ruins. A short film at the visitor center vividly recounts this history, making the ruins come alive for visitors. Reddit

Today, the archaeological site is a testament to its former glory. Renovated paths allow visitors to explore the remnants of this ancient metropolis, offering a tangible connection to the past. The free entry and excellent amenities make it an accessible and rewarding historical exploration. Reddit

Experiencing the Views and Amenities

One of the most striking aspects of Hippos (Susita) National Park is its breathtaking panoramic views. From its elevated position, visitors are treated to expansive vistas of the shimmering Sea of Galilee and the rolling hills of the Golan Heights. These views are particularly spectacular during sunrise and sunset, offering photographers and nature lovers unparalleled opportunities. Instagram+1

The park has undergone recent renovations, significantly enhancing the visitor experience. New, well-maintained paths make it a pleasure to walk through the ancient ruins, allowing for easy exploration. The addition of excellent amenities, including a souvenir shop and a coffee bar, adds comfort and convenience to the visit. Reddit

Travelers consistently praise the hospitality at the coffee shop, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere after exploring the site. The availability of clean restrooms further contributes to a comfortable visit, ensuring that the focus remains on the historical discovery and the stunning natural beauty. Reddit

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