Israel

Situated on a land bridge between Asia and Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, Israel can be divided into four regions: the Mediterranean coast, the hill country in the center, the Jordan Valley, and the Negev Desert. A great variety of landscapes can be found in this geographically small area: Mountains and plains, green valleys and fertile farmland, water-rich valleys and arid deserts. The lowest point on earth is in Israel: the Dead Sea at 428m below sea level. Because of the high salt content - 30% at the surface (for comparison: the North Sea has 3.5%) - there is no plant or animal life in the Dead Sea. What's more, sinking is almost impossible, as the abundance of salt makes you float gracefully through the water.

Many visitors to Israel are drawn to the Negev Desert in the south of the country. Vacation tips and routes in the exciting desert region can be found here:

When you think of Israel, you certainly don't immediately think of a hiker's paradise. But only a few know: The country is crisscrossed with hiking trails and paths. Hiking has a long biblical tradition in Israel. Whether you go on a pilgrimage through the country and follow in the footsteps of Jesus or simply enjoy hiking and the landscape, it's up to you. But one thing is for sure: pilgrimage trails like the Gospel Trail or single-day routes through the Ein Gedi nature reserve or to the rock fortress of Massada will make every hiker's heart beat faster.

Cycling and mountain biking are also becoming more and more important for holidaymakers in Israel. The country is best explored by bike - you are fast enough to get from one place to another, but also slow enough to explore the country and its people and immerse yourself in the culture. Whether leisurely from sight to sight on two wheels, through the desert landscape of the Negev, or past local vineyards and citrus trees, the possibilities in Israel are endless.

For both hikers and cyclists, Israel has long ceased to be an insider tip. In the past five years, a total of more than one million German tourists came to Israel, 70% of them as individual travelers who explored the country on their own. And more and more women are traveling to the Holy Land on their own.

There is probably no other city in the world where history and contemporary life are so close, and where so many different cultures and religions meet. Secular people in the New City, religious Christians, Muslims and Jews in the Old City. Vibrant Jerusalem has many stories to tell with houses and central shrines uniquely united within its walls. In the four neighborhoods - the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian quarters - people live as neighbors and each brings its own tradition and history to the Old City life of Jerusalem. At the same time, the city is radiantly beautiful: bright colors and intense smells in the Mahane Yehuda market, the stirring prayer in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and at the Wailing Wall, and the warmth of people in the neighborhoods. Anyone traveling to Israel should definitely not miss a city tour of the city founded by King David over 5000 years ago. Temple Mount, Via Dolorosa, Wailing Wall, Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Israel Museum are just a few sights to discover.

This city on the Mediterranean Sea is the economic and cultural center of the country. Tel Aviv is a cosmopolitan city with many restaurants and a lively nightlife. You can enjoy the benefits of city life and the Mediterranean climate: The 14-kilometer city beach is popular with locals and tourists alike. The old city center of Jaffa is bustling with markets such as the Jaffa Flea Market, where you can experience the hustle and bustle of haggling. Joshua Gardens Park on the Jarkon River is also worth a visit. Highlights include the five-hectare tropical garden and the lake with a water park. If you are looking for action, you can let off steam on the climbing wall and trampolines. 

In the same way that many cultures meet in Israel, the cuisine is a mixture of many different flavors. There is no such thing as a typical Israeli cuisine. Rather, the style of the cuisine results from the country's geographical location - somewhere between the cuisine of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. If you love spices, Israel is the place to be: cumin, coriander, mint, garlic, cardamom, turmeric, black pepper and fresh green chilies are the essential herbs and spices. Humus, a dip made from ground chickpeas seasoned with tahina, lemon juice and garlic, is also very popular. It is accompanied by pita, salad or eggplant in numerous variations. In addition to kosher and Muslim restaurants, there is also a wide range of international, Mediterranean cuisine with wonderful meat and fish dishes. There is also plenty of fruit in Israel: apples, kiwis, mangoes, plums, papayas, dates, figs, pomegranates and strawberries are available fresh daily at the market.