"Sometimes you just want to touch nature. Don't see it on the horizon, don't drive through it, don't be next to it. Just be inside it, breathe it, live it as it was once lived, before civilization hit every corner. Such is the "Scandinavian Village" complex: a place where time stood still 20 years ago when we built it right in the woods, and now, after a comprehensive upgrade, it deserves to be presented in our guide..." [From the words of the critic, Alon Schwartzman]
Advantages and disadvantages - a review from the field: This village really looks like it landed on Israel from the virgin forests of another country. But there is something about him that really looks down on you. It starts with the attitude of the hosts who price the place fairly, continues with the ecological way in which the cabins are built and ends with nature itself: Israeli and more beautiful than ever.
Location and ambience
So it's true, you won't find a particularly luxurious design or eye-popping fittings here, but you are guaranteed that the simple approach here will charm you. And perhaps a good example that simplicity is a recipe for genius is the fact that the cabins were built from "logs" - large logs that sit on top of each other without nails at all.
The surroundings: in the isolated forest, 20 minutes from anywhere
Pay attention, this is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful roads that the north has to offer. The climb to Mount Halutz is accompanied by spectacular views, pristine nature and an open horizon.
The cabins are located on the western slopes of the Mount Meron ridge in the Upper Galilee, at an altitude of 750 meters above sea level, at the edge of the "Har Halutz" observatory and within a nature reserve and are surrounded by hiking trails. The idea here is to get out of the cabin and just start walking. And if you want to go out in the evening - within a radius of about 25 minutes' drive you can find a variety of attractions and restaurants in Karmiel, Nahariya and the various Druze and Christian settlements in the vicinity.
The complex - six cabins well scattered in the grove
On the edge of the observatory, 6 authentic wooden cabins were built here already 20 years ago (and upgraded with a considerable investment recently) immersed and hidden in a wild forest. It's not that you don't see the other cabins at all, but the level of privacy is high since the balconies face the woods.
There is also a shared swimming pool and a shared living room/kitchen. Inside the complex there are a variety of hidden corners in nature. You can eat the "picnic kit" (a breakfast packed in a basket + a mat) in your yard, or in any "cheap" in the area. If you wish, you can experience the spa treatments or the variety of workshops that you find here (for an additional fee) in nature itself.
The shared pool is active only in the summer season and offers many seating areas and sun loungers scattered around. The common space contains a large living room, dining tables where breakfast is served (if you wish) and a large kitchen for your use.
The cabins are rustic at its best
Each of the cabins (which were imported from Finland) has a private balcony with a small jacuzzi (not a spa) and a sitting area facing the forest, with complete privacy. In the cabins themselves you will find a living room corner, a wood burning fireplace, a bedroom with a double bed and a storage chest, and a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, coffee machine, electric stove and more (you can cook).
The gallery floor invites you to watch a good movie (after making popcorn in the microwave) with a TV and an extra mattress.
The hosts - residents of the settlement, are available and professional
Leon and Yoni, the owners of the complex, have been work partners for many years and include family members. They are residents of the Mitzvah so they are accessible to any request of the guests. Their purpose is to allow guests to experience simple and high-quality hospitality in nature.
In conclusion - the great advantage here is the direct contact with nature, with a simple, unpretentious style, but one that still allows privacy and romance at its best. Especially suitable for those who like to travel, not just to lie in the jacuzzi all day.
You should know
- 6 authentic wooden cabins, right in the woods
- A variety of hiking and walking routes
- 25 minutes drive from restaurants and attractions in the vicinity