A living-breathing place, it is continuously changing. The Sorek Cave in the Avshalom Nature Reserve is a small but impressive cave with a wide array of stalactites and stalagmites. Small as it may be (82-yards/meters-long, 60-meter-wide) this cave is unique among caves of the earth; it has all the known formations of stalactites and stalagmites in the world. As you tour the hills around Beit Shemesh, do not miss this glorious work of nature where minerals and water create a silent majestic symphony, underground.

Tucked away on the western western face of Mt. Yaela, in the Judean Hills, the cave is only a short drive from Jerusalem. Natives have known about it for years, but due to its location, many tourists often do not get a chance to see it. This is beautiful country and the drive to the cave is worth the drive in and of itself.

The cave floors are at a height of approximately 400 meters above sea level. Its formations are comprised of dolomite and limestone. The stalactites are primarily slender while the stalagmites are much more varied in shape. There is even an example of stalactites and stalagmites ‘kissing’ each other.

It took almost a decade, until the cave, discovered as the result of an explosion in the Har-Tuv quarry in 1968, opened to the public. Soft white lights illuminate the caves and it takes a while to get used to light, but it is clear that much thought went into planning how people would be able to see this cave. The walkway was designed in such a way – that wherever you are, huge stalactites and stalagmites constantly surround you. Some of the stalactites are 300 thousand years old.

An eight-minute introductory audiovisual program (in Hebrew) explains how the cave was formed. Guided tours for individuals are available every 20-30 minutes, every day except Friday. Tours typically last about half an hour. Guided tours in English are available for groups of 15 or more. Groups interested in guided tours should call ahead of time to pre-arrange the tour.

The reserve is named in memory of Avshalom Shoham, who died as a result of injuries sustained in the War of Attrition. His family and friends assisted the Nature Reserves Authority in developing the reserve.

The Avshalom Nature Reserve is located 10 miles/16 kilometers northeast of Beit Shemesh, the entrance to the reserve is off of Route 3855.

Directions: From Route #1 (the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway) take the Shaar Ha’gai interchange to Route # 38 south, toward Beit Shemesh. At the entrance to Beit Shemesh there is a junction with a stoplight, take a left here. Continue on this road until the (left) turnoff to the road that leads to the cave. You should lookout for an orange sign (that will say Sorek Cave). This is the road that will lead you to the entrance to the reserve/cave.
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02/ 991-1117 TEL 02/999-0215 FAX

Visiting Hours: Sunday-Thursday, Saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday and holiday eves: 8:00 AM - 4:00 * Entry – until one hour prior to closing.
Entry fees: Individual - Adults, 18 NIS/pp, Senior Citizens/Children, 9 NIS/pp. Groups - Adults, 15 NIS/pp, Senior Citizens/Children, 8 NIS/pp.

***SPECIAL NOTE*** Photography is only permitted in the cave one day a week, on Friday, when there are no guided tours. Please note that steps lead down from the parking lot to the reserve and must be climbed back up, at the end of your tour.

Tip: Consider devoting a day to some additional magnificent caves. Beit Guvrin National Park is located 13 miles/21 kilometers south of Beit Shemesh.