Amirim, in its format as a vegetarian and vegan village, was established in 1958 A committed group of "nature freaks" settled on a rocky and exposed area, dwelling in small, standard structures. Long years of hard labor, patience and much investment brought Amirim to its present appearance.
At a height of 600 meters above sea level, Amirim is endowed with the typical climate found in Israel's hilly areas – dry and hot in daytime and cool at night in transitional seasons and summer, and cold, sometimes snowy in winter. The village is situated on a southern slope, protected from northern winds by the Mt.Meron reserve, and exposed to the sun's rays mainly from the east and south. Like its name, Amirim is the highest of these hills, overlooking the Lower Galilee, Lake Kinneret and the Golan Heights. The village has three hilly extensions and between them are the wadis that carry rainwater, in wintertime, to Nahal Amud, flowing on to Lake Kinneret.
The homes in the village blend into the thick woods, and in the yards are stone terraces, scenic gardens and today -- vacation units. The quiet, pastoral atmosphere, clear mountain air, lush greenery, breathtaking views and deep blue of the Kinneret -- bestow a European flavor to the area.
The people of Amirim live a natural vegetarian/vegan life-style. Barbecues and mangals are not allowed, and there are no meat products (including fish and fowl).
A Walk Through the VillageA Walk Through the Village
A walk along the scenic road includes ascents and descents (some steep), and its length is about a kilometer and a half. During the length of this route there are romantic benches along the way, where one can take in the scenery. At the village center you'll find a minimarket, a large playground situated on a central lawn, with a sculpture garden through the footpaths, and seating areas within the natural forestry. Enchanting pathways through the natural forest to the nature reserve which surrounds Moshav Amirim for your walking pleasure - the trails are marked with colors and there's a map in your room. Two panoramic observation points await you, one called Mitzpeh Kinneret and the other Mitzpeh Menachem. In both there are benches overlooking breathtaking views. In Mitzpeh Kinneret there are open-for-all light classical or ethnic folk concerts held before the Sabbath or holiday eves throughout the summer. The swimming pool along with the heated separate toddler pool, open every day to all only during July & August, and partly in the weekends from mid June and in September weekenda (depend on the weather), is situated within an enchanting wadi. Occasionally there is nighttime swimming, and after Tu B'Av there is separate-sex swimming in the mornings, for men from 8:00 to 9:30, and for women from 9:30 to 11:00. There is an active synagogue for the observant public and a mikveh for women. A mikveh for men is in the neighboring village. The grave of the Rash"bi in Meron is a few minutes' drive away.
Restaurants, Treatments and AttractionsRestaurants, Treatments and Attractions
A wide array of eating facilities is available – family restaurants, kosher restaurants, bakery, meal delivery to the vacation units, all strictly vegetarian. The menus are rich and varied, revealing to you the wonders of the vegetarian kitchen. Multivaried alternative therapeutic treatments are yours for the choosing: massages, spa treatments, spiritual workshops and dietary guidance, biofeedback and relaxation techniques. Attractions such as jeep tours (enabling you to discover the Galilee wilderness), a herb garden for spice and healing, a plant nursery and many galleries – all await you. Printed material detailing all that Amirim has to offer will be sent to you electronically or by fax, after booking your vacation unit.Hikes in the AreaHikes in the Area
One can hike around Amirim in the natural wooded area and on the marked forest footpaths – we'll be happy to direct you to the routes leading out of Amirim. The village Amirim is located at a central spot in the Galilee. Within 20 minutes to half an hour you can get to the shores of the Kinneret or the Golan Heights to the east, to the reservation at Mt. Miron and to a circular route at its peak, to Safed with its ancient alleys to the north, and to Acre and its antiquities to the west. Near Amirim flow three enchanting streams – Nahal Amud, Nahal Farod and Nahal Tsalmon. The area abounds with holy graves of the Sages, vineyards, many oriental restaurants, a horseback riding facility, mini-tractors, museums, galleries, and many artists and unique characters! You will get detailed individual directions from us on site.