Neot Kedumim Biblical Landscape Reserve is a living open-air museum about 30 km east of Tel Aviv, near Lod and Modi'in, where plants, animals and farming methods mentioned in the Hebrew Bible are recreated across hillsides of terraced land. There is no direct public transport to the gate. Visitors can take a taxi or Gett from Tel Aviv, rent a car for the drive of about 35 minutes, or take a train to Modi'in Center and a taxi of about 10 minutes. Visits are by pre-booking through neot-kedumim.org.il, and the reserve is not accessible by public transport on Shabbat.
The reserve is organised into trails, each with a theme. Visitors walk among olive groves, vineyards, fig trees, pomegranates and wild herbs, and see ancient agricultural installations such as wine presses, cisterns and threshing floors. The olive-press demonstration shows how oil was extracted in antiquity, and seasonal programmes recreate holiday traditions, including stations connected to the Passover Seder. Guided walks explain the biblical context of each plant, and educational programmes are popular with families and school groups.
A suitable day plan books a guided walk through the Bible-plant trails in the morning, when the sun is gentler, followed by the olive-press demonstration and a visit to the shaded rest areas. Because the reserve itself has limited food facilities, lunch is usually taken afterwards in nearby Modi'in, which has many restaurants and cafes. The afternoon can include a wider visit to the area, such as the Lod Mosaic Museum, before returning to Tel Aviv by train from Modi'in or Lod.
The best months are February to May, when the hillsides are green and flowers are in bloom, and October to November. Summer is hot with little shade on the open trails. Entry costs about 40-60 ILS, and prices and tour times should be confirmed at neot-kedumim.org.il. Hats, sunscreen and water are advisable.
| Distance | 30 km east |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 35 minutes by car |
| Getting there | No direct public transport; take a taxi or Gett from Tel Aviv, or rent a car (about 35 minutes), or take a train to Modi'in Center and a taxi (about 10 minutes); visits are by pre-booking at neot-kedumim.org.il |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Neot Kedumim, near Lod and Modi'in, Israel |
How to get there
- Mode
- Taxi or Gett
- Cost
- About 180-250 ILS (approx $59-82) each way
- Frequency
- On demand
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- 200-350 ILS (approx $66-115) per day plus fuel
- Frequency
- On demand
- Mode
- Train to Modi'in and taxi
- Cost
- About 25 ILS (approx $8) train plus 40 ILS (approx $13) taxi
- Frequency
- Hourly on weekdays
Location
Neot Kedumim, near Lod and Modi'in, Israel
31.8667, 35.0167 View on map
Highlights
- Bible-plant trails among olive groves and vineyards
- Olive-press demonstration
- Ancient wine presses and cisterns
- Passover Seder-style stations and seasonal programmes
Tips for visiting
- Pre-book the visit at neot-kedumim.org.il; walk-ins may not be accepted.
- Arrange taxi pick-up in advance because public transport to the gate is limited.
- Bring a hat, water and sunscreen for the open trails.
- Plan lunch in Modi'in as on-site food is limited.
- Visit in spring for green hillsides and wildflowers.
When to visit
February-May and October-November offer mild weather and green landscapes. Morning walks are cooler and less crowded.
Accessibility
Some trails are on uneven ground and slopes, but certain routes are suitable for those with limited mobility. Visitors needing step-free access should inquire with the reserve before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is public transport available to Neot Kedumim?
There is no direct service. Visitors typically take a taxi, a rental car, or a train to Modi'in Center followed by a taxi of about 10 minutes.
Does the reserve need a booking?
Yes, visits are by pre-booking at neot-kedumim.org.il. Guided walks and programmes should be reserved ahead.
When is the best time to visit?
February-May and October-November are the best months. Spring brings green landscapes, while summer is hot and exposed.