The Stalactite Cave is a nature reserve and part of the National Park Authority. It’s located ~30km from Jerusalem, in Judean hills, at ~400m above sea level. It is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Israel. The drive through the Judean hills is gorgeous, and there are several scenic viewpoints, trails, and picnic areas. The visit should take approximately two hours.
For opening hours and English-speaking tours, check the website.
The name Soreq Cave comes from its location, south of the Soreq Stream and the name Avshalom Cave is after Avshalom Shoham, an Israeli soldier killed in the War of Attrition.
Getting there
Before going there, call and make sure it’s possible to access the disabled parking inside the cave site (limited parking spaces reserved for wheelchair users only). To reach the disabled parking inside the cave site, about 200m before the general parking lot, turn left into a small unpaved road (no sign, but there was a guard right before the turn) and follow the signs to disabled parking. You will arrive at a small gate. The guard at the gate will open it once you explain you are a wheelchair user. The road is very steep and narrow; drive carefully.
If you choose to park at the general parking lot (without coordinating with the staff), be aware that there are stairs to reach the cave.
The cave site
The site grounds are fully accessible: parking, cafeteria, restrooms. The staff is accommodating and friendly. To enter the cave, you will be assigned a guide; entrance without a guide is forbidden. A small elevator descends into the cave; it can fit one wheelchair and one more person. You or your escort will need to press and hold the up/down buttons and push a quite heavy door open. Inside the cave, a paved path with gentle slopes is easily maneuvered in a wheelchair, but you will be able to access only part of the cave since there are stairs later. For me, it was enough to see and admire the beauty of this wonder of nature. For those on foot but have difficulty walking, the cave floor is wet and slippery, be careful!
