Moving from the basalt ruins of Susita to the Tzemach Station (historically known as Samakh) is a leap into the industrial age and the global conflicts of the 20th century. If Susita is a story of an ancient fortress, Tzemach is the story of the "Valley Train" and the legends of the Great War.
Tzemach Station: Where Empires Collided Opened in 1905, this station was a vital link in the Hejaz Railway—specifically the Valley Train (Rakevet HaEmek), which connected Haifa on the Mediterranean coast directly to Damascus.
Ottoman Engineering, German Style Ottoman engineers designed the main station building under German supervision. You can still see that distinctive "imperial" architectural style. Today, it has been beautifully restored and serves as part of the Kinneret College campus, blending academic life with historic preservation.
The Great Cavalry Charge (September 25, 1918) The museum highlights one of the most cinematic episodes of World War I. Tzemach was the site of one of the last classic cavalry charges in history.
The Australian Light Horse: In a daring night attack, Australian soldiers charged across unfamiliar terrain directly toward Turkish and German machine-gun nests.
Hand-to-Hand Combat: The battle was incredibly fierce, with fighting happening house-to-house and room-to-room throughout the station complex. It is considered a pinnacle of Australian military bravery.
- The Forgotten Soldiers: The Aboriginal Monument On the station grounds stands a moving memorial—a statue of an Aboriginal soldier kneeling by the grave of a fallen comrade.
A Hidden History: For a long time, the contribution of Indigenous Australians to the Light Horse regiments was overlooked. This monument finally pays tribute to their skill as horsemen and their sacrifice so far from home.
- A Junction of Eras Today, Tzemach is a place where different timelines cross:
The Tracks: You can still see the original narrow-gauge tracks (1050 mm) used by the Ottoman trains.
The Transformation: The station has evolved from a scene of war and trade into a modern centre for education and history. It shows how the "Valley Train" once revolutionised life in the region, opening it up to pilgrimage and global commerce.
Imagine the perfect spring morning in Israel—the sun is warm but not yet "blasting" you, and the air smells like fresh wildflowers. It's the absolute best time to grab the keys and head to the eastern side of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).
First Stop: Kursi & The Views Start your day at Kursi. It's this massive Byzantine monastery ruin where the vibe is just... super chill. You can walk across ancient mosaics and literally feel the history. But don't stay too long because the drive up the mountain is even better. Make sure to pull over at Mitzpe Nukieb. On a clear day, the view is insane—you see the whole blue "bowl" of the Kinneret stretched out from Tiberias to the Golan Heights. It's one of those "stop and just stare" moments.
The Main Event: Susita (Hippos) Then, you've got the crown jewel: Susita. It's like a ghost city sitting on a hill. They call it the "Pompeii above the lake." You'll walk through the old Roman forum and see giant columns that were knocked down by an earthquake 1,200 years ago and just... stayed there. It's got this wild mix of ancient Roman vibes and old Israeli military outposts.
Trains and Hummus When you head back down, swing by the old Tzemach train station. It's been restored and feels like a movie set from the early 1900s—back when trains ran all the way from Haifa to Damascus.
Finally, once you're officially "toured out," hit up Hummus Eliyahu at the Tzemach junction. Trust me, a warm bowl of creamy hummus with olive oil, fluffy pita, and a solid cup of coffee is the only way to end a trip like this.
Pro tip: Go right now while it's spring. The Golan is bright green, and everything looks like a masterpiece.
