The forest spreads over more than 20,000 Dunames and is referred to as "The largest Green-lung in central Israel".
The Forest is situated in between Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv, near the city of Modiin.
It is mainly represented by Pine trees but as f recent, some new Israeli trees had been planted and successfully grown.
The name derives from the oil production that had been active in the area at the beginning of the 20th century.
The area enjoys a profusion of wildflowers in winter and spring and offers a variety of activities for the entire family:
-Bicycle trails;
-lovely and well-directed Scenic trails;
-Observation points;
-Archeological sites, such as the old Maccabean graves;
-Recreational activities;
-Barbeque/Picnic corners;
How to best reach?
- From Highway 1 turn east at Ben-Shemen Interchange to Modiin (route 443).
-From the north, from Highway 6, exit at Ben-Shemen Interchange (444) towards
Tel-Hadid.
-From Jerusalem, drive on Highway 443 towards Ben-Shemen.
Important Sites in the Vicinity:
- Ne’ot Kedumim Reservation -
(entrance fee, closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays)
- Church ruins in Mevo Modi’im
(closed on Saturdays)
- Hasmonean Village in Shilat
(entrance fee, by appointment)
- Old Courtyard in Ben-Shemen (the graves)
- The unique Monkey Park
(entrance fee)
