Sleeping in Heaven- first time subletting in Kibbutz Dafna
A week ago, we were in a sublet in an apartment in the middle of the kibbutz for the first time, and for us, it was like sleeping in Heaven.
We entered kibbutz Dafna and parked next to old buildings from the 60th. Today you see here mostly old people and students, in the past, this was a place of youngs idealistic volunteers. We could not believe that walking 5 minutes away from there will lead us to a green landscape with one of the most substantial rivers in Israel, the Dan River. A frozen river is a perfect answer to the hot wheater! We found ourselves jumping into the river, walking to the kibbutz's playground, and exploring secret corners inside the kibbutz.
But let's start from the beginning. Why did we sleep there in local stranger's apartment?
Staying at Stranger’s apartment
We prefer camping with the kids and enjoy nature. However, I happened to join the Facebook group "Sublet between friends," and there was a "giveaway" among all the new joiners. After a few days, I saw (in a delay) a message on Facebook – Congratulation! you won at night at Kibbutz Dafna! I was so happy. First, I'm not the type of person who wins things, secondly, Kibbutz Dafna is one of the most in-demand destinations in the north. Israelis love to stay in this kibbutz or in the nearby Kibbutz Hagoshrim as this is like a green bubble, the river there is so beautiful and useful and it's super closed to the main attraction. Staying in a kibbutz is more like staying in a small village than in a city.
What is a kibbutz?
A unique socialist phenomenon of collectivity living. When it's established at the beginning of the 20th century, the idea was that everyone is working and living together and have equal rights and profit. Today many of the kibbutzes have become personalized and changed dramatically.
Throughout their life together, the kibbutz members often developed a local industry from which they could make a living.
What it was like to sleep there?
We arrived at a charming apartment with two rooms and a living room. The condo was fully equipped, and we only brought towels, bed linen, and our food products.
The truth is that I was a little afraid that our kids would destroy the place as It is someone's house. But fortunately, no damage was done 🙂 .
I strongly recommend you to book this place !Suitable for couple + 2/3 kids, cute, clean and in perfect spot.
Contact Shiri and tell her that Neta sent you: +972-54-8031663
What to do in the area?
Full of attractions!
You can purchase tickets from Nature and Parks Authority and visit Tel Dan, Nahal Snir, or the Banias. In addition, it is highly recommended to walk in Nimrod Fortress, Odem Forest, and the Golan Heights.
We also took a guided tour in a Kurlender farm and fed the cows there!
What to do within the kibbutz?
Fancy chocolate? There are chocolate workshops inside the kibbutz in "Shulman's" and cool trucks that serve as a cafe and restaurants like Pizza Truck and Shiri pasta.
Besides, inside the kibbutz, there is a new playground, a basketball court, and the most recommended campsite in Israel that you have just come to, and everything is ready in front of the view of the stream.
Still Hungry?
A 5-minute drive away, you will find the Gan HaTzafon complex at Maayan Baruch Junction.
In short, a fantastic experience with the children because it was so much fun to take a dip and be in the river and the playground. They did not want to leave the kibbutz at all. We recommend it to anyone who wants to sleep close to nature and take a break to drive to Kibbutz Dafna.
Logistic
How to arrive Kibutz Dafna?
Better to arrive Kiryat Shmona and from there to take bus number 37 or 58, its only 15 minuets away by bus.
Accessibility
The kibbutz is perfect for wheelchair as the paths are made of concrete.
Weather/clothing
If you love cold wheater, come here during the winter and the autemn. This place is great for summer times as compared to the south of Israel it is not too hot and you have the Dan river to swim at.
Pro-tip: if you come here, make it at least two nights as you will not want to leave!
