In and around Jerusalem

 Are you finding this website useful? You will find my new book “In and Around Jerusalem for Everyone,” even more helpful. It is a guide to the best walks, hikes and attractions in and around Jerusalem. For more details and purchasing options see the Home page. 

But before doing that, watch this short video!

  

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The facilities of this country club are open to the general public, although not the exercise facilities. Admission for non-residents of Ma'ale Adumim is twice that for residents, but swimming in the outdoor in the summer and indoor pool throughout the year can still be worthwhile. Ma’ale Adumim has been voted the most beautiful city in Israel on three successive years by the “Mo’atzah LeYisrael Yafa.” 

Admission: For residents of Ma'ale Adumim: children 2-17 years: 37 NIS, and 42 NIS on Saturday; adults 42 NIS, and 47 NIS on Saturday; pensioners and students 32 NIS, and 37 NIS on Saturday. Pensioner on Thursday 22 NIS. For non-residents: adults 62 NIS, and 72 NIS on Saturday, children and pensioners 52 NIS, and 62 NIS on Saturday. But check on current prices and the pool schedule on their website or by calling (02) 591-3444 or (02) 591-3111. 

Driving directions and parking: Enter "Derech Midbar Yehuda 1" into Waze and click on "Derech Midbar Yehuda 1, Ma'ale Adumim". There is a free parking lot outside the building and street parking on Derech Midbar Yehuda if it is full. 

Public transport: There are frequent buses from Jerusalem. Enter "קאנטרי קלאב מעלה אדומים" into Moovit. The Country Club is only a short distance from the bus stop.   

 

The "Country Club" has a large outdoor pool and toddler's wading pool with a fountain that is open in the summer, and a large indoor pool open all year. There are no deckchairs, but plenty of plastic chairs, a grass lawn, and lots of shaded areas around the outdoor pool. Barbecue grills are available (there is a request not to use them on Shabbat) and a cold-water fountain. Admission includes use of the sauna and the adjacent indoor pool. There is also a snack bar when the outdoor pool is open. From the grounds you can see East Jerusalem, including the tower of the Augusta Victoria Compound and the water tower on Mount Scopus. There are times for separate sex swimming every day for the indoor pool, but not the outdoor pool. The indoor pool has designated times for family swimming and for adults to swim laps. Check on these times before coming.

 

 

Nearby places of interest: 

Moshe Castel Museum at 1 Kikar HaMuseon contains the artwork of the well-known Israeli artist Moshe Castel. It is open Sunday to Thursday 10.00 AM-5.00 PM, Friday 10.00 AM-2.00 PM, and is closed on Shabbat, eves of holidays, and holidays except chol hamoed Succot and Pesach. Admission is 36 NIS (holders of a Ma’aleh Adumim resident card 30 NIS), seniors and soldiers 18 NIS, students 26 NIS, and youth (5-17 years) 18 NIS. For a family (parents and children up to age 17) 100 NIS. For information call (02) 535-7000. The Castel Waffle Bar on the museum grounds serves dairy meals and operates on a different schedule than the art museum.

Park Shamir: This park with a lake is located by the beginning of the “Central Entrance” to Ma’ale Adumim. Enter “פארק שמיר” on Waze. There is no charge for entrance to the park.  It has grass lawns for picnicking, although no benches or chairs. Two quality restaurants overlook the lake.