Ein Almin Spring, known as the “Officers’ Pool”, is one of several pools that were built by the Syrian soldiers in the Golan Heights. The pool, which is about a meter and a half deep, is shaded and surrounded by eucalyptus and fig trees, and its clear and cool water has made it one of the most popular springs in the Golan Heights.
The officers’ pools in the Golan Heights is another reminder of the Syrian regime that ruled the place until the 1967 Six Day War. The Syrian army officers who resided at the site took advantage of the natural springs there and made sure to build beside their bases and outposts impressive concrete ponds, which improved their standard of living.
The officers’ pool in Ein Almin is fed by three springs, it is about 3 × 6 meters in size, and about a meter to a meter and a half deep. It is full of clear and cool water all year round, and the area around it is shaded, pleasant and has quite a few nice seating areas.
By the way – there is a well-known story that tells us about the connection between the Israeli spy Eli Cohen and the officers’ pool. According to the stories, it was Eli Cohen who recommended that senior Syrian army officials plant eucalyptus trees around their army bases in the Golan Heights, in order to hide them from the eyes of Israeli intelligence. On the other hand, he reported it back to his operators in Israel, and this information helped the Air Force easily find and locate the bases, and bomb them during the Six Day War, which contributed greatly to its success.
Now, more than 50 years later, while we are sitting in a shaded and pleasant pool – we can also thank Eli Cohen, all while receiving further evidence of one of the most important episodes of the fierce and difficult fighting in the Golan Heights.
Please note that this is one of the most popular places in the area, so if you want to enjoy some quiet and space you should get there in the early morning. By noon it is usually packed with travellers.
How to get to the The officers’ pool in Ein Almin?
From the Mahanayim junction, turn onto Road 91, which continues in the direction of Katzrin. Upon reaching the Upper Customs House (Bet HaMeches) junction, turn right onto Route 888 and continue toward Jordan Park. After about 2.5 km we will pass a military base that will be to our left, and about one hundred to one hundred and fifty meters after that we will turn right onto a dirt road. Continue on this road for another 1.5 km, until you reach a grove of eucalyptus trees, where you can park.
A short descent down a narrow and shaded staircase of about 50 meters, and you are in the pool.
In waze: The officers’ pool Ein Almin.
Entrance is free, opened 24/7.
Tips
We received reports from several hikers who testified that the road to the spring is a bit bumpy, which requires parking about 250 meters from the pool and walking to it. It’s not terrible, but keep that in mind if you carry cooking or camping gear with you.
On the other hand – in case you cooked, ate, consumed – make sure to leave the place clean behind you (there is a large green garbage can in the parking lot).
And of course, do not forget the constant warning about the minefields of the Golan Heights (For those who don’t know, the entire area is filled with old minefields that have remained there since the 1967 war). Always stay on the marked roads only and pay attention to the signs and fences (and respect them).
Further Reading: The Golan Trail – Everything you need to know