Orienteering Maps
The ISOA has produced over 150 maps in the past decade. Approximately 10-12 maps are created or significantly revised each year.
Go to the ISOA Map Database to see the list of maps, as well as map samples and photos of the terrain.
To obtain Israel orienteering maps, contact the ISOA .
Orienteering Season
The orienteering season in Israel extends from September through June. During these months the weather is generally ideal for orienteering and other daytime outdoor activities. When it’s cold and snowing in Europe, it’s the perfect time for orienteering and training in Israel.
Weather
Israel enjoys long warm, dry summers (April-October) and generally mild winters (November-March), with somewhat drier, cooler weather in the hilly regions. Rainfall is relatively heavy in the north and center of the country, with much less in the northern Negev, and almost negligible amounts in the southern areas. Weather extremes range from occasional winter snowfall at higher elevations to periodic oppressively hot dry winds, which send temperatures soaring.
Terrain
Situated at the geological crossroads of three continents, Israel boasts breathtaking terrain. Despite its small size, Israel has a variety of geographic features, all of which offer great venues for orienteering.
The hills of the Galilee and Carmel Range in the north have classical pine forests as well as expanses of agricultural land and olive groves.
The fertile coastal plain along the Mediterranean is home to seventy percent of the nation’s population. Parks and reserves protect and allow access to sand dunes and beaches.
The highlands east of the coastal plain offer Mediterranean woods and vegetation similar to that found in southern France and southern Italy.
The semi-arid Negev desert in the south offers unique terrain and a great place for orienteering during the winter.
The Ayalon Valley, in the foothills of Jerusalem.
