The Valley Train site – Kfar Yehoshua

Located near Kfar Yehoshua in the heart of the Jezreel Valley, the Tel El-Shammam station stands as a testament to a bygone era. Surrounded by iconic eucalyptus trees and a row of striking historic stone buildings, it was once a vital stop along the legendary Valley Railway

This historic line was a branch of the Hejaz Railway, constructed at the turn of the 20th century by the Ottomans under German engineering supervision. Originally designed to transport Muslim pilgrims to Mecca, the railway continued to serve the region through the British Mandate and into the early years of the State of Israel

The “Valley Train” was much more than a means of transport; it was a cornerstone of progress, playing a monumental role in the development of the valley’s settlements, economy, and infrastructure

Restoration and the Visitor Center – Following the establishment of the State of Israel, the railway ceased its operations, and the station was left abandoned for decades. In the 1990s, a comprehensive restoration process began, led by The Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel in collaboration with Kfar Yehoshua, the Jezreel Valley Regional Council, and other partners. In 2008, the site was officially reopened as a modern Visitor Center

 – The Visitor Experience – Today, the center offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the “Valley Train” through a variety of engaging exhibits

Exhibitions & Models: Explore detailed displays about the railway’s history, including a charming miniature functioning train

Cinematic Experiences: * An immersive film for adults, available in seven languages

A colorful animated film specifically designed for children (available in Hebrew and Arabic)

Historical Reconstructions: View the beautifully restored steam pump located within the original water tower, which once fueled the great locomotives

Visitor Services & Activities

For Groups (By advance booking only)

Guided Tours: Professional tours of the historic site and its surroundings

Refreshments: Option to include fresh coffee and warm pastries (additional fee applies)

Flexible Scheduling: Ability to coordinate visits outside of regular hours

Languages: Tours are available in Hebrew, Arabic, English, and German

For Independent Visitors & Families

“Past Explorers” Activity Booklet: An engaging experience designed for families and elementary school students

Audio Tour App: Download our mobile app for a self-guided audio journey in Hebrew, Arabic, or English. The app includes tours of the historic station, Beit Hankin, the historic boulevard of Kfar Yehoshua, and more

For Schools & Educational Institutions

Curriculum-Based Tours: Guided sessions tailored to educational programs

Creative Workshops: Hands-on activities for students

Geffen Program: We are a recognized provider through the “Geffen” system – [Click here to visit our website]

Cultural Events

Join us for special events throughout the year, including Sing-along evenings and special themed tours, Art and wine fairs

Stay Updated: Follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming events

Accessibility –   We believe heritage belongs to everyone. We offer tours  that adapted for various disabilities, Guidance Aids: Sensory tools, audio descriptions for the site’s film, and assistive listening devices, Simplified Language: Our mobile app features audio tours in Simplified Language (Hebrew, Arabic, and English)

New! Art & Creation in the Valley

In an exciting collaboration with local artists and the ‘Ma’avarim BaEmek’ organization, the site hosts rotating exhibitions and a gallery for the display and sale of functional art, providing a stage for local creativity

We invite you to visit our newest exhibition, “Basic Assumptions” (Hanachot Yesod), now showing at the “Nekuda” Gallery, located within the Kfar Yehoshua Valley Railway site

Curated by Aviram Meir, the exhibition features a captivating encounter between artists Eitan Shakutai and Beni Cohen. Their dialogue offers a fascinating perspective on the relationship between material and image imagination and reality, and the tangible versus the abstract

Top 5 Things to Do on Your Day Trip to the Area

Start with a View: Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee overlooking the open fields at the “Coffee Station” (Tachanat HaCafe) food truck

Step Back in History: Visit the Kfar Yehoshua Valley Railway Site and discover the stories of the legendary train

Explore & Discover: Take a stroll through the Historic Boulevard of Kfar Yehoshua and visit Beit Hankin

Tip: Use our mobile app for a guided audio tour of the entire route

Cool Down at the Spring: Take a refreshing dip in Elroi Spring (Ma’ayan Elroi), located just a short 10-minute drive from the station

Wine & Unwind: End your day at one of the valley’s renowned local wineries, such as Tulip Winery or Sadot Winery

Looking for more recommendations? Check out the official tourism website of the Jezreel Valley Regional Council

How to Download the Audio Tour App

Search: Go to the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) and search for: “Kfar Yehoshua Audio Tour”

Download: Tap “Download Tours”

Permissions: Grant the app access to photos/media and location when prompted

Content: Click “Yes” to confirm the content download

Follow us on Facebook: Kfar Yehoshua Valley Railway Site

Listen to our Podcast: To learn more about the fascinating story of the Kfar Yehoshua Valley Railway, [Click Here]

Admission Rates

 Adult – 21 New Israeli Shekel 

Child – 16 New Israeli Shekel

Senior Citizen – 16 New Israeli Shekel