Bahai Gardens, Haifa – Complete Visitors Guide with 30+ Photos

Haifa-Bahai-gardens

The Bahai Gardens is the most popular attraction in Haifa. They are both free and stunning and tell the story of the Bahai religion.

Map

The gardens have three entrances (see the table below). Here is an interactive map with directions to the main entrance.

Directions for drivers: Link to Waze and Link to Google Maps
Directions for public transport: Link to Moovit

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Interactive map of the area:

Offers:

  • Hotels, hostels, and apartments in this area:
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Three Entrances and Parking

The Bahai Gardens in Haifa comprise a staircase of nineteen terraces extending up the northern slope of Mount Carmel. The complex geometry is built around the axis connecting it with the City of Akko, which also has great historical and sacred significance for Bahais. At its heart stands the golden-domed Shrine of the Bab, which is the resting place of the Prophet-Herald of the Bahai Faith.

Note: unless stated otherwise, all quotes were taken from the official site.

The terraces start from Ben Gurion street and end on Yafe Nof street. There is one additional entrance on Hatzionut Avenue. Each entry point allows limited access, and you can not go all the way alone. If you want further access, you will have to join a tour.

Here is a list of the entries and where I usually park:

NameLocationDescriptionParking
The Main EntranceHatzionut Avenue 80This entry is in the middle of the mountain. And through it, you can access the Shrine of the Bab (the Temple with the golden dome). While there, you can also visit nearby Ursula Malbin’s Sculpture Garden.Finding parking along Ben Gurion Street is pretty much mission impossible. Thus I usually drive to a paid parking lot (there are several along HaGanim Street). Keep in mind that it is a one-way street. Or park a little further away, like Derekh Yafo 104 and Tel Aviv Street, and walk from there.
The lower entranceIt is located in the German Colony, more specifically Ben Gurion Street (HaGefen Street 21)Finding parking along Ben Gurion Street is pretty much mission impossible. Thus, I usually drive to a paid parking lot (there are several along HaGanim Street). Keep in mind that it is a one-way street. Or park a little further away, like Derekh Yafo 104 and Tel Aviv Street, and walk from there.
The upper entranceYafe Nof Street 61It is part of the Louis Promenade and offers breathtaking bay views.You can find parking at Yaffe Nof Street, just a bit further away, like Yaffe Nof 40. Also, at Yefe Nof 46, you will see a street going uphill. It is a public parking lot.
Bahai Gardens infographic
Bahai Gardens infographic

And in this post, we will visit all of them.

Note: if you have general questions regarding navigation and parking apps, check out Useful Information For Tourists To Israel.

Entrance Fee

The entrance to Bahai Gardens is free, and the tours are also free.

Opening Hours

Wednesday – Sunday: 9:00 – 17:00.
Monday and Tuesday – closed.

The shrine and the inner gardens nearby close at 12:00. Also, the gardens are closed on Bahai holy days and Yom Kippur. In rainy weather, they may be closed temporarily.

Guided tours are by reservation only. You can make reservations at the official site.

Note: since the opening hours may change, checking the official site before visiting is recommended.

Contact Information

Email: ganbahai@bwc.org
Phone: 04-831-3131

General Notes

  • Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and reaches your knees. Because of the pebbled paths and occasionally slippery pavements, please wear comfortable shoes with good traction.
  • Photography is permitted, except for the interior of the Shrines.
  • Visitors can bring their water bottles, but drinking other beverages, eating, chewing gum, and smoking are prohibited inside the gardens.

Tours

Guided tours are by reservation only. You can make a reservation here.

These tours are free of charge. The tours start at 45 Yefe Nof Street and last about 50 minutes. The tour ends at the main garden’s entrance on Hatzionut Avenue. Tours are offered in English, Hebrew, and Russian.

Bahai Gardens Tours
Bahai Gardens Tours

Joining a Walk-in Tour

In 2019, we joined one of the walk-in tours. And as I mentioned above, the tours start at 45 Yefe Nof Street, and you must come in modest clothes.

Walk-in tour at Bahai Gardens in Haifa
Walk-in tour at Bahai Gardens in Haifa

The tour starts near the top entrance and ends near the main entrance. It means that you will go down and descend a little more than 900 steps on your way. Thus, think carefully before joining the tour if you have bad knees.

Walk-in tour at Bahai Gardens in Haifa
Walk-in tour at Bahai Gardens in Haifa

On the way, we made several stops. And on each one, our guide gave us some background information about the Bahai faith, history, and gardens.

Going down the stairs

Keep in mind there is little shade. Thus, I would recommend visiting during pleasant weather.

In the Bahai Gardens
In the Bahai Gardens

The descent to the Temple (almost to the Temple, as we were on the other side of the street) took us about 45 minutes.

Bahai Shrine
Bahai Shrine

Then, we headed to the visitor information center. And there we saw a short movie telling the history of the Bahai.

Bahai Visitor Information Center
Bahai Visitor Information Center

And that was the end of our tour. To return to the top entrance, you can take a bus (line #136 or #23) or walk. And you can not walk through the gardens. You have to use the streets. We decided to burn some calories, and the hike up at a moderate pace took about 50 minutes.

Bahai Faith

Before getting to the gardens, here is a short introduction to the Bahai Faith.

The Bahai Faith is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of the Bab and Bahaullah, each of whom received a direct revelation from God. The Bahai Faith accepts all the other major world religions’ validity, but it is not a sector offshoot of any of them. Its independent character is reflected in a unique worldview and community structure anchored in its sacred scriptures, religious laws, and calendar.

Basic Bahai Belief

Bahais believe that the unique God, Creator of the Universe, has educated humankind all through history by sending the prophets or messengers, such as Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, as well as Krishna, Buddha, and Zoroaster, who established the world’s major religions.

Thus, Bahais believe that all religions come from the same source and are part of one ongoing educative process. Bahais recognize two prophets for this age, the Bab and Bahaullah.

History

The Báb – The Prophet-Herald

The Báb (Gate) was born as Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad in Shiraz, Iran in 1819. As a child, He showed spiritual depth and wisdom beyond His years. At only 24, the Báb announced Himself as a prophet or messenger of God during a period of intense messianic expectations in Iran.

He challenged the thinking of His time by forbidding violence and holy war (jihad), recognizing the equality of women, and encouraging science and education. Invoking scriptural prophecy, He claimed to be the herald come to announce and prepare the way for another messenger of God who would usher in the age of peace and justice promised in all religions.

After eighteen disciples, including one woman, had independently found their way to Him and accepted His claim, the Báb sent them out to spread His teachings. Within a short time, hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life, including some well-known religious leaders, were attracted to His message. Feeling threatened by His success, the clergy declared Him a heretic and instigated a wave of persecution, during which thousands of His followers were tortured and killed.

The Báb Himself was confined in isolated fortresses for three years before being executed in a public square in Tabriz, Iran, on 9 July 1850, an event witnessed by some ten thousand spectators and reported in the western press. Interrupting a conversation during which He gave final instructions to one of His followers, guards took the Báb from His cell and suspended Him by ropes against the wall, forming one side of the square. Three rows of 250 soldiers each fired in succession, and when the smoke and dust had settled, the Báb was nowhere to be seen. After a frantic search, He was found in His cell, completing his instructions. When He had finished, He calmly announced to the guards that they could now carry out their mission.

The first regiment refused to repeat their act, so another had to be summoned. This time, the bullets reached their target. The Báb’s remains were dumped outside the city and guarded by soldiers to prevent Him from receiving a proper burial. Despite this, His followers removed His remains and hid them in one place after another for fifty years until they could be brought to the Holy Land and buried in the simple stone structure on Mount Carmel, which was later completed with a huge superstructure and golden dome. For Bahá’ís, the beauty of the Shrine of the Báb and the lovingly-tended gardens that surround it are an answer to the suffering and injustices inflicted on Him.

Bahá’ú’lláh – The Prophet-Founder

Mirza Hussein Ali (1817-1892), later known as Bahá’u’ lláh (Glory of God), was born into a noble family from the Iranian province of Nur. Instead of following in His father’s footsteps, a minister in the royal court, He chose to assist the poor and the sick. When the Báb announced His mission, Bahá’u’ lláh became one of His followers and a major figure in the movement. Like many others, this singled Him out for imprisonment and torture. In His writings, He relates how the announcement of His divine calling came to Him while He was confined in an underground dungeon in August of 1852.

All of Bahá’ú’ lláh’s property was confiscated. He and His family were expelled from their native land in 1853, never to return. The first stage of exile was Baghdad, where Bahá’u’ lláh stayed for ten years, two of which were spent wandering alone in Kurdistan’s mountains.

Before complying with an order from the Sultan of Turkey summoning Him to Istanbul, Bahá’ú’ lláh announced His divine mission to the followers of the Báb, most of whom accepted His claim and became Bahá’ís. After a few months in Istanbul, Bahá’u’ lláh was ordered to move on to Edirne in Turkey’s European part. At each stage of His exile, Bahá’u’ lláh earned the love and devotion of the people surrounding Him and the jealousy of the clergy and rulers. Finally, in 1868, the Turkish Sultan banished Him to ‘Akko, a remote outpost of the Ottoman Empire used as a depository for political prisoners and other undesirables.

With time, the authorities’ initial hostility and people of ‘Akko changed to respect and affection. After nine years of confinement, in the citadel and then within the Old City walls, Bahá’ú’ lláh was allowed to move about freely and live in the countryside north of the city. The last twelve years of His life were spent in relative comfort in the mansion in the center of the Bahá’í Gardens in ‘Akko. When He passed away on 29 May 1892, at the age of 75, His remains were buried in a small building next to the mansion known as the “Shrine of Bahá’u’ lláh”. This is the place to which Bahá’ís all over the world turn their faces and their thoughts while reciting their daily prayers.

Throughout His life of imprisonment and exile, Bahá’ú’ lláh was occupied with the revelation of the sacred texts that came to Him in a constant flow, sometimes with such rapidity that no one could write them down. While still confined within the walls of ‘Akko, He formulated the fundamental laws and principles of His religion in a volume He called the “Most Holy Book” (Kitab-i-Aqdas).

He wrote to the secular and religious rulers of His day, asserting His authority as God’s messenger, urging them to make peace among themselves and rule over their subjects with justice and compassion, warning them of the consequences of their heedlessness, and in some cases predicting their downfall.

In addition to major works addressing theological and mystical subjects, He wrote thousands of letters to individuals in which He explained His teachings and offered personal counsel. In His testament, Bahá’u’ lláh appointed His eldest son as His successor and gave him the authority to interpret the teachings and settle differences of opinion to protect the community of His followers from dissension and disputes that could lead to schism.

Lower Entrance – German Colony

German Colony, specifically Ben Gurion Street, is the lowest entry to Bahai Gardens. I have visited there numerous times but did not have a photo from Sderot Ben Gurion street of Bahai gardens together with car trails. Thus, the following images are from that shoot.

Bahai Gardens At Sderot Ben Gurion

You can get a great view of the Bahai garden terraces from Ben Gurion Street. And since there are many restaurants where you can get something to eat, you should be set. 🙂

Bahai Gardens in Haifa from Sderot Ben Gurion
Bahai Gardens in Haifa from Sderot Ben Gurion

The only downside is that Bahai Gardens are closed during sunset, like many other Israeli places.

The gardens were closed, but I was able to fit the lens in between the metal bars of the fence and capture this:

Bahai Temple with leading stairs (shot from UNESCO square)
Bahai Temple with leading stairs (shot from UNESCO square)

When entering during the opening hours, you will be allowed to get on top of the first block of stairs. Gates limit further access.

Bahai Gardens in Haifa from Sderot Ben Gurion

The blue hour is over, and it is time to pack things. But before I finish the first part, let me ask you a question. Have you ever heard about Hyperlapse? Check out my Hyperlapse of Bahai Gardens.

Note: During The Holiday of Holidays festival German Colony is magnificent. Thus, I would advise visiting this area during the festival if you get the chance.

Main Entrance – Bahai Shrine (Temple)

The main entrance, which is also the entrance to Bahai Shrine, is located at 80 Hatzionut Avenue in Haifa.

Every entry has a security check, whether at the Bahai shrine or the gardens. And when I came with a tripod, they did not allow me to take it inside. They asked me to leave it at the security and walk only with my camera.

The shrine is the resting place of the Prophet-Herald of the Bahai Faith.

Photography is not allowed inside. But that is not a big loss since, despite the exterior, the interior is very plain.

Bahai Temple
Bahai Temple

Near the main entrance to the Bahai Garden, you can find Ursula Malbin’s Sculpture Garden. And near it, there is a lovely viewpoint.

Bahai Gardens from Shnayim Be’November Viewpoint
Bahai Gardens from Shnayim Be’November Viewpoint

While scouting, several locals recommended another viewpoint. It was a simple spot with several benches. It is located within 5 5-minute walk from the park at 12 Shnayim-November St. This is one of the best viewpoints in this area.

Haifa view from Shnayim Be’November Viewpoint
Haifa view from Shnayim Be’November Viewpoint

Upper Entrance – Yafe Nof Balcony

A five-minute drive will lead you to the viewing balcony at the top of the gardens (61 Yefe Nof Street) from the shrine. And here are several photos from there.

Yafe Nof Balcony is located on Louis Promenade. And now, I will share two of my visits to the Promenade.

Louis Promenade

Yafe Nof Balcony is located on Yafe Nof Street. It is a part of the Louis Promenade. You can get great views from Louis Promenade without getting into the balcony, and the advantage of the Promenade is that it is always open. Thus, you can shoot sunsets and sunrises as well.

Louis Promenade in Haifa is one of the most beautiful promenades in Israel. Though it is short, you can see a big part of the city. Among the things you can see are the Bahai gardens, Haifa port, and Haifa downtown.

There are always public restrooms at Louis Promenade. You will see it to your right if you continue about thirty meters up the street from Yafe Nof Balcony.

Public restrooms at Louis Promenade
Public restrooms at Louis Promenade

Background

In 1992, Louis Promenade was established, thanks to the contribution of Paul and May Goldschmidt, Haifa residents who desired to commemorate the memory of their son Louis, who was killed in a car accident, and who loved so much the magnificent views of Haifa.

The Promenade’s 400 meters stretch along Yefe Nof Street, from Nof Hotel to the upper entrance of the Bahá’í Gardens. Louis Promenade is located close to Carmel Center, with its cafes and restaurants, to the hotels and other attractions in the area. It integrates naturally into the area, which attracts many tourists who enjoy the tourist abundance the area offers. It is evident that Haifa residents also stroll along the Promenade, enjoying the beautiful views it offers.

Many tourists integrate the visit to the Louis Promenade when arriving from the many tours departing from the upper entrance point of the Bahá’í Gardens, located, as said, in the Promenade.

Source: carmelithaifa

I visited Louis Promenade many times, and I will tell you about two of these visits in this post.

Sunset At Louis Promenade

Sunset At Louis Promenade
Sunset At Louis Promenade

The Promenade is located on the slope of Carmel Mountain and is always open and free.

Sunrise at Louis Promenade

Instead of sleeping on Saturday, I watched the sunrise at Louis Promenade. And this is not easy for me since I prefer to sleep late. But, since I decided to make an effort, some preparations must be made. I am not talking about preparing photo gear. Instead, I am referring to checking the sunrise time and sun location. I used suncalc.net to check the sunrise time and sun location. It is a pretty handy tool. After marking a spot on the map, you can see the sun’s location during each hour of the day using sliders.

After all the preparations, I woke up and drove to witness the sunrise at Louis Promenade. And this is my first photo:

Sunrise at Louis Promenade, Haifa

Wait. What? No, I did not wake up late. I arrived half an hour before the planned time, but it was already bright. At this point, I realized that I had made a mistake. When I checked SunCalc, I looked at sunrise time. Sunrise time is the time when you see the sun. But if you are in an area with mountains, when you see the sun peeking behind a mountain, everything is already bright (daylight).

I prefer the earlier time when everything is still blue. If you also like the blue light, check out twilight time, not sunrise time. Or, more specifically, astronomical twilight. Astronomical twilight is when the sun is between 12 and 18 degrees below the horizon.

Panorama of Haifa
Panorama of Haifa

As you can see, the sun is starting to appear from behind the mountain:

Sunrise at Louis Promenade, Haifa

Backlighting industrial zone:

Sunrise at Louis Promenade, Haifa

And this is my favorite photograph from that shoot:

Sunrise at Louis Promenade, Haifa

At this point, I decided to drive to a viewpoint next to the Bahai Temple.

I hoped for a photo of the sun behind the Temple, but I was not at the right angle 🙁 Thus, instead, I got this:

Foggy morning in Haifa
Foggy morning in Haifa

Bahai Gardens In Akko

Bahaullah, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahai faith, resided at a mansion in Akko during his final years. His remains were laid to rest at a shrine, and today, a big garden surrounds the area. Most people consider the gardens in Haifa more impressive. But here is my guide to Bahai Gardens in Acre (Akko). After checking it, you can decide for yourself.

Common Questions

What do you wear to Bahai Gardens?

Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and reaches your knees. Wear comfortable shoes with good traction because of the pebbled paths and occasionally slippery pavements.

Is Bahai a religion?

The Bahai Faith is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Bab and Bahaullah.

Where can I park in Bahai Gardens?

There is no parking for visitors. But you can find nearby public parking. The parking section in this guide suggests parking places depending on your chosen entrance.

Summary

The Bahai Gardens is a must-see if you are visiting Haifa. Moreover, it is probably the most popular attraction in Haifa. And that is for a good reason. They are simply stunning. Moreover, join a free tour to learn about Bahai and get more access. And check out my Hyperlapse of Bahai Gardens.

Have you ever visited Bahai Gardens? Let us know in the comments below.

That’s all for today, and I’ll see you in future travels!

Stay Tuned!

For additional attractions nearby, see Haifa.

   

Additional Resources

Here are several resources that I created to help travelers: And if you have any questions then check out Useful Information For Tourists To Israel.  
Did not find what you were looking for? Leave a comment below, and I will do my best to answer your questions.

Lev Tsimbler

Lev from israel-in-photos.com. You can contact me at hi@israel-in-photos.com

4 thoughts on “Bahai Gardens, Haifa – Complete Visitors Guide with 30+ Photos

  1. Peace
    We are three couples looking to visit this coming Saturday 12.3.22 In the Baha'i Gardens how we sign up for your help I will thank

    1. Hi Orit,

      I am providing useful information but I do not organize tours. If you want to visit, you can either join a tour (register for a tour here) or visit during opening hours.

  2. Hello you guys .
    I used to be at the Temple of the Father in Haifa and we really enjoyed it.
    I wanted to ask, Is there accessibility for people who have difficulty
    Down the stairs, from the top of the temple.
    Thanks

    1. Hi Avi,
      During all my visits and tours, we always used the stairs. But you can always visit each area separately (the Temple area is flat).

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