How long does it take to walk through the American-German Colony?

A self-guided walk through the main sites typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes. The area is quite small, covering only a few streets, but the historical details and architecture invite a slower pace.

Is the American Colony walking tour Tel Aviv free?

Walking the streets and viewing the historic exteriors of the houses is completely free. However, if you wish to enter the Maine Friendship House or attend a concert at Immanuel Church, there may be a small fee or donation requested.

What is the best time to visit the American-German Colony?

The best time to visit is during the morning or late afternoon when the sun highlights the wooden textures of the houses. Weekdays are particularly quiet, though the church is often open for visitors on weekends.

Are the wooden houses in Tel Aviv original?

Yes, several of the houses, including the Maine Friendship House and the Norton House, are original structures from 1866. Many have been meticulously restored to maintain their historical integrity.

Can I go inside the buildings in the American Colony?

Public access is limited as many houses are private residences. However, the Maine Friendship House and Immanuel Church are often open to the public during specific hours for tours and visits.

Is the American-German Colony accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the neighborhood is mostly flat with paved sidewalks, making it very accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Park HaMesila at the start of the walk is also fully accessible.

Where is the best place to start a walking route of the area?

The best starting point is Park HaMesila near Eilat Street. It provides easy access to the colony and connects the history of the Jaffa-Jerusalem railway to the settlement's story.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Tucked away between the bustling streets of Jaffa and the modern skyscrapers of Tel Aviv lies a neighborhood that feels like a portal to 19th-century New England. This self-guided walk through the American-German Colony invites you to explore one of the city's most peculiar and atmospheric enclaves. Unlike the white-washed Bauhaus buildings or the ancient stone alleys found elsewhere, this neighborhood is defined by clapboard wooden houses and Gothic Revival architecture that seem entirely out of place in the Middle East. This neighborhood stroll reveals the layered history of two distinct groups of dreamers: the American colonists from Maine who arrived in 1866 with prefabricated wooden homes, and the German Templers who succeeded them just a few years later. On this walking route, you will discover the Maine Friendship House, a beautifully restored structure that tells the harrowing and hopeful story of the original settlers. You will also see the imposing Immanuel Church and the elegant stone villas that replaced the initial wooden huts as the colony grew in prosperity. This walking tour Tel Aviv experience is perfect for those who love architectural anomalies and hidden-gems. The route begins at the modern Park HaMesila, a vibrant urban park built on the tracks of the historic Jaffa-Jerusalem railway, and leads you deep into the quiet, leafy streets of the colony. It is a peaceful escape from the city's frantic energy, offering plenty of opportunities for photography and reflection. Whether you are interested in the religious fervor that brought these settlers to the Holy Land or simply want to admire the unique craftsmanship of the buildings, this self-guided adventure provides a comprehensive look at a forgotten chapter of local history. By exploring independently, you can take as much time as you need to soak in the details of the ornate wood carvings and the serene courtyard gardens that make this wooden oasis so special.

Highlights

The prefabricated wooden houses brought from Maine in 1866

Immanuel Church’s stunning Gothic Revival architecture

The historic Jerusalem Hotel building on Auerbach Street

The transition from American wood to German stone architecture

A stroll through the trendy and green Park HaMesila

The Maine Friendship House museum and restoration

Tour Stops (6)

Park HaMesila

Start your journey at Park HaMesila, the 'Railway Park.' This linear green space follows the path of the original Jaffa-Jerusalem railway line, which operated from 1892. Before the railway, this area was a rugged landscape that the first American settlers had to navigate. Today, it serves as a bridge between the historic neighborhoods of Neve Tzedek, the American Colony, and Jaffa. As you walk along the old tracks, notice how the city has transformed from an industrial corridor into a community hub. This park provides the perfect context for our walk, representing the modernization that eventually surrounded the quiet colony we are about to enter.

Auerbach St 4

Standing before Auerbach St 4, you are looking at the Norton House. Built in 1866 by the Norton family, who were among the original American colonists from Maine, this is one of the few surviving wooden structures from that era. The wood was actually pre-cut in the United States and shipped across the Atlantic. When the American colony failed due to disease and hardship, the German Templers purchased the building. They later added a stone wing and turned it into a hotel. It’s a fascinating architectural hybrid that perfectly illustrates the shift from the American to the German period of the neighborhood.

Auerbach St 6

Next door at Auerbach St 6 stands a grander structure that once served as the Jerusalem Hotel. This building represents the second wave of settlers: the Templers. Unlike the Americans who favored wood, the Germans preferred the permanence of stone. This building was designed by the architect Dr. Paulus Ferdinand Palmer and later operated by the Hardegg family. It was once the height of luxury in the area, hosting travelers who arrived via the nearby railway. Notice the intricate masonry and the blend of European styles with local materials, a hallmark of Templer construction in the late 19th century.

Auerbach Street

Take a moment to simply walk the length of Auerbach Street. This is the heart of the colony. Look up at the gables, the shutters, and the small gardens. This street was designed to feel like a village, far removed from the dense urban fabric of Old Jaffa. The settlers wanted to recreate the comfort of their homelands—whether Maine or Southern Germany—while living in what was then a desolate Ottoman province. The quietude here is intentional, preserved over decades to maintain the neighborhood's unique residential character. It remains one of the most sought-after and expensive residential streets in modern Tel Aviv.

Maine Friendship House

This is the Maine Friendship House, perhaps the most iconic stop on our route. Originally built by the Wentworth family in 1866, it was painstakingly restored by Jean and Reed Holmes. Inside, it functions as a small museum dedicated to the 157 Maine Christians who came here to prepare the land for the return of the Jews, a prerequisite in their belief for the Second Coming. The house is a rare example of a 'balloon frame' wooden structure in the Middle East. It stands as a monument to the resilience, and ultimate tragedy, of the American settlers who faced immense challenges in this unfamiliar environment.

Immanuel Church

Our final stop is the Immanuel Church, completed in 1904. This Lutheran church was built to serve the German Templer community, though they eventually moved toward more secular ideologies. The building is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture, featuring beautiful stained glass and a pipe organ. It was funded largely by donations from Germans, including the royal family. Today, it serves a diverse international congregation and remains a center for music and culture. Its spire is a landmark for the neighborhood, symbolizing the spiritual aspirations that drove both the Americans and the Germans to establish this wooden oasis in the sand.

Frequently Asked Questions

The American Colony is a small historic neighborhood established in 1866 by Christian settlers from Maine, later expanded by German Templers. It is famous for its unique New England-style wooden architecture, which is rare in Israel.