An ancient, UNESCO-listed forest of Lebanon’s legendary cedar trees.
The Cedars of God, known in Arabic as Arz el-Rab, is one of the last surviving groves of Lebanon’s ancient cedar trees, high in the mountains near Bcharré about 120 km from Beirut. Some of these majestic trees are over a thousand years old, and the forest — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is a living symbol of Lebanon, pictured on its very flag.
"Quick facts",
Lebanon’s cedars have been prized since antiquity — used by the Phoenicians for their ships and mentioned throughout ancient texts. Centuries of logging left only a few ancient groves, of which the Cedars of God is the most famous. Protected today and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, it stands as an enduring emblem of the country.
Walk shaded paths among towering trees, some over a millennium old.
Cool, fragrant forest high in the northern mountains.
In winter, the area doubles as a ski resort.
The Cedars of God are about 120 km north of Beirut — roughly a 2 to 2.5-hour drive up into the mountains above Bcharré. They’re usually visited on a northern day tour with the Qadisha Valley and Bcharré.
One of the last ancient groves of Lebanon’s legendary cedar trees, some over a thousand years old — a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bcharré.
About 120 km — roughly a 2 to 2.5-hour drive into the northern mountains.
Late spring to autumn for walking among the trees; in winter the area becomes a ski resort and roads may be snowy.
