Ajloun, Jordan: travel guide
Forested hills and a hilltop castle in northern Jordan
A green highland town in the north known for the 12th-century Ayyubid castle of Qal'at ar-Rabad, built by Saladin's forces, and the oak-forested Ajloun Forest Reserve.
About Ajloun
Ajloun is a small highland town in northern Jordan, set among green hills with oak and pine woods, which is a change from the desert landscapes of the south. It is quiet and rural, with a more European feel to its scenery.
The main sight is Ajloun Castle, a twelfth-century Ayyubid fortress on a hilltop with views across the valley. The Ajloun Forest Reserve nearby has walking trails through woodland, and some visitors stay in the reserve's cabins. The town is easy to combine with Jerash, which is about a short drive away.
Ajloun suits walkers, families and travellers wanting a break from the desert. Spring is especially pleasant for walking in the hills, and autumn is also good.
- Country
- Jordan
- Currency
- JOD
- Time zone
- Asia/Amman
Last updated
Top places to visit in Ajloun
Ajloun Forest Reserve
forest reserve · 4.4 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
An RSCN-managed reserve of oak, pistachio and strawberry-tree woodland with marked hiking trails, a soap house, calligraphy and biscuit workshops, and eco-cabins.
Ajloun Castle (Qal'at ar-Rabad)
medieval castle · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A hilltop Ayyubid castle built in 1184-85 by a commander of Saladin to guard the region and counter Crusader expansion, with panoramic views over the Jordan Valley.
Orjan Village & Soap Trail
village walk · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A green valley village on the fringe of the reserve, the start of gentle walking trails through olive groves, orchards and streams popular in spring.
Ajloun Soap House
artisan workshop · 4.2 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A women-run RSCN social enterprise near the castle producing olive-oil soaps infused with local herbs — a good stop for ethical souvenirs and a short demonstration.
Mar Elias (Prophet Elijah)
byzantine ruins · 5.0 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The excavated ruins of two large Byzantine churches on a hill traditionally linked to the birthplace of the prophet Elijah, with fine mosaic floors.
Things to do
- Ajloun Forest Reserve Guided Hike Nature · 3 h · from JOD 25 per person
- Ajloun Soap-Making Workshop Cultural · 1 h · from JOD 15 per person
Where to stay in Ajloun
- Ajloun Town about JOD 40 per night
A quiet highland base near the castle, handy for the forest reserve and northern Jordan sightseeing.
Hotels
- Ajloun Hotel 2-star · JOD 28 to JOD 50 per night
- Ajloun Forest Reserve Cabins 3-star · JOD 55 to JOD 100 per night
Where to eat
- Bawabet Ajloun (Ajloun Gate) Jordanian, Middle Eastern · about JOD 14 per person
- Green Mountain Restaurant Jordanian · about JOD 10 per person
- Lella Restaurant Levantine, Middle Eastern · about JOD 6 per person
Getting to Ajloun
Nearest airport: Amman (AMM), about 71 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Jordan
Frequently asked questions about Ajloun
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Ajloun?
- The highest-rated places in our Ajloun guide are Mar Elias (Prophet Elijah), Ajloun Castle (Qal'at ar-Rabad), Ajloun Forest Reserve, Orjan Village & Soap Trail, Ajloun Soap House.
- Where should I stay in Ajloun?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Ajloun: Ajloun Town.
- How do I get around Ajloun?
- Ways to get around Ajloun covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Taxi, Walking.