7 Incredible Things to Do in Ajloun, Jordan: Is it Worth Visiting? (2026)

Planning a trip to Ajloun?

While Jordan is undoubtedly known for the red deserts of Petra and Wadi Rum, tucked away in the north lies a lush green landscape that most travellers overlook.

After spending 3 weeks exploring, Ajloun’s unique mix of deep-rooted history, slower-paced village life and scenic hiking trails offered the most authentic experience of Jordanian culture.

Keep reading as I reveal the best things to do in Ajloun, as well as practical tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip, including how to get there and where to stay.

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Is Ajlun Worth Visiting?

If you’re planning your trip to Jordan, Ajloun is most definitely worth visiting.

In contrast to the desert landscapes in the south, Ajloun is full of lush greenery, fascinating history, and offers a much slower pace compared to the rest of the country.

After spending 3 weeks in Jordan, Ajloun was one of the only places that I truly felt like a guest instead of a tourist.

With layers of history woven into the landscape, it’s the perfect spot for those looking to get off the main tourist trail and experience authentic Jordanian culture and hospitality.

Top 7 Best Things To Do in Ajloun

From ancient history to scenic forest hikes, Ajloun is the perfect destination for nature lovers and history fanatics.

It’s conveneint location also makes it the perfect base to explore other places in Northern Jordan on day trips.

Keep reading for the best things to do in Ajloun, Jordan ⬇️

🏰 Explore Ajloun Castle

Visiting Ajloun Castle is quite possibly the most popular thing to do in Ajloun, and it’s a must for anyone traveling through Northern Jordan.

While many of Jordan’s famous fortresses were built by the Crusaders, Ajloun Castle (also known as Qal’at Ar-Rabad) is the only Muslim-built stronghold designed to keep the Crusaders out.

Our local guides informed us that Ajloun Castle was commissioned by Saladin’s nephew in the 12th century to protect the region, functioning as both a defensive and lookout tower.

It is fantastically preserved and offers breathtaking views of the forests and olive trees of Ajloun. Our guides also pointed out the Jordan Valley and the mountains of Galilee in the distance.

While Ajloun Castle is a truly unique historical gem (in a landscape dominated by Roman ruins), it is well worth visiting for the extraordinary views alone.

⛪ Tell Mar Elias

While I didn’t personally make it to the ruins of Tell Mar Elias, the Dutch couple I met in my homestay spent an afternoon there and highly recommended it.

This religious and archaeological site is believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias), and features the ruins of one of the largest Byzantine churches in Jordan, as well as beautifully-preserved mosaics.

It’s only a short 15-minute drive from Ajloun Castle, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike it (these 8-9km form part of the Jordan Trail).

With deep religious meaning for both Christians and Muslims, do not miss Tell Mar Elias as one of the best things to do in Ajloun.

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🌲 Ajloun Forest Reserve

The Ajloun Forest Reserve is the jewel in Northern Jordan’s crown. I was lucky that my homestay host had heaps of local knowledge regarding the different trails.

Since I was hiking from my homestay in the nearby town of Mhna, I opted for the shortest trail once I arrived.

The Roe Deer Trail is the only self-guided option, and is included with your 8 JD entrance fee. It’s a scenic 2km loop that takes around 40 minutes to complete.

You’ll pass through oak and pistachio trees, and there is a stunning viewpoint overlooking the rolling hills of the reserve – I was the only person there, which made it even more special!

If you want to go deeper into the forest, there are several longer trails. For these, you’ll need a licensed guide –

• The Prophet’s Trail: (8.5 km) – Connects the reserve to the ruins of Tell Mar Elias.
• The Orjan Village Trail: (12 km) – A 6-hour trek through wooded valleys and local orchards.
• The Rockrose Trail: (8 km) – A beautiful loop famous for its spring wildflowers.

Beyond hiking, the reserve has become a bit of an adventure hub, with the thrilling Ajloun Zipline.

On my walk back to Mhna, I also stopped by the Soap & Biscuit House, where you can see local women crafting traditional olive oil soaps and sweet treats.

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🏛️ Day trip to Umm Qais from Ajloun

Umm Qais is a popular day trip from Amman, but it’s actually much more convenient to reach it from Ajloun.

The journey takes about 1.5 hours, winding through the scenic countryside of Northern Jordan and passing through the city of Irbid.

While reaching the site is easiest if you have your own car, our homestay helped us find a local guide who picked us up directly.

Umm Qais, also known as the ancient city of Gadara, is a place where you can walk through fascinating layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic history.

While the archaeology is impressive, the real reason to visit is for the stunning panoramic views.

Standing at the intersection of three countries, you can see the Sea of Galilee in Israel, the Golan Heights in Syria, and the lush, rolling hills of Jordan all from one point.

It was truly one of the highlights of my whole trip to Jordan.

🚠 Ajloun Cable Car (Teleferik)

Another one of the best things to do in Ajloun is to ride the Ajloun Cable Car (Teleferik), which is the newest addition to the area.

I didn’t ride the Ajloun Teleferik myself, as I’m not a huge fan of heights, but you can see the cabins passing from the top of Ajloun Castle.

The cable car connects the castle area with the forest reserve, stretching about 2.5 kilometers over the lush green hills.

For non-Jordanians, the ticket is 8 JOD, and it is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM in the summer (shortened to 4:30 PM in winter).

It’s a great way to appreciate Ajloun’s greenery from a different perspective, and it is the perfect “lazy” alternative to hiking if you still want those panoramic views.

Check out the prices below ⬇️

🥾 Local walks & authentic village life

If there’s one piece of advice I can offer about Ajloun, it’s to slow down.

While there are many amazing attractions and things to do in Ajloun, the real magic lies in the quiet moments between them.

Unlike the dry landscapes and busy tourist hotspots in the south, Ajloun is the tranquil, green heart of Jordan.

Leave space in your itinerary to simply wander through the olive groves, chat with the locals, and appreciate the slower pace of village life.

During a walk from my homestay in Mhna, I ended up sitting for tea with a local woman who invited me in off the street.

Even though we couldn’t speak each other’s languages, it was a beautiful moment of Jordanian hospitality and connection with the local community.

I’d highly recommend ditching the itinerary for a few hours, as these authentic interactions create memories that outlast the landmarks.

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🏛️ Day trip to Jerash from Ajloun

While many travellers visit the ancient city of Jerash from Amman, it is also possible with Ajloun as your base instead.

I was actually heading to Jerash as my next destination, so I took the local bus, which was much easier and quicker than I expected.

The journey only takes about 40 minutes, but you do need to wait for the bus to fill up before departing – my bus waited for about 30 minutes before setting off.

For this reason, and to beat the hordes of tour groups from Amman, I’d recommend leaving no later than 8:30 AM.

The bus drops you at the terminal just a few minutes’ walk from Hadrian’s Gate, the main entrance to the archaeological park.

As one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, I suggest dedicating at least 3–4 hours to fully explore the colonnaded streets, the grand theaters, and the breathtaking Oval Forum.

Where to stay in Ajloun

When deciding where to stay in Aljoun, accommodation generally falls into two categories; authentic village homestays or nature-focused cabins.

Check out my top picks below.

Mhna Homestay – My Top Pick

Mhna Homestay is the best place to stay in Ajloun for travellers on a budget and looking to experience Jordanian culture and village life.

I stayed here and could not recommend it enough for a truly authentic homestay experience.

Here’s what I loved about Mhna Homestay –

• Incredible hospitality – the hosts helped us organise day trips, gave us lots of tips for the local area & the home-cooked Jordanian food was incredible
• Located in a local village within walking distance from the Ajloun Nature Reserve
• Super affordable option for budget backpackers or solo travellers

Ajloun Cabins

Staying in a wooden cabin is the best Ajloun accommodation option if you don’t mind spending a little more and want to be in the heart of nature.

There are a couple of options –

• Ajloun Forest Reserve Cabins – located in the nature reserve & managed by Wild Jordan (RSCN) this is the best place to stay in Ajloun for total seclusion & easy access to the hiking trails
• Ajloun Cabins & Resorts – if you don’t want to stay in the reserve itself, there are a few options just outside the park which offer a little more luxury

How to get to Ajloun

To get to Ajloun, you’ll first have to reach Amman Airport (Queen Alia).

Once you’ve arrived in Amman, there are a few options depending on your budget and the level of flexibility you need.

🚌 Public bus

To reach Ajloun by bus, first you’ll need to head to the Amman North Bus Station (Tabarbour).

From here, ask for the bus to Ajloun. They depart all day, but I’d recommend going in the morning.

Like all public buses in Jordan, you’ll need to wait for the bus to fill before departing, so be sure to factor this additional waiting time into your plans.

🚕 Private transfer/taxi

If you prioritise convenience, or if you’re travelling as a group, a private transfer or taxi might be the best option.

Speak with the staff at your hotel about booking a taxi – it should cost no more than 30 JOD ($42).

If you prefer to book in advance, check out this highly-rated transfer from Amman to Ajloun here.

🚗 Rental car

If you want full flexibility and convenience, I’d highly recommend hiring a rental car.

This is the most convenient way to explore the whole country, and gives you the freedom to explore tourist spots that are a little further off the beaten track.

Check out your Jordan rental car options below ⬇️

Ajloun Tours

If you’re short on time or simply prefer everything organised for you, booking a guided tour could be the best option.

Most day trips depart from Amman and explore Northern Jordan, with stops in Jerash, Ajloun, and Umm Qais.

Check out these highly-rated day trips from Amman –

FAQs

What is Ajloun known for?

Ajloun is known for its unique blend of nature, history, and authentic village hospitality.

It’s the greenest region in Jordan, offering a refreshing, cooler climate and a lush landscape that feels worlds away from the southern deserts.

Ajloun is home to the Ajloun Forest Reserve, ancient olive groves, and significant historical and religious sites like Ajloun Castle and Tell Mar Elias.

It is a fantastic place to visit in Jordan for those who like to get off the main tourist trail and want a truly authentic glimpse into Jordanian culture and community.

How long to spend in Ajloun?

If you’re short on time, one day is enough to visit Ajloun Castle, ride the cable car, and take a short hike to appreciate the scenery in the Ajloun Forest Reserve.

However, the true magic of Ajloun lies in the misty mornings, the quiet walks, and the chats with locals.

If you want to experience Ajloun in the best way and truly disconnect, I’d recommend staying at least one night.

I stayed for two nights, with a day trip to Umm Qais on one of the days. This was the perfect amount of time to experience the highlights, as well as soak up the slower pace of village life.

Is Ajloun Castle worth visiting?

As one of the few Muslim-built castles in the country, Ajloun Castle is absolutely worth visiting.

And if not for the history, then it is worth a visit for the views alone. Click here for further details about Ajloun Castle.

How much is the cable car in Ajloun?

The Ajloun Teleferik is a great way to appreciate Ajloun’s rolling green hills without hiking.

The Ajloun Cable Car costs 8 JOD ($11.30) for foreign tourists, and 4 JOD ($5.60) for Jordanians. Check out full details here.

Things To Do in Ajloun: Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! This post has detailed the best things to do in Jordan, and includes everything you need to make the most of your Northern Jordan adventure.

If you have visited Ajloun, I would love to hear from you – drop me a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it was!