Horns of Hattin Hike – Israel By Foot

Horns of Hattin is one of the locations in the holy land associated with the “Sermon of the Mount”. It is also the site of several more biblical and historical events. In addition, it is an amazing viewpoint from where you can see Lake Kinneret, Mount Arbel, and Mount Tabor.

Hike Metrics
Distance	9.0 Km
Short version	3.5 Km
Climb	250 m
Level	Easy - Moderate
Best	Dec - April
Possible	Nov - May (Short Version All year)
Location
Start Point
Start Point
Hike Description

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Horn of Hattin - Introduction

“Horns of Hattin” is a steep hill n the lower Galilee (altitude 327 ASL) rising about 250 meters above the surrounding plains. It is an extinct volcano, with a crater in the middle and twin peaks (“horns”) on each side. The ruins of the large Talmudic period village of “Hittya” are located on the northern slopes of the hill. From these two facts comes the name “Horns of Hattin”. It is also identified with the biblical town “Adamah”.

The location where Jesus preached the “Sermon on the Mount” is still debated. The more accepted location is the Mount of Beatitudes, However, many protestants believe the correct location is the Horn of Hattin. The historic event that made the “Horns of Hattin” famous is the battle between Muslim forces led by Saladin and the crusader’s army, which took place here in 1187. The defeat of the Crusaders in this battle marked the “beginning of the end” of their rule of the Holy land that resulted a few months later in the surrender of Jerusalem to Saldin.

The “Twin Peaks” of the Horns of Hattin

Relevant Bible Mentions:

Joshua 19:32-39 - The boundary of the tribe of Naftali

Text:”The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali,……….and the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth, and Adamah , and Ramah, and Hazor,”
Explanation: The city of Adamah which is believed to be on the Horns of Hattin, is mentioned as a fenced city in the territory of the tribe of Naphtali

Exodus 3:1 - Moses and Jethro

Text: “Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.”
Explanation: Moses is the Shepherd of Jetro’s sheep (His father in law). The tomb of Jethro is located at the foot of the Horns of Hattin

Sermon on the Mount (Mathew Chapters 5-7)

Text: Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them…………………. When Jesus finished saying these things, the crowd was amazed at the way he taught. 29 He wasn’t like the teachers of the Law; instead, he taught with authority. (Full text)
Explanation: The Sermon is the longest continuous discourse of Jesus found in the New Testament and has been one of the most widely quoted elements of the Canonical Gospels. It includes some of the best-known teachings of Jesus, such as the Beatitudes, and the widely recited Lord’s Prayer. The Sermon on the Mount is generally considered to contain the central tenets of Christian discipleship. (Wikipedia)

Understanding the Sermon on the Mount

By Bus: Take line #42 from Tiberias. Get off in “Kfar Zeitim” and walk back about 500 meters to the starting point.

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Hike Description:

Start by following the ‡Blue‡ marked dirt road (Also part of the Jesus Trail) for about 1.6 km, unit a junction with a ‡Black‡ marked dirt road (2).
Turn left and start climbing uphill following the ‡Black‡ markers. At the end of the steep section of the climb, we rejoin the Jesus Trail. Continue with the ‡Black‡ markers for about 2 Kilometers until a junction with a ‡Blue‡ marked trail (3).
Turn left and hike along the ‡Blue‡ marked trail up until the Summit of the “Horns of Hattin” (4).

you are now on the south horn, a perfect spot for an extended break to enjoy the amazing 360° panorama and read/listen about the famous battle between Saladin and the Crusaders that took place just below the hill about 1,000 years ago.

From the summit, there is an amazing panorama. Mount Arbel just below us, the sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, Galilee mountains and Mount Tabor.

Short Version: Park at Nebi Shauyb (5) and climb to the summit (4) and back. (about 3.5 kilometers).

Continue with ‡Blue‡ marked trail going down from the North horn down to the volcanic crater. Notice the ruins of the ancient walls of the biblical town. Cross the crater and climb on the North horn for another great view of the area.
The trail continues to be ‡Blue‡ marked and descends now steeply on the northern slope all the way down to the parking of the Nebi Shuayb tomb (5).

Nebi Shueib Near the Horn of Hattin — Nebi Shueib by Druze Education Center

Nebi Shuayb

Nebi Shuayb is a Druze prophet, traditionally identified with the biblical Jethro, (Father in law of Moses). He is considered the ancestor of all the Druze people and his tomb located at the foot of the Horns of Hattin is considered the most important pilgrimage site for the Druze. In Druze tradition, it is believed that towards the end of his life, Shu?ayb took refuge in a cave on the slopes of the “south Horn” where he would die in old age. His followers buried him at the site and placed a tombstone at his grave. The building standing here today is a modem and serves also a pilgrims hostel mainly during the annual holiday held on 25-28/April.

From Nebi Shuayb just walk down the paved road to the starting point (1).

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