Ascend to the most iconic viewpoint over the Sea Of Galilee. On the way up visit the ancient Arbel fortress built inside the rock. On the way down, visit the ancient Arbel synagogue and hike down the Arbel Wadi under the cliffs.
| Hike Metrics | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 8 Km |
| Short versions | N/ A |
| Climb | 330 m |
| Level | Moderate |
| Best | Dec - Apr |
| Possible | Nov - May |
| Location |  |
| / Start Point | |
| Hike Description | |
Important Note: The hike is graded as moderate. However, there are several steep and exposed sections with metal handles and ladders.
HIKE DESCRIPTION:
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- Starting point – parking area at the entrance to Hamam village (1).
- start by Following the ‡Red‡ markers (Part of the INT)
- After 400 m, at the junction with a ‡Green‡ marked trail (2)., turn left and continue with the ‡Red‡ markers.
- Climb steadily for 2.4 Km, until you reach a junction with a ‡Black‡ marked trail (3).
- Our route continues with ‡Black‡ markers, but before we continue, we make a short detour to visit the Arbel Fortress.
The fortification that was carved in to the rocks were built by the Galilean Jews, who barricaded themselves at Arbel in 37 BCE. Herod was sent to suppress the rebellion. His army overcame the rebels only after he had the best of his warriors lowered to the caves in cages suspended by ropes, from which the rebels became convenient targets.
- Walk right, then up the stairs and visit the fortress that is carved into the cliff.
- Retrace your steps back to (3) and continue up with the ‡Black‡ markers (Part of the INT) until the junction with the ‡Blue‡ marker at the top of the mountain. (4)
- Follow the ‡Blue‡ markers for 200 m until you reach the “Mul Kinneret” Lookout in memory of the IDF soldier Roei Dror.
- Retrace your steps to (4) and continue on the ‡Black‡ markers for about 100 m to reach the famous Carob Lookout. The spot is straightforward to find. It is under the single lonely Carob tree that can be seen from afar.
- Start at the Mediterranean Sea
- Climb to Mount Meron
- Visit old Safed
- Hike down Amud Stream
- Finish at the Sea of Galilee
Inn to Inn Hiking with Luggage Tranfer
Price from:
2,000 NIS
- It is probably one of the most photographed views of the Sea of Galilee, and justly so. The perfect spot for an extended break.
- You are now inside the Arbel National Park after you entered it through the back door.
- Continue with the ‡Black‡ markers for 600 m and reach the National Park’s entrance. (5)
- Pay the entrance fee upon exiting, and follow the unmarked paved road for 1.1 Km until you reach a junction with the ‡Green‡ marked trail and a small parking lot (6).
- Turn left on the ‡Green‡ markers, and after a few minutes, you will reach the ruins of the ancient synagogue.
- Continue on the ‡Green‡ markers, and after a few minutes, you will cross a paved road and start to descend to the wadi. Continue for 700 m until you reach the bed of the Arbel Wadi. (7)
- Turn right and continue following the ‡Green‡ markers downstream, with the Arbel cliffs towering above you. until you reach the junction with the ‡Red‡ marker (1.3 Km) where we began the route. (2)
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- Quality Hiking Maps
- GPS Navigation App
- Zoom Maps for critical areas
- GPX File
- Hike Description
- All in English!
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Automatic immediate download link
MOUNT ARBEL FAQ’s
What is the altitude of mount Arbel?
Mount Arbel is 180 m ASL, but it rises very sharply 390 meters from the Sea of Galilee.
Where can I find a hiking map for mount Arbel?
You can download the map here
Is Mount Arbel mentioned in the Bible?
Arbel is mentioned in the Bible in Hosha 10:14 “the roar of battle will rise against your people so that all your fortresses will be devastated— as Shalman devastated Beth ARBEL on the day of battle when mothers were dashed to the ground with their children.”
However, there is no proof that it is the exact spot of Mount Arbel. Further Reading
Did jesus pass on Mount Arbel ?
We don’t know. But many Christians like to visit the Abel summit because it is an amazing view point to the surrounding area where Jesus ministered.
Is it tough to reach mount Arbel Summit ?
If you enter through the national park it’s an easy 10 minutes flat walk. If you choose to hike from the Sea of Galilee is a 3 km hike with 400 m steep ascend.