Mount Arbel National Park
הר ארבל
Towering cliffs on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, with a summit view over the whole lake, ancient cave fortresses on the rock face, and a highlight of the Jesus Trail.
Mount Arbel rises about 390 meters above the lake's surface. Its eastern side is an almost vertical limestone cliff, into which cave fortresses from the Second Temple period were carved. Herod once sent soldiers in suspended baskets to attack rebels hiding in them. A car can reach the parking lot near the summit, and a short walk brings you to the lookout over the whole Sea of Galilee, Tiberias and the hills across the lake. On a clear day, you can also see Mount Hermon in the distance. Fit hikers can take the steep cliff trail down to the base (about 1.5–2 hours, with iron rings to hold onto). This stretch is part of both the Jesus Trail and the Israel National Trail. At the foot of the mountain are the ruins of the ancient Arbel synagogue. Admission is about NIS 22.
Opening hours
Summer 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; winter 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Nearby sights
- Magdala
- Sea of Galilee Boat Ride & Ancient Galilee Boat (Ginosar)
- Tiberias Old City & Promenade
- Tabgha (Church of the Multiplication & Primacy of St. Peter)
- Mount of Beatitudes
- Capernaum
- Yardenit Baptismal Site
- Safed (Tzfat) Old City