“I want to climb the mountains because they are there” is a charming phrase, and is especially true for anyone who seeks peace of mind plus a heavenly view. From Mount Hermon to Masada: here is a list of the most famous mountains in Israel for those looking for a peak to conquer.
“There is always a mountain at some point,” Schultz told Django, in Trentino’s memorable western. And he was right indeed. Because a story (or trip) without a mountain, is a story (or trip) without a plot twist.
One way or another, tour guides like to start their hikes with an observation from the top of a mountain. The reason is known: for the orientation of course. But this time, the peaks will be not just a starting point but the thing itself. In short, we are all about the climb. After all, there is nothing down there that is better than what is up in the heavens. And besides – from above things look different.
Some of the peaks mentioned here can be reached on foot, but in some cases, it is also possible to reach the top by car. This is not a shame, and not all of us can embrace the pain. However, when you get to the top, you will probably look around and realize that it was worth the climb.
Mount Hermon: Snowy Grandfather
Names of places in the Arabic language tend to be more exotic, more mysterious. What in Hebrew is commonly called “Hermon” (or a bunch of other names in the Bible), is known in Arabic as Jabal a-Sheikh, or the mountain of the sheikh. Sheikh is usually an elderly man, whose beard is white. Like Mount Hermon in the snow.
So where have we been all winter, you ask? So it is, that precisely in the spring when the snow is already melted, it is no less beautiful here. Maybe even more. It turns out that even on Mount Hermon there are several blooms of rare plants that do not exist elsewhere in the country. The Romulea nivalis or the Gagea bohemica are just two examples. This high mountain, which reaches about 2,040 meters, is open to visitors all year round, and sometimes even guided tours are held in its northern part, with an emphasis on botany, zoology, and of course – battle heritage. Zoologically, it is said that even squirrels are here, as well as a snake from a species that has been given a local name: the Hermon viper.
So now that the slippery plastic bag skaters have left the place until next winter, you better go north and climb to vantage points from which you can see much farther than you think: the Golan Heights, the Galilee, and even the Syrian neighbor. This point is situated on the south-eastern slopes of Mount Hermon, a few kilometers off the Purple line, in the Israeli-occupied portion of the Golan Heights. But you do not have to sweat, the winter cable car works in spring and summer as well. You have to buy a ticket and make sure the timing is right, but the panoramic view compensates for the lack of spontaneity.
Mount Meron: Looping around
There are two ways to get to the ring road that surrounds the summit of Mount Meron. One is getting there by car, and the other is to suffer the climb. A matter of principle, and also of the love of suffering. And since this is the most fun suffering there is, our preference is indeed to climb. And when climbing, the view from Mount Meron is the best there is, very saturated with natural colors, as you can expect at 1,208 meters above sea level.
At this height, several species of flowers thrive, which in the spring paint the summit with beautiful spots, including blue sage, mountain tulips, Anatolian orchids, and more. But with all due respect to the spring blooms, we are here for the view. And there is a lot of it. In fact, there are 360 degrees of it. “At least 360 degrees,” someone here said, “because it’s tempting to keep doing another spin on the summit.”
By the way, in the context of Mount Meron, the word summit is misleading, because it is impossible to reach the very top of the mountain. Why? Because of the presence of a military base. Talk about a good place to serve. After the slightly arduous ascent, the walk up the summit is leisurely, with plenty of glimpses into the changing landscape, and among a dense grove of trees, including Terebinths, oaks, and more. The route is about two kilometers long, but thanks to the views, it is possible to spend half a day here having fun. What do You see? What not: Golan, Galilee, Carmel, Gilboa, and even Mount Hermon, that pop up far in the north on a good day.
Mount Meron is located in the Upper Galilee region of Israel. It has special significance in Jewish religious tradition and parts of it have been declared a nature reserve. The mountain has extensive undergrowth and cannot be climbed from every direction. The main path starts at the northwest side of the Meron village. There is a gate next to the road, with a color-marked path of about 10 km. There is also a path on the west side of the mountain.
Mount Arbel: Steep. Very Steep.
The Arbel is not one of the highest mountains in Israel, by far. But everything is relative, right? So if the Arbel rises to a height of only 180 meters, what’s so special about it? Ahh! Because these 180 meters are measured from the sea, but here, near the Syrian-African rift, the Arbel rises to a height of no less than 400 meters above the Sea of Galilee. And that, friends, is already a pretty serious height.
You can also climb to the Arbel by car or on foot. And precisely here, the hike will be unforgettable, mainly thanks to the steepness that characterizes the sides of this mountain, which starred in the days of King Herod. In those days, the king sent his warriors to purge the mountain of rebels, which hid in rock-hewn caves above the abyss. As a silent testimony to those historic days, you will also find here an ancient fortification system, which is reached by climbing (or descending) scary stairs.
This tragic story of past wars softens a bit as one stares for a long time at the nearby landscape, which is all color squares of carefully cultivated farmland. In general, beyond the Sea of Galilee that shimmers east of you, you can enjoy the open view of the Jordan Valley, the Golan Heights, and, of course, the Galilee. The mountain itself is composed of hard dolomite rock and impressive in its beauty and boasts a steep block. In any case, this is a national park, and at the entrance you will receive information and maps about the various routes, so you can choose your trip according to the level of interest and difficulty that suits you.
Fun fact – Mount Arbel, with its 110-meter vertical drop, is the only known mountain in Israel to serve as a base jumping site. A hike to the top of Mount Arbel from the south is included in the Israel National Trail, and an approach from the west is part of the Jesus Trail, The trails converge temporarily at the peak.
Mount Scopus: Between City and Desert
Mount Scopus will never be the first on a list of mountains in Israel, but when one thinks of Jerusalem, claustrophobic scenes in the form of walls, tunnels, caves, and narrow alleys come to mind. Want a corrective experience for all this claustrophobia? Drive to Mount Scopus. You can also climb it on foot, although it is a bit more complex. One section of the lovely Jerusalem Trail will take you up the mountain, for a length of about four kilometers. However, this is a route that may be a bit sensitive in terms of security, so it is worth considering this carefully as well as traveling in a group.
The car option is much simpler, and it will take you straight to the impressive view of this ancient city, which always reveals another side and other aspects of it. Mount Scopus is also a beautiful vantage point because of the contrast it provides – Jerusalem on the one hand and the Judean Desert on the other. Just like standing on a topographic map of giants. The most beautiful lookout point is well built and is located on the outskirts of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Mount Scopus campus. Here, by the way, at an altitude of about 830 meters above sea level, the inauguration ceremony of the university was held about 90 years ago. The view, it seemed, was quite similar.
Located in northeast Jerusalem, Mount Scopus offers amazing views of the city. It is one of the three peaks that comprise the Mount of Olives range and reaches 826 meters above sea level.
On the western slope of the mountain, you will see Ammunition Hill, which includes a memorial and a museum dedicated to the Six-Day War. You can also visit several cemeteries and the National Botanical Gardens on the grounds of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Masada: World Heritage Site
On a secluded cliff in the heart of a desert, overlooking the Dead Sea from above and the wild landscapes of the Judean Desert, there once was a magnificent palace. During the Great Revolt, the last rebels in Rome fortified it, making their desperate war a symbol of the struggle for freedom.
It is not only sunrise enthusiasts who visit the paths that climb to the top of Masada – the mountain, the symbol, and the myth. True, sunrise from the top of the mountain is breathtaking, but if you are not in the business of getting up before dawn, even eight in the morning is a beautiful time to climb up. You can hike it on foot or use the cable car, but keep in mind that the ascent is much more exciting when done on foot, and takes about 30-40 minutes.
In any case, if you have not been to Masada in a long time, it’s time to do it justice and visit the place. You do not need us to tell you about the history of the site, but in any case, do not miss a view from one of the most beautiful points here: above the remains of the northern palace, with an unobstructed view of the Dead Sea, the Judean Desert and lots of winged birds flying above you and marveling – what do humans do in heaven?
Now, after the mind-blowing view, it’s time to explore the place with its fascinating stories. And if you have not yet visited the (relatively) new Masada Museum – it’s time to do so.
Mount Bental: History and View
Mount Bental is one of our favorite mountains in Israel to visit, partly due to the great panoramic views of the Golan Heights and even Syria but also because of its history: Mount Bental was the site of a courageous battle fought during Israel’s war for the Golan. A short drive up, the mountain-top provides both scenic beauty and a glimpse back at the past – with bunkers open to visitors.
Mount Bental can be found in the middle of the Golan Heights, towards the Syrian border. At its peak, you can visit the old army bunkers which are open to the public. In a small room within the bunker, the story of the battle that took place here can be read from signs on the wall, along with maps that help to understand the logistics and geography.
The battle itself was held during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. It was one of the largest tank battles ever conducted and was miraculously won by the Israelis with their small force of 160 tanks, which defeated 1,500 tanks and 1,000 artillery Syrian vehicles. The Israeli army suffered large casualties as well and by the time the battle was over, after four days of fighting, only 7 Israeli tanks were operational. After 900 of the Syrian tanks were destroyed, the Syrians turned and fled, leaving the land for the victorious Israelis. Today, to remember the bloody battle, the valley below the mountain, reaching Mount Hermon, is called the Valley of Tears.
If the history is too heavy on you, on your way to the top you can visit the Bental Reservoir, a hot spring that allows you to take a quick break and refresh.
Mount Gilboa: Hiking Heaven
Mount Gilboa, located in the Lower Galilee region, south of the Sea of Galilee is one of the most beautiful mountains in Israel, overlooking the Jezreel Valley to the north and the Jordan Valley to the south-east. The meaning of the Hebrew name Gilboa is “boiling springs”, and once you get there you understand why. The mountains are full of wildflowers, no matter what the season, and is a stunning, tranquil area to explore, offering a break from the intense summer heat with a cool breeze.
The Gilboa Scenic Road is your access point into this array of hikes, viewpoints, picnic sites, bike paths, and stunning outlooks, and is a great path to follow when exploring the area.
Eilat Mountains
The Eilat mountains (Harei Eilat in Hebrew), offer some of the most breathtaking views and spectacular desert routes in all of Israel. This large mountain range is located just miles north of Israel’s most southern city, Eilat. Known for its stunning beauty, hikers and adventurers marvel at the rich yellow, red and brown colors of the mountain’s rocky landscape. The range includes the breathtaking Red Canyon – a geologically unique region with incredible desert scenery, as well as the Timna Valley ranges, the Pillars of Amram – two natural rock formations caused by the erosion of sandstone (from there, many hikers venture on to the peak of Mount Amir for a fantastic view).
Most begin at the Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve, which has desert routes and trails that follow ancient trading routes and the Great Rift Valley. Depending on the trail and the weather, from certain observation platforms, you can see four countries: Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
Mount Tabor: Landscapes and Religion
Mount Tabor is located in the heart of the Lower Galilee and dominates the valleys and valleys around it from a high altitude. The peak is 562 meters high, about 400 meters above its surroundings. It was declared a nature reserve and national park in 1991, on a total area of about 4 dunams that includes natural habitats, beautiful scenic views, antiquities, and historical sites.
On Mount Tabor, there are two different points of interest: nature and landscape sites and religious sites. Several hiking trails have been marked with beautiful scenic views, and the Israel National Trail passes through its area. On the route around the summit, there are great scenic views. In addition, there are several caves in the mountain area, especially at the top, some of which are natural, which were used as quarries from which stones were carved to build the wall. In the northern part, below the Greek church, there is a cave whose opening is built of dressed stones and is open for visits.
The place is active as a religious site that attracts many pilgrims. The Greek Orthodox Church opens only a few times a year, while the Franciscan Church is open to the public, including the Church of the Transfiguration and its ancient remains. The winding road does not allow buses to travel, so a visitor center was established at its base, near the village of Shibli, from which organized taxis depart for the summit. Admission is free and there is parking.
More Mountains in Israel
Want to keep climbing? here are some other notable mentions.
Mount Sodom – Perhaps one of the most famous mountains in israelIsrael, Mount Sodom contains the world’s largest salt cave. Technically, it is a hill found in the southwestern area of the Judean Desert near the Dead Sea. It takes its name from the legendary city of Sodom, whose destruction is the subject of a narrative in the Bible. The soil there, containing 80% Salt, creates a unique landscape that cannot be found anywhere else. Deep creeks and special rock formations, all in bright white colors.
The Herodium – Known as Har Hordos in Hebrew, is an ancient citadel, located about 12 kilometers south of Jerusalem. The mountain stands at 2,487 feet above sea level and is the highest peak in the Judean Desert. From the top, visitors can enjoy remarkable views of Bethlehem and the surrounding region. The site is widely believed as the burial place of King Herod the Great, who built a lavish palace on the mountain some 2,000 years ago. Today, it’s one of the major archaeological digs in Israel where hundreds of precious artefacts have been discovered.
Mount Ardon – Another one of the mountains in Israel that you should visit. It is located on the eastern wall of Ramon Crater and reaches a height of about 722 meters above sea level. The mountain, which has a huge trapezoidal shape, can be seen from almost every corner of the Ramon Crater, as the top of it is located about 300 meters in height above the crater, so it offers hikers a spectacular view.
And so, that is it for today. There are more mountains in Israel we think are worth a visit, but this post has become too long. Thankfully we have an entire website to fill.
In case you have any questions, recommendations, or comments – please write us in the comments below. we would love to hear your thoughts!
