- Address: Lower Galilee, Tiberias, Israel;
- Height: 400 m;
- Sightseeing: synagogue, national park, ruins of the urban settlement, a place for bejazhampinga.
Mount Arbel is one of the popular attractions of Israel , which is located in the Lower Galilee, near Tiberias . From its top there is a beautiful view of the surroundings, as well as the Sea of Galilee , all of this despite the fact that the mountain does not exceed 400 m. After climbing the high slopes, tourists can see Galilee, Safed and the Golan Heights in all its splendor.
What is interesting for tourists?
In addition to the beautiful sight of travelers, cave reviews are expected in which the robbers hid in the time of King Herod. The peculiarity of the hill is that the first 200 m of the mountain does not differ from the others, but the next 200 m of travelers are expected by steep cliffs. They are full of caves and even there is a cave-fortress, the ruins of an ancient synagogue. The rock appeared as a result of a geographic fault, like the neighboring Nitai. At the top of the mountain are four settlements:
- Kfar Zeitim;
- Arbel;
- Kfar Hittim;
- Mizpah.
To make it easier for tourists to explore the surrounding area, an observation deck was created here, from which even a part of the bay is visible. During the ascent, thirst will not exactly torment the travelers, because the source is beating from the rock. Tourists are provided with amenities such as free parking, toilet, buffet, different hiking routes.
Attractions on Mount Arbel
Infrastructure near the mountain is constantly evolving, so there will be new entertainment for tourists. Mount Arbel ( Israel ) is popular among tourists for several reasons. Here is Wadi Hamam , that is, the "stream of pigeons" in Arabic. The name easily explains the many pigeons that hide in caves among the rocks.
If you believe the legends, it is on Mount Arbel is the grave of the third son of Adam and Eve - Seth (Shet), as well as the graves of the founders of the tribes of Israel - the sons and the daughter of the forefather Jacob. Arriving to see Mount Arbel, you should pay attention to the settlement of the same name. It appeared here during the Roman rule, as well as the Mishnah and the Talmud.
The ruins of the urban settlement have survived to this day, like the remains of an ancient synagogue. The largest of the caves is enclosed by a wall, in it the insurgents hid during the Roman invasion. The invaders could not overcome them until they dropped the cages with the soldiers from the top.
Having climbed to the top, you should also inspect the remains of the synagogue of the 4th century AD. You can also see benches, sarcophagi and columns. The construction of a synagogue in such a place can be explained by the high income of parishioners who donated funds for a good cause. The first synagogue was discovered in 1852, but studies began only in 1866 by representatives of the British Foundation.
Mount Arbel is a national and natural reserve , getting into which tourists forget about time. Nature lovers will appreciate the local flora and the surrounding landscape. Those who prefer hiking, it is worth to look at the two routes that are difficult. In a more complex route it is supposed to descend from the rock along the embedded metal feet.
Mount Arbel is also known in Israel because it is the only place for basijjumping , that is, for jumping from a fixed object with a parachute. On the mountain everything is fully equipped for extreme lovers.
How to get there?
Before you go in search of adventure, you should find out where is Mount Arbel and how to get there. It is best to do this by arriving in Tiberias , after reaching the intersection of Tiberias-Golan Heights to Highway 77, and then turn at the intersection of Kfar Hattim on the road 7717. From there you will have to turn to Moshav Arbel and turn left without entering the moshav, then you will have to drive 3.5 km to the destination.