Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), drawn by Global Adventurer.
The hike
From the Nabi Shu'ayb car park, below the white shrine, follow the track and the path up the ridge to the large memorial where Christian tradition places the Sermon on the Mount, and on to the Horns of Hattin (קרני חיטין), the two peaks of an old volcano. From the northern horn the view takes in the Sea of Galilee and the cliff of Mount Arbel. Come back the same way.
It is 3.9 km there and back with 166 m of ascent; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: paths and tracks over rock and grass. INPA gives the route as 2 km one way, 2 to 3 hours with time at the viewpoints.
Nabi Shu'ayb, the tomb of Jethro, is the main holy site of the Druze in Israel and is crowded around the pilgrimage at the end of April; dress modestly and follow the guidance there. The Crusader army was beaten here at the Battle of Hattin in 1187. In spring look for lupins and Persian buttercups on the slopes, and in January for cyclamen and hyacinths.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The Horns of Hattin are the two peaks of an old volcano above the Sea of Galilee; the northern horn looks over the lake and the cliff of Mount Arbel
- Nabi Shu'ayb, the tomb of Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, is the main holy site of the Druze in Israel; each year around the end of April tens of thousands of Druze make a pilgrimage here
- Christian tradition places the Sermon on the Mount on the hill, and a large memorial of a Christian order stands below the horns
- The Crusader army was defeated at the Battle of Hattin in 1187; OpenStreetMap marks a battlefield lookout on the ridge
Summits on the way
- Karnei Hittin · passed close by
Getting there
Start: Nabi Shu'ayb car park, below the Horns of Hattin. 32.80558, 35.45159
Directions to the start
Google Maps Apple Maps Waze Moovit
Waze drives you to the car park; Moovit has the buses and trains to the start.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Nabi Shu'ayb car park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line is drawn along OpenStreetMap paths and the figures are worked out from it; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.