Plizio Visual Lab
Horns of Hattin
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
battlefield
The Horns of Hattin are the twin peaks of an extinct volcano in Lower Galilee, west of Tiberias. The site gained global historical prominence as the location of the Battle of Hattin on July 4, 1187, a turning point in the Crusades. In this decisive clash, the Ayyubid army led by Sultan Saladin defeated the Crusader forces of the Kingdom of Jerusalem under King Guy of Lusignan. Deprived of water and exhausted by the summer heat, the Crusaders were surrounded and decimated by Saladin’s forces. This victory led directly to the Muslim reconquest of Jerusalem and most Crusader-held territories in the Levant. Archaeological findings on the peaks include remnants of a Bronze Age fortress and a medieval village. Today, the site is a national park, popular for its hiking trails and commanding views of the Galilee landscape, serving as a silent witness to one of history’s most significant military encounters.
- Location: Israel
- Top sights: Ein Elabon · Har HaKotz · Horvat Esad
- Nearby: Tiberias (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 22 | 16 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 90 | 77 | 38 | 21 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 45 | 77 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The sprawling site is an open, unprotected natural landscape encompassing a dramatic extinct volcanic formation where visitors can freely hike and extensively explore the famed historic battlefield grounds.
Typical hours
As an unregulated public open space, the entire area is generally accessible from early dawn until late dusk; morning or late afternoon visits are usually the most comfortable due to the cooler temperatures.
Photography
The elevated twin peaks provide sweeping, panoramic views over the shimmering Sea of Galilee and the surrounding deep valleys, making wide-angle landscape and nature photography particularly highly rewarding.
Time needed
Climbing steadily to the scenic top and walking directly across the wide historic plateau typically requires about one and a half to two hours, strongly depending on your individual hiking pace and stamina.
Combine with
This rugged historical hike perfectly complements a wider, more comprehensive tour of the Galilee region, seamlessly including the nearby significant religious sites scattered around Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee.
Getting there
Reaching the remote starting point of the trail generally requires private transportation, with informal designated parking areas often situated near the main gravel access road just below the towering peaks.
Insider tip
Due to the complete lack of shade on the exposed volcanic hills, it is absolutely essential to bring strong sun protection, a hat, and a very adequate supply of drinking water for your entire hike.
Geography
Facts
- The Battle of Hattin took place on July 4, 1187
- Sultan Saladin defeated the Crusader forces under Guy of Lusignan
- The site is an extinct volcano with two distinct peaks
- The victory led to the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187
- Located in Lower Galilee, overlooking the Arbel Valley
- Remains of a Bronze Age fortification were found on the slopes
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Horns of Hattin (10)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What happened at the Horns of Hattin?
The decisive battle between Saladin and the Crusaders took place here in 1187.
Is it a hike?
Yes, the ascent to the extinct volcano is an easy hike.
What equipment do I need?
Sturdy shoes, a sun hat, and plenty of water are recommended.
When is the best time?
In spring, the landscape is beautifully green and blooming.
Are there signposts?
Yes, the trails are marked, but you should follow a map.
Horns of Hattin: where is it located?
Horns of Hattin is located in Israel.
Horns of Hattin: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ein Elabon, Har HaKotz, Horvat Esad.
Horns of Hattin: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Horns of Hattin: why is it worth visiting?
The Horns of Hattin are the twin peaks of an extinct volcano in Lower Galilee, west of Tiberias.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Israel →
Nearby cities
Nazareth
Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel and holds immense significance as a Christian pilgrimage site.
Nahariya
Nahariya is the northernmost coastal city in Israel, serving as a popular summer resort destination.
Afula
Afula is often known as the Capital of the Jezreel Valley, located in the Northern District of Israel.
Tiberias
Tiberias is an ancient city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, considered one of Judaism's Four Holy Cities.
Safed (Tzfat)
Safed is a high-altitude city in Galilee, known as the center of Jewish mysticism and for its picturesque artist colony.
Beit Jann
A high-altitude Druze village in northern Israel, famous for warm hospitality and a cool mountain climate.
Katzrin
The unofficial capital of the Golan Heights, famous for its ancient park and world-class wineries.
Rosh Pinna
Rosh Pinna is a charming historical settlement in Upper Galilee, known for its restored stone houses and relaxed atmosphere.
Metula
Israel's northernmost town, famous for its picturesque fruit orchards and cool mountain air.
Gesher HaZiv
An idyllic kibbutz in Galilee, known for its proximity to the Achziv National Park and spectacular blue lagoons.
Rosh HaNikra
A spectacular natural wonder on Israel's northernmost coast, famous for its white chalk cliffs and sea grottoes.
History & landmarks
Mount of Beatitudes
The Mount of Beatitudes on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee is the traditional site where Jesus is believed to have delivered his…
Mount Tabor
The distinctive Mount Tabor rises isolated from the Jezreel Valley and is considered in Christian tradition to be the site of the Transfi…
Basilica of the Annunciation
The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth stands over the site where Catholic tradition holds that the Angel Gabriel announced the bir…
Nature
Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and holds great historical and religious significance in Christianity.
Dan River
The Dan River is the largest tributary of the Jordan River, originating from strong, ice-cold springs in the north of the country.
Lake Ram
Lake Ram is a picturesque volcanic crater lake in the northern Golan Heights, surrounded by orchards.
More places
Akko Old City Walls
Impressive fortifications surrounding the ancient port city of Acre.
Mount Arbel
Mount Arbel rises with steep cliffs over the Sea of Galilee, offering a spectacular view of the entire Galilee region.
Capernaum
An ancient fishing village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Yardenit Baptismal Site
Yardenit is a popular baptismal site on the Jordan River, attracting countless Christian pilgrims each year who wish to be baptized in th…
Beit Netofa Valley
A broad, agricultural valley in the Lower Galilee region, known for its rich olive oil production.
Mount Meron
Mount Meron in Galilee is the highest mountain located entirely within the internationally recognized borders of Israel.
Belvoir Fortress
A well-preserved Crusader fortress overlooking the Jordan Valley.
Tel Hazor
The ruins of the largest ancient city from the biblical period in Israel.