Hiking Jerusalem Mountains

The area entitled Jerusalem Mountains is part of the Judea mountains where Jerusalem is located, and hence the name. The area is of high historical importance because of its proximity to Jerusalem. Thousands of years of human history: Pilgrims passed through to the holy places of worship; Numerous armies fought their way through these mountains to the holy city; Bar-Kokhva’s rebels hid here in caves from the Romans where later Crusaders fought Salah-A-Din’s Muslim warriors.

The area is settled with few urban settlements such (Mevaseret Zion and Zur Hadassah) and villages all across. The mountains are covered with pine trees, which make it pleasant to hike even during the hot summer season.

Over one hundred underground springs run through the mountains and valleys. Numerous Terraces built along the slopes are silent evidence to thousands of years of agriculture. The area offers remains from ancient settlements such as Kefar Sum (a village from First Temple times), farmhouses from Roman ages and from the Bizantic period (Sataf, Ein Handak) and crusaders’ sites  (Abu Gosh Church, Zova Fort, Ein Hemed Monestary).

The mountains of Jerusalem are also the place where bitter battles were fought during Israel’s independence war in 1958. Among the famous sites are the Kastel (in Mevaseret Zion) and Burma Road, which was the hidden road used to sneak supplies by foot into Jerusalem.

Each season offers its scents and colors. Springtime is the most colorful:

Jerusalem Mountains area is a worthy attraction and recommended recreation area. Great for hiking, bicycle rides, off-road tracking of just to enjoy a peaceful weekend in a Zimmer (Bed&Breakfast).

Attraction to hiking families
 
Pine Forrest
Ruins at Kefar Sum
 
Ancient reservoir , Sataf Overlooking Hadassah Ein Karem

Photography by Isaac Mendelson

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