Israel’s terrain records a quieter side of volcanism — old lava fields, scoria cones and basalt plateaus that helped shape the Golan Heights, the Jordan Rift margins and parts of the Negev. These features are less dramatic than active stratovolcanoes, but they tell a clear geological story about faulting and past eruptions in the region.
There are 20 Volcanoes in Israel, ranging from Birkat Ram to Yehudiya Lava Flows. The list below is organized so you can compare entries at a glance: Region,Type,Age / last activity (years or ‘kya’). For quick reference and easy comparison of location, type and timing, you’ll find below.
Are any of these volcanoes still active or likely to erupt again?
None are known to be actively erupting today; most eruptions in the region occurred thousands to tens of thousands of years ago. A few lava flows are geologically young (late Pleistocene to Holocene), so scientists monitor regional fault activity and seismicity, but there are no signs of imminent eruption.
Can I visit these volcanic sites, and are they protected?
Many sites are accessible as nature reserves, hiking areas or roadside viewpoints, though access can vary by location and season; some sites lie on private or restricted land. Check local park authorities or trail guides for permissions, safety information and up-to-date access notes.
Volcanoes in Israel
| Name | Region | Type | Age / last activity (years or ‘kya’) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golan Volcanic Field | Golan Heights | Volcanic field | ~4 million years to 4 kya |
| Mount Bental | Golan Heights | Scoria cone | ~100 kya |
| Mount Hermonit | Golan Heights | Scoria cone | ~100 kya |
| Mount Odem | Golan Heights | Scoria cone | ~125 kya |
| Birkat Ram | Golan Heights | Maar (crater lake) | >100 kya |
| Hexagon Pool | Golan Heights | Lava flow feature | ~400 kya |
| Mount Avital | Golan Heights | Scoria cone | ~100 kya |
| Mount Shifon | Golan Heights | Scoria cone | ~100 kya |
| Tel Saki | Golan Heights | Scoria cone | ~250 kya |
| Tel Faris | Golan Heights | Scoria cone / shield volcano | ~500 kya |
| Mount Yosifon | Golan Heights | Scoria cone | ~100 kya |
| Givat Orha | Golan Heights | Scoria cone | ~250 kya |
| Yehudiya Lava Flows | Golan Heights | Lava flow landscape | ~400 kya |
| Horns of Hattin | Lower Galilee | Eroded volcanic cone | ~4 million years ago |
| Kerem Ben Zimra Plateau | Upper Galilee | Volcanic plateau | ~4 million years ago |
| Dalton Volcano | Upper Galilee | Eroded scoria cone | ~2.5 million years ago |
| Giv’at HaMoreh | Lower Galilee | Volcanic horst | ~10 million years ago |
| Mount Carmel Volcanic Field | Mount Carmel | Eroded submarine volcanic field | ~95 million years ago |
| Kerem Maharal Volcano | Mount Carmel | Tuff cone | ~95 million years ago |
| Giv’at Ga’ash | Negev (Makhtesh Ramon) | Eroded Cretaceous volcano | ~130 million years ago |
Images and Descriptions
Golan Volcanic Field
This vast field covers most of the Golan, containing over 50 volcanic cones. The landscape is defined by layers of basalt lava, which has created fertile soil perfect for the region’s famous vineyards and orchards.
Mount Bental
A famous and accessible volcanic cone offering stunning panoramic views into Syria. Visitors can explore old army bunkers and enjoy a coffee at the “Kofi Anan” cafe at the summit, making it a top tourist destination.
Mount Hermonit
The twin volcano to Mount Bental, offering a less-developed but equally impressive experience. It features trails, battlefield memorials, and provides a clear view of the “line of cones” stretching across the Golan.
Mount Odem
Known for its striking red scoria soil and the beautiful Odem Forest, a large oak reserve covering its slopes. It’s a great example of how volcanic soil creates a unique and lush ecosystem, with trails for hiking.
Birkat Ram
A beautiful natural crater lake nestled in the northern Golan, formed by a massive steam explosion. This scenic spot is steeped in local legends and offers a peaceful setting for a visit amidst apple and cherry orchards.
Hexagon Pool
Not a volcano itself, but a stunning pool surrounded by thousands of hexagonal basalt columns. Formed by the slow cooling of a lava flow, it’s a popular and rewarding hiking destination in the Yehudiya Forest Reserve.
Mount Avital
A large volcanic cone that has been extensively quarried for scoria, revealing a cross-section of the volcano’s interior. It is now home to the Avital Wind Farm, showcasing a modern use of this ancient landscape.
Mount Shifon
A prominent and steep-sided cone in the central Golan, easily recognizable by its symmetrical shape. Its name means “Rosefinch Hill,” and it offers a challenging hike with rewarding views from the summit.
Tel Saki
A small volcanic hill in the southern Golan that became a symbol of bravery during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. A memorial and observation point now stand on the hill, telling the story of the fierce battle fought here.
Tel Faris
One of the largest volcanoes in the Golan, a broad shield-like cone that once hosted a Syrian army base. Today, it stands as a quiet giant, offering vast views over the central and southern Golan plateau.
Mount Yosifon
A volcanic cone located in the central Golan Heights along the main line of volcanoes. It is accessible and provides excellent views of the surrounding volcanic landscape, including nearby Mount Shifon and the wind farms.
Givat Orha
A prominent volcanic cone in the southern Golan, also known as Tel Jukhadar. It’s a landmark in a region dotted with many similar cones and played a strategic role in past military conflicts.
Yehudiya Lava Flows
A series of thick basalt lava flows that have been carved by streams to form the deep canyons of the Yehudiya Forest Reserve. The dramatic cliffs and waterfalls make it a prime location for adventurous hiking and canyoning.
Horns of Hattin
A distinctive twin-peaked hill that is the remnant of an ancient volcano. It’s famously the site of a decisive 1187 battle where Saladin defeated the Crusaders, making it a key location in world history.
Kerem Ben Zimra Plateau
An elevated plateau in the Upper Galilee formed by ancient basaltic lava flows. The rich volcanic soil makes this a prime region for high-quality vineyards, producing some of Israel’s best wines.
Dalton Volcano
A small, heavily eroded volcano near the town of Dalton, part of the Kerem Ben Zimra volcanic field. Its remnants are a subtle reminder of the region’s ancient volcanic past, which predates the Golan eruptions.
Giv’at HaMoreh
An uplifted mountain block capped with ancient basalt lava flows. While not a classic cone, it dominates the Jezreel Valley skyline and is mentioned in the Bible, blending geological and historical significance.
Mount Carmel Volcanic Field
An ancient field of volcanoes that erupted underwater when the Carmel region was a shallow sea. Now deeply eroded, its tuff and basalt rocks provide evidence of Israel’s dramatic, deep-time geological history.
Kerem Maharal Volcano
An exceptionally well-preserved ancient volcano from the Cretaceous period when the area was underwater. It provides a rare glimpse into submarine volcanism and is a site of major geological interest on Mount Carmel.
Giv’at Ga’ash
One of Israel’s oldest volcanoes, its deeply eroded remains are exposed inside the Makhtesh Ramon crater. This “Hill of Rage” offers a rare look at the ancient volcanic activity that occurred long before the crater was formed.
